Safety

The JCAHO issues hand-gel fire risk warning

OSHA Healthcare Connection, May 30, 2006

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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has alerted healthcare facilities about potential fire risks when using alcohol-based hand gel.

A Michigan hospital reported on April 26 that a nurse suffered a small burn after an electrostatic discharge ignited gel on her hand, according to a May 23 notice by the Joint Commission Resources, Inc.

The hospital suspects the discharge came from a small shock the worker received after she answered a nurse call system while standing on a carpeted floor, the notice said.

The JCAHO recommends that facilities

remind workers to let gel remnants fully evaporate before touching any potential sources of shock or fire

reduce potential electrostatic discharge in the environment by reviewing humidification strategies and other environmental concerns



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