Safety

OSHA warns about disinfectants used with electronic medical equipment

OSHA Healthcare Connection, November 6, 2007

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An October 31 public health notification identified hazards to patients and healthcare workers when using cleaning solutions on electronic medical equipment.

The warning, which OSHA issued jointly with the FDA, CDC, and the EPA, says that the use of excessive cleaning and disinfectant liquids on certain electronic medical equipment has caused equipment fires and other damage, equipment malfunctions, and healthcare worker burns.

The public health notification specifically listed problems with equipment such as infusion pumps, ventilators, and patient-controlled analgesia pumps but says that the hazard warning "may be relevant to any equipment that has unsealed electronic circuitry or components, such as computer workstations, handheld devices and other monitoring equipment."



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