Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design Project

Biomedical Safety, Hospital Equipment

Source: LSUHSC-Monroe E. A. Conway Medical Center Library

Be kind to the equipment.

•  Remove plugs from the wall sockets by grasping the body of the plug not by pulling on the line cord.

•  Avoid routing powering cords and patient cables in areas of heavy foot traffic or cart traffic. If possible, do not roll carts over power cords or patient cables.

•  Do not drape power cords or patient cables across sinks, or any other metal or wet surface.

•  Do not use multiple outlet adapters or extension cords.

• Do not put vessels containing liquids that could be spilled on the top of equipment.

• If you receive an electric shock, even a minor one ("tingling" sensation) when you touch a piece of equipment, report it immediately. Failure to do this could cost a life.

•  If possible, avoid touching electrical equipment (even the controls of monitors) with one hand and another metal surface with the other hand particularly if you suspect an electrical problem.

• Do not touch equipment with wet hands.

• If a patient is connected to the equipment (such as an ECG monitor or recorder) remove the connections before switching the power "on" or “off”.

• Do not use damaged or worn wall outlets.