Ep067: Safety and Infection Control Safe Use of Equipment Inspect Equipment for Safety Hazards

Examples of equipment include frayed electrical cords, loose/missing parts, IV pumps that malfunction, exposed wiring
All equipment must be inspected and signed off on before using with a patient
If a patient brings in their own electrical equipment (like a phone charger), inspect it before allowing use
Equipment must be routinely inspected
Know process for identifying, tagging, and removing unsafe or broken equipment so that it is fixed promptly
Teach patient and loved ones about the safe use of equipment needed for health care
- Check outlets and cords for frayed or damaged parts
- IV pumps, SCD’s pumps, wound vacs, respiratory equipment, ventilators, tube feeding pumps, monitors
- Instruct not to touch them and if they are alarming to alert staff to address
- Provide education, do not assume patient knows how to use equipment
Facilitate appropriate and safe use of equipment
- Do not use electrical items near a water source (sink)
- Educate, reinforce
Remove malfunctioning equipment from patient care area and report the problem to appropriate personnel
- Tag appropriately and store in a place so that it is not circulated back into regular use without having issue addressed.
If a patient experiences an electrical shock, ensure device is turned off before touching the patient to prevent yourself getting shocked