ASHE interim guidance during fire-alcohol flap
Do not place dispensers in exit areas
While the flap continues over fire safety and placing alcohol hand hygiene dispensers in hospitals, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) has developed some interim guidelines to help infection control professionals.
In October 2002, the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised guidelines for hand hygiene practices in health care settings. The CDC guidelines call for the use of alcohol-based hand-wash solutions as an effective tool in reducing hospital acquired infections. However, due to concerns regarding the flammable nature of the solutions, a controversy erupted regarding how to safely introduce hand-wash products into health care facilities.
The hand-wash solutions (available in gel or foam) typically contain a high volume of alcohol (about 60% by weight) and have a flash point of approximately 75° F. They are classified as a Class I flammable liquid and, therefore, are subject to limitations on placement of dispensers, volume of solution in storage, and disposal of containers. These limitations are based on the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 30 Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code, and applicable building codes. These codes are enforced by national, state, and local authorities, ASHE reports.
However, restrictions on the placement and quantity of the hand-wash solutions available to health care workers may diminish the impact of these solutions on the reduction of hospital-acquired infections. ASHE has commissioned a study, through an independent fire protection consultant, to perform computer-based modeling of heat and hot gas development and associated hazards from alcohol-based hand hygiene solutions. This modeling will include numerous fire scenarios resulting in an analysis of the overall level of hazard created by the hand hygiene solution. Findings will include recommendations for decreasing the level of hazard presented by the liquid. Upon completion of the study, the results will be shared with all interested parties to gain consensus on the level of fire risk presented and the appropriate measures to manage the risk, ASHE reports.
Until the study is completed and a consensus reached, ASHE offers this interim guidance to minimize the likelihood of fire code violations:
1. Do not place these products in egress corridors (exit corridors or areas open to exit corridors).
2. Products may be placed inside patient rooms and in secondary corridors such as inside an intensive care unit suite that has doors leading to an exit corridor. Specific locations should be verified with your state fire marshal if your state has already provided guidance.
3. Storage of product on clinical units should be in clean utility rooms that are rated as one-hour fire-resistant or protected by a sprinkler system. Stock should be kept to small amounts (for routine restocking) not exceeding 10 gallons total.
4. Ensure proper handling and safe storage of large volumes of alcohol-based hand rub supplies as they arrive at your facility in accordance with NFPA codes 30 and 101. Flammable liquid storage cabinets should be used for storage greater than 10 gallons. Consult with your materials management department to discuss the receipt and storage requirements for combustible material.
5. Identify the disposal process for spent containers, especially foam cans containing an aerosol propellant.
(Editor’s note: This interim guidance is to proactively address the fire code issues. Organizations considering introducing these types of products should contact their local and state fire safety groups to identify the specific requirements of their jurisdiction.)
While the flap continues over fire safety and placing alcohol hand hygiene dispensers in hospitals, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) has developed some interim guidelines to help infection control professionals.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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