Alcohol-based skin preps receive NFPA approval
Manufacturers’ directions must be followed
The National Fire Protection Association has approved a change to its regulation allowing hospitals and surgery centers to use alcohol-based skin preps during all procedures, including those involving cautery or electrosurgery, as long as providers follow the amended regulation.
The change follows questions raised after the Nebraska state fire marshal told hospitals in that state to stop using alcohol-based skin preps during surgical procedures "when cautery or electrosurgery is contemplated," according to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.1
The fire marshal’s notice said hospitals using the skin preps could lose their approval to participate in the Medicare/Medicaid program, AORN reported. The fire marshal based his decision on the National Fire Protection Association’s code.
The amendment allows alcohol-based solutions but requires providers to use the solutions according to the manufacturers’ instructions. "Facilities must also hold a timeout before using an ignition source during a procedure to make sure the solution didn’t pool or soak drapes," AORN noted.
Reference
- Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. NFPA amends regulation on alcohol-based prep solutions. AORN Management Connections Aug. 8, 2005. Web site: www.aorn.org/Managers/news/0811/article4.htm.
Resource
For more information on the amendment, go to www.ashe.org. Under "Advocacy/Advisories," click on "Alcohol Based Surgical Prep Solution Amendment."
The National Fire Protection Association has approved a change to its regulation allowing hospitals and surgery centers to use alcohol-based skin preps during all procedures, including those involving cautery or electrosurgery, as long as providers follow the amended regulation.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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