Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 22 August 2001 11:09:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Bryn Maidment Morning All This is a relatively urgent request!! Do any Healthcare safety bods out there have any knowledge of HSE action (IN's, PN's, prosecutions) regarding the lack of suitable extraction of smoke (plume) generated in surgery? Personal or anecdotal tales welcome and anonymity will be preserved. Please E.mail me to discuss. BTW this is in relation to a Clinical Director, at the hospital that I work at, who is questioning the need for plume extractors. Many thanks PS introduced extractors following risk assessment, checking relevant legislation and research papers - I would just like some extra ammo to blast this particular doctor out of the water for good!!!
Admin  
#2 Posted : 22 August 2001 13:28:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Alison Dando It is refreshing to find that someone else has opened the same can of worms that I have! Laser plume and surgical smoke from electro surgery according to American literature have almost identical ingredients i.e biological agents and carcinogenic particles and so both will deserve the same level of attention. Looking at the hierachy in COSHH you won't be able to remove these surgical techniques or substitute them not unless you want to start a war with the surgeons!That means ventilation. Portable extract units are out there in the market place and it will mean contacting the suppliers of the relevant hospital equipment to source.Unfortunately in the past these were considered as extras - not today.It it upto them to puchase these. Contact me on alisondando@bromor-tr.wales.nhs.uk and I will gladly send you alot of info. including a COSHH risk assessment that maybe of use. Yes the HSE will consider using the COSHH Regs. in answer to your query because of the contents of these plumes/smokes.
Admin  
#3 Posted : 22 August 2001 13:52:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Bryn Maidment Alison Many thanks for the response. I personally can see the merit in sticking with the first bit of the COSHH hierarchy - elimination. Get rid of the patients - perfectly legit in my book!! In a similar way to you I've done a large amount of slaving to get an initial batch of plume extractors on site, much to the joy of nursing staff. The opposition to finishing the job comes from an 'eminent' surgeon (eminent in his own mind) who is questioning the need. I'm not worried about the man, I have assessments galore and evidence of the risk (and it's on the Risk Register) but just wanted a little bit extra to put him firmly back into his box. Just wondered if anyone had actually felt the HSEs grip on their collar. Incidentally, I've recommended NOT buying the second batch until I've investigated two 'newish' developments - harmonic scalpels and a small, cheap fitting that uses the wall mounted vacuum system. I've got the reps on their way in but anyone any experience of these items particularly with regard to plume? Regards Bryn
Admin  
#4 Posted : 22 August 2001 15:05:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Alison Dando Wouldn't mind the info on the singing scapels! In what key are they in? They could join in the chorus with the surgical team in theatre with "Them bones, them bones" etc. Good luck, Alison
Users browsing this topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.