THEATRE AND ICU TECHNOLOGY – IHEEM BRANCH EVENT
Joanna Tolputt and Dan McNeilage discussing how the latest technology can enhance acute care.
Mobile gas detection: Dräger can supply portable gas detectors ranging from a simple single gas monitor, to multi-gas systems which cover a whole host of sensors to protect workers from toxic, flammable, and oxygen-depleting gases.
Area monitoring: In areas which have been identified as high-risk for gas build-ups or leaks, area monitors can be provided. Typical examples include de- commissioning and plant shutdowns.
Clearance checks: In environments characterised as a confined space or a potential hostile area, ensuring that clearance checks are performed is critical to ensure the wellbeing of personnel. Clearance checks give peace of mind before entry, and also ensure compliance with confined space regulations. The Dräger portfolio of gas clearance monitors and detection tubes can detect over 120 substances depending on the application.
Case study
Raising awareness of the risks of working in Confined Spaces David Head also presented a case study describing how an employee suffered a brain injury after he was found unconscious in a manhole. The man had been unblocking a drain at the hospital when he was discovered by other members of staff. He was rescued from the manhole by the Fire and Rescue Service, and treated at hospital for acute sulphate intoxication.
In hospitals, David Head explained, there
are key regulations associated with safe systems of work, confined spaces, and working at height to ensure the safety of staff and patients. These regulations are designed to mitigate the risks associated with these environments and activities.
1 Safe Systems of Work Hospitals must adhere to regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. These regulations require hospitals to establish safe systems of work for all activities, including patient care, equipment handling, and emergency
The Dräger speakers explained that one study suggested that 771 alarms may occur on average per day in each ICU bed.
procedures. Staff training and regular risk assessments are essential to ensure that safe systems of work are maintained and adapted to evolving circumstances. Compliance with infection control measures, proper waste management, and adherence to protocols during medical procedures, are also crucial aspects of safe systems of work in hospital settings.
2 Confined Spaces Hospitals often have confined spaces such as utility tunnels, storage areas, and service ducts, where work may need to be performed. The Control of Substances Hazardous
to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Confined Spaces Regulations require hospitals to assess the risks associated with confined spaces and implement necessary control measures. Staff entering confined spaces must receive appropriate training, and there should be effective emergency procedures in place – including the provision of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and rescue equipment.
3 Working at Height Maintenance work, construction, and equipment installation in hospitals may require working at height, such as on roofs, scaffolds, or ladders. The Work
at Height Regulations mandate that hospitals plan, supervise, and conduct work at height in a manner that prevents falls and reduces the risk of injury. Hospitals must provide suitable access equipment, guardrails, and fall protection systems, ensure that staff are trained in their proper use, and that inspection and maintenance regimes are in place.
Compliance with these regulations is critical to safeguard the wellbeing of hospital staff, patients, and visitors. It is essential for hospitals to continuously review and update their policies, procedures, and training programmes, to align with the latest regulatory standards and best practices.
Further guidance n Further HSE guidance can be found at: Introduction to working in confined spaces (
www.hse.gov.uk).
n Law: The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.
n Equipment required before entering a confined space:
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (
legislation.gov.uk) Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended) (
legislation.gov.uk)
n See also –
https://www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/
indg258.htm
MIG Medical and Dräger Medical’s ‘ground-breaking’ new Healthcare Innovation Centre is located at Union House, Altrincham.
May 2024 Health Estate Journal 41
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