FDA, CDC, EPA and OSHA have issued a Public Health Notification on how to avoid hazards when using liquid cleaners and disinfectants on electronic medical equipment. The Notification covers a wide range of equipment, including infusion pumps, ventilators, analgesia pumps, computer workstations and monitoring equipment.

This action was prompted by reports of fires and other equipment damage, as well as burns to healthcare workers, when these types of liquids were used inappropriately on equipment that has unsealed electrical circuits. In many cases, healthcare workers routinely sprayed the equipment with disinfectants or wrapped the housings with disinfectant-soaked towels, causing damage to the circuitry.

The Notification provides a number of recommendations to reduce the risk. Here are some of the highlights:

• Protect equipment from contamination during use, which can help avoid the need for disinfection.

• If equipment becomes contaminated, remove it from use and be sure it's serviced before returning it to use.

• Clean equipment surfaces according to the instructions from both the equipment manufacturer and the chemical manufacturer.

Additional Information:

FDA MedWatch Safety Alert. Cleaners and Disinfectants: Hazards of Excess Use on Electronic Medical Equipment. November 1, 2007.
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Cleaners