Fire Prevention and Safety During Surgical Procedures

The Fire Triangle ::

Fire Triangle: Ignition sources, Oxidizers, Fuels

Before a fire can occur, three things must come together: an ignition or heat source, a fuel source (materials that burn) and an oxidizer (gases that increase oxygen concentration and support combustion). These three elements are commonly known as the fire triangle. When the three components converge in the proper proportions a fire can quickly result. The operating room has rich sources to feed each side of the fire triangle.

The key to preventing fires involving surgical patients is to control the various ignition sources in the operating room, and prevent them from contacting fuel. Most operating room fires start because the ignition source was not used safely or properly. Unfortunately, many physicians and perioperative staff members have not received extensive training in electrosurgery or fire safety. Consequently, unsafe practices frequently occur, such as activating the electrosurgical active electrode in the presence of a fuel source or in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Sometimes these unsafe practices result in fire.

Phippen ML, Wells MP. Monitoring and Controlling the Environment. Patient Care During Operative and Invasive Procedures. WB Saunders Co;1999:147-154.

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