Surgical attire, such as scrubs, gowns,
masks, hair and shoe covers may also ignite under the right conditions.
As an example, a fiber-optic light cord disconnected from the light
source and came into contact with a surgeon's scrubs, igniting
them. Fortunately, the circulating nurse was able to push the surgeon
to the floor and roll him to extinguish the flames.
AORN's 2006 Recommended Practice: Surgical
gowns and drapes should resist combustion.
- Gowns and drapes selected for use should be consistent
with accepted flammability standards to provide the safest environment
for patients and health-care workers. Specific standards for surgical
materials have not been developed. All materials used in the surgical
environment will burn given the right conditions.
- Barrier materials are made of natural and/or synthetic
fibers, and may be flammable needing only a combination of heat,
fuel and oxygen to ignite. Care should be taken when gowns and
drapes are exposed to light and heat
sources, electrosurgical devices, lasers
and other power equipment. Materials ignite and burn at various
rates. Even materials said to be flame-resistant might burn or
melt when subjected to intense heat or an oxygen-rich environment.
Some materials not only ignite more easily than others, but also
may burn more rapidly.
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