Medical and Dental Equipment
Clinical devices, dental school
Who this applies to
Clinical staff, dental students and researchers using battery-powered medical or dental devices — including ECG monitors, infusion pumps, imaging units, dental handpieces and portable diagnostic equipment.
|
✓ Do • Regularly inspect battery housings for chemical stress cracking caused by disinfection agents • Store portable devices in manufacturer-specific charging cradles • Follow the manufacturer's charging schedule and cycle recommendations • Report any battery swelling, heat or odour to the medical equipment lead immediately |
✗ Do not • Daisy-chain extension leads to charge multiple medical devices from a single socket • Store batteries near high-pressure oxygen cylinders or flammable anaesthetic gases • Use non-approved replacement batteries in medical devices • Continue using a device whose battery housing shows cracking or discolouration |
Chemical stress cracking — inspection guidance
|
Disinfection agents used on clinical equipment can degrade plastic battery housings over time. Inspect battery housings and charging cradles regularly for fine surface cracks, discolouration or deformation. Remove affected equipment from service and report to the medical equipment lead. |
This is particularly relevant for hand-held devices frequently cleaned with alcohol wipes or spray disinfectants. Keep a record of inspections as part of your local equipment maintenance log.
Storage near oxygen and anaesthetic gases
|
Never store battery-powered equipment near high-pressure oxygen cylinders or flammable anaesthetic gas lines. A battery thermal event in an oxygen-enriched environment has the potential to cause a serious fire very rapidly. Maintain a minimum separation in line with your local risk assessment. |
Donated or second-hand equipment
|
Do not accept donated medical or research equipment without a formal inspection and PAT test. Batteries in second-hand equipment may have degraded significantly. Contact the medical equipment lead and the Fire Safety Team before bringing donated equipment into use. |