M A R C H 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 6 1
are stored that's readable from 5 feet away — a poster-sized sign would do —
that reads "Positive Pressure Gases; No Smoking or Open Flame; Room May
Have Insufficient Oxygen; Open Door and Allow Room to Ventilate Before
Entering." Also, a master alarm that sounds when the gas system fails must be
present in an area where it can be continuously monitored.
8. Firewalls. Keep all firewalls "tight" by reminding maintenance personnel
to seal any penetrations — holes to accommodate phone lines or cables, for
example — with a fire-approved fire stop system or device.
9. Power generators. You must have a shut-off device outside of the gen-
erator. If you don't, it's usually relatively inexpensive for an electrician to install.
Also, keep on file 2 copies of the generator manufacturer's instructions for use.
10. Electric and HVAC. Review the standards for electrical systems in
regard to the labeling of panels. CMS surveyor questions often surround issues
related to OR temperature, humidity and airflow, so review your HVAC system
to make sure it's working properly and compliant with current standards.
OSM
Ms. Berreth (s.berreth23@gmail.com) is the administrator of Sansum
Clinic Foothill Medical and Surgical Center in Santa Barbara, Calif., and
a surveyor for the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
