HospitalInspections.org
Bringing transparency to federal inspections
OUACHITA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
No Description Available
Tag No.: K0078
Based on Record of Relative Humidity log review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to maintain relative humidity in four of four (3, 4, 5 and 6) Operating Rooms above 30% relative humidity (RH) per Rules and Regulations for Hospitals and Related Institutions in Arkansas (2007 edition). Humidity levels outside the required range had the potential to affect the health and safety of all patients admitted for surgery due risk of sparks from static electricity build-up associated with low humidity. The facility had five patients scheduled for surgery on 03/10/14. The findings follow:
A. A review of the Record of Relative Humidity log on 03/10/14 at 1200 for 01/02/14 through 03/10/14 revealed the following:
1) In Operating Room 3, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 21 of 47 surgical days.
2) In Operating Room 4, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 35 of 46 surgical days.
3) In Operating Room 5, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 47 of 47 surgical days.
4) In Operating Room 6, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 32 of 46 surgical days.
B. In an interview on 03/10/14 at 1345, the Plant Operations Director verified the low humidity documentation and there was no documentation of corrective action taken.
LIFE SAFETY CODE STANDARD
Tag No.: K0078
Based on Record of Relative Humidity log review and interview, it was determined the facility failed to maintain relative humidity in four of four (3, 4, 5 and 6) Operating Rooms above 30% relative humidity (RH) per Rules and Regulations for Hospitals and Related Institutions in Arkansas (2007 edition). Humidity levels outside the required range had the potential to affect the health and safety of all patients admitted for surgery due risk of sparks from static electricity build-up associated with low humidity. The facility had five patients scheduled for surgery on 03/10/14. The findings follow:
A. A review of the Record of Relative Humidity log on 03/10/14 at 1200 for 01/02/14 through 03/10/14 revealed the following:
1) In Operating Room 3, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 21 of 47 surgical days.
2) In Operating Room 4, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 35 of 46 surgical days.
3) In Operating Room 5, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 47 of 47 surgical days.
4) In Operating Room 6, relative humidity below 30% was recorded on 32 of 46 surgical days.
B. In an interview on 03/10/14 at 1345, the Plant Operations Director verified the low humidity documentation and there was no documentation of corrective action taken.