CSA Z387:2019 pdf download.Safe use of electrosurgical medical devices and systems in health care
4.3.3 The duties of the electrosurgery safety committee should include
a) development and approval of policies governing the safe use of electrosurgery in health care;
b) definition and implementation of maintenance guidelines for the electrosurgery system;
c) definition, monitoring, and enforcement of safety standards and policies developed for electrosurgery applications;
d) appointment of an electrosurgery educator;
e) definition of the duties and authority of an electrosurgery educator;
f) facilitating safety training and education of all staff involved with electrosurgery;
g) ensuring the use of patient-consent forms and incident-report forms;
h) review and approval of all electrosurgical medical devices and related health care setting modifications with respect to acquisition and maintenance; and
i) review and recommendation of the approval of new applications or modifications for electrosurgical medical devices as they become available.
4.4.1 Protection of patients and clients
Procedures shall be in place to protect staff, patients, and clients from burns and other undesirable outcomes (e.g. fire, plume inhalation, electrical shock). These procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a) correct placement of the dispersive electrode;
b) correct use of the active electrode;
c) use of other energy-based devices (e.g., electrocautery);
d) plume scavenging;
e) removal of all metal jewellery from patients;
f) tattoos (see Clause 6.3); and
g) implantable devices (see Clause 6.3).
Note: For a list of patient criteria recommended for review for surgery where ESU will be used, see Annex A.
4.4.2 Maintenance and testing
4.4.2.1 Incoming inspection, maintenance, and ongoing testing of ESUS shall be at a minimum in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, procedures shall be in place for
a) maintenance of ESUs, including gas-based systems (e.g., argon and helium);
b) control of radio-frequency leakage (e.g., capacitive coupling) during minimally invasive procedures and when treating patients with implantable electronic devices;
c) pre-use testing and maintenance (e.g., for reusable medical devices and accessories);
d) use of power-distribution bars located on the ESU cart; and
e) safe use of accessory components (e.g., bipolar forceps, electrosurgical pencils, plume evacuators).
4.4.2.2
Cord sets (extension cords) shall not be used as a permanent solution for an inadequate building
installation. The best practice is to not use extension cords. They are the least desirable alternative to a
permanent solution; however, when used, they shall be evaluated by the biomedical engineering
department or equivalent. Extension cords shall be used according to CSA Z32, Clause 4.3.6.1.CSA Z387 pdf download.