following guidelines will contribute significantly to providing an electrically safe environment for all personnel, whether they be patients, staff, or visitors.  Do not use electrical equipment with damaged plugs or cords.  Do not attempt to repair defective equipment.  Do not use electrical equipment unless it is properly grounded with a three-wire cord and three-prong plug.  Do not use extension cords or plug adapters unless approved by the Medical Repair Department or the safety officer.  Do not create a trip hazard by passing electrical cords across doorways or walkways.  Do not remove a plug from the receptacle by gripping the cord.  Do not allow the use of personal electrical appliances without the approval of the safety officer.  Do not put water on an electrical fire.  Do not work with electrical equipment with wet hands or feet.  Have newly purchased electronic medical equipment tested for electrical safety by Medical Repair before putting it into service.  Operate all electrical and electronic equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.  Remove from service electrical equipment that sparks, smokes, or gives a slight shock. Tag defective equipment and expedite repair.  Be aware that patients with intravenous therapy and electronic monitoring equipment are at high risk from electrical shocks.  Call Medical Repair when equipment is not functioning properly or Public Works if there is difficulty with the power distribution system. Since accidents resulting in physical and chemical burns have initiated numerous consumer claims of healthcare provider and facility malpractice, all healthcare personnel must be thoroughly indoctrinated in the proper use of equipment, supplies, and chemicals. Physical and Chemical Burn Precautions The following discussion will address common causes and precautions to be taken to eliminate the occurrence of burn injuries. HOT WATER BOTTLES.—A common cause of burns—particularly in the elderly, diabetics, and patients with circulatory impairments—is the hot water bottle. When you are filling the bottle, the water temperature must never exceed 125EF (51EC). Test the bottle for leaks and cover it so that there is a protective layer of cloth between the patient and the bottle itself. HEATING PADS.—Heating pads present a dual hazard of potential burns and electrical shock. The precautions that should be taken when using heating pads are the same ones that should be used for hot water bottles: temperature control and protective cloth padding. Precautions you should observe to avoid shock include properly maintaining the equipment; conducting preuse inspections; testing the equipment for wiring and plug defects; and ensuring periodic safety inspections are conducted by Medical Repair personnel. ICE BAGS OR COLD PACKS.—Like hot water bottles, ice bags and cold packs (packaged chemical coolant) can cause skin-contact burns. This kind of burn is commonly referred to as local frostbite. The precautions taken for applying ice bags and cold baths are the same as those for hot water bottles with regard to attention to elderly, diabetic, and patients with circulatory impairments. HYPOTHERMIA BLANKETS.—Like ice bags, hypothermia blankets can also cause contact burns. When using hypothermia blankets, check the patient’s skin frequently for signs of marked discoloration (indicating indirect localized tissue damage). Ensure that the bare blanket does not come in direct contact with the patient’s unprotected skin. This precaution is easily accomplished by using sheets or cotton blankets between the patient and the hypothermia blanket itself. When using this form of therapy, follow both the physician’s orders and the manufacturer ’s instructions in managing the temperature control of the equipment. HEAT (BED) CRADLE.—When using the heat (bed) cradle, protect the patient from burns resulting from overexposure or placement of the equipment too close to the area of the patient being treated. As with heating pads, heat cradles present the dual hazard of 2-25