Diathermic Pen and Electro Surgical Tool Testing

Electro surgical tools, including diathermy and laparoscopic instruments, generate surgical plume (surgical smoke) that poses significant health risks. These risks include potential carcinogenic effects, respiratory harm and even viral transmission. To mitigate these dangers, it is crucial to have a plume extraction system (PES) in place, which must be tested every 14 months to comply with COSHH regulations.

Health Risks Posed by Electro Surgical Instruments

Many healthcare professionals are unaware that electro surgical tools are regulated by COSHH. These tools generate surgical plume, which can have serious health implications for those working in healthcare environments. The most concerning risks include:

• Carcinogenic Potential: Some components of the surgical plume are considered to have carcinogenic potential, posing long-term health risks to healthcare workers.
• Acute Health Conditions: Exposure to surgical plume can lead to acute health conditions such as asthma and asthma-like symptoms.
• Respiratory Harm: Diathermy fume can contain numerous toxic chemicals that can cause respiratory harm.
• Viral Transmission: There are reports of possible cases of transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) from patient to surgeon, highlighting the importance of effective plume extraction.

Where These Risks Are Present

The risks associated with surgical plume are present in all types of PES, whether portable, mobile, stationary, or integrated into other equipment. These systems are used in a variety of settings, including surgical facilities, medical facilities, cosmetic treatment facilities, dental clinics, and veterinary facilities. The ISO standard is broad and states that plume needs to be monitored, as it can be generated by various procedures that rely on the ablation, cauterisation, mechanical manipulation, or thermal desiccation of target tissue.

Compliance with COSHH Regulations

To remain compliant with COSHH regulations, healthcare organizations must ensure that any plume generated by electro surgical tools is properly extracted. This means that the tool must have either an integral extraction system or an external PES located as close to the plume as possible. The control measures must be tested annually, and staff must be trained on using them effectively. Including these LEV systems in risk registers, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), and LEV testing schedules is essential for long-term compliance and staff protection.

How We Help

Comprehensive Testing Services: IOM is one of the few UK companies equipped to test PES systems associated with electro surgical tools. Our thorough examination includes analysing the capture inlet size, shape, location, orientation, and verifying the flow rate.

Risk Assessment and Compliance: We assist in identifying the instruments and equipment that need testing and ensure they are included in your risk register. Our services help you remain compliant with COSHH regulations and protect your staff from health risks.

Trusted Expertise: We are trusted by NHS estates and facilities managers across the country to keep their theatres, procedure, and treatment rooms safe and compliant. Our expertise ensures that your PES systems are effectively maintained and tested.