By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

Q: Are there any life safety rules regarding the use of extension cords in the operating room?

A: Extension cords are permitted as long as they are temporary, are not used in lieu of permanent installation of a wall receptacle, it does not present a trip hazard or any other safety-related hazard, and equipment that is connected to the extension cords do not over-load the current draw for the extension cord.

So, in a surgery room, an extension cord could be used for the temporary use of equipment, provided it meets all of the above requirements. But an extension cord cannot be used for equipment that is used over and over for multiple events, days, weeks, etc.

An extension cord is only permitted for temporary use, such as a housekeeper would use an extension cord for a vacuum cleaner, or a maintenance technician would use an extension cord for a power tool. Another example of a temporary use would be a temporary workstation set up for a vendor working for a day or two in your facility. But you cannot set up an extension cord in your office to operate your computer or printer because that would not be considered temporary. Similarly, you cannot set up an extension cord in a surgery room to power some medical equipment that is used for multiple cases, over and over. If the medical equipment is used only once, or used only once in a great while, then an extension cord would be permitted, provided it met all the other requirements.  

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.