If you’re the decision maker or office manager for a busy doctor’s office or hospital, then you realize the importance of safety for the workers and patients. You also know the need for cleanliness at your facility. Unsanitary conditions can cause infections, viruses to spread, and a bad reputation for your facility or hospital. Some creative ways to ensure a sterile environment through proper cable management are below.
SAFE HOSPITAL CABLE MANAGEMENT
When placing wires or cables in a hospital, it is very important to know when and where it is safe to place them. If in a patient’s room, keep all cords and cables free from any moving bed parts. If you must place cords or cables on the floor, keep them out of high traffic areas whenever possible.
If cords and cables need to be placed in areas of the hospital with higher foot traffic, you must find ways to keep people from tripping over them. There are different types of tape you can use to cover the wires. You can additionally use cord covers and cable protectors. Many cord covers are also Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. These ADA compliant ramp and rail accessories are cord protecting systems safe for wheelchairs that can easily roll over them without the covers coming undone or causing damage to the floor or wires.
Remember, never place cords under rugs or carpet where there is heavy traffic because this can cause damage to the cords. That further creates the potential for electrical shorts, which is a fire hazard.
MANAGING CABLES IN A MEDICAL LAB OR EMERGENCY ROOM
Cable trays and cable raceways are also great products for medical facilities. Emergency rooms and labs use them often because they allow add-ons, moves, and changes without excessive cost. The cable trays and raceways are durable, lightweight, and can be easily mounted. CableOrganizer® additionally offers curated kits, including several raceway and accessory kits.
KEEPING CABLES AND CABLE COVERS STERILE
There are numerous cables and cords used in hospitals and labs daily for patient monitoring, ultrasound, radiology equipment, and much more. You’ll need a cable management system that will ensure all cables and cords are kept clean and sterile for the safety of your employees and patients. Choose covers and organizers that do not collect dust easily and are easy to clean in between room or patient changes. Many facilities use certain chemicals to sterilize rooms and equipment. Be sure the covers can withstand chemicals without corroding or breaking apart. Braided sleeving is one resilient cable management product designed to protect and cover wires, cables, and connectors. A medical facility’s configuration will determine which type of sleeving is best for the wire application. Metal and shielding sleeving can protect sensitive medical wiring and its equipment. Flexo® Anti-Stat safeguards cables from electromagnetic interference (EMI), electrostatic discharge (ESD), and radio frequency interference (RFI). Flexo® Shield is another type appropriate for situations, like medical electronics, where lightweight sleeving in high performance situations is needed. It has an aramid core that safeguards harnesses from cutting and abrasion.
Fiber optic cables have many uses in the medical field such as with light guides, lasers, and imaging tools. To ensure reliability and peak performance, you should clean the cables regularly with isopropyl alcohol. Panduit® FiberRunner® Cable Routing Systems is a protective PVC option that can safely route fiber optic cabling.
By using cable management products specially-made for sterile conditions, you can be sure your facility is always safe and clean for patients, doctors, nurses, and visitors.
Other Great Products for Cable Management in Sterile Conditions Include:
