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Surgical fires and alcohol‐based skin preparations
Author(s) -
Tooher Rebecca,
Maddern Guy J.,
Simpson John
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.02997.x
Subject(s) - medicine , flammable liquid , alcohol , surgery , anesthesia , emergency medicine , waste management , biochemistry , chemistry , engineering
Alcohol‐based skin preparations are known to be flammable. Their use continues despite a significant level of risk. Two cases of fires resulting from ignition of pooled alcohol‐based skin preparations are reported. Both cases were associated with use of electrocautery for haemostasis. The literature is reviewed and recommendations are made to reduce the risk of further similar occurrences.