This month we are sharing critical information on Fire Safety, especially in the Operating and Procedural Suites. As controversy sometimes arises among interpretations from regulators, accreditors and professional societies, we have included both their recommendations and their best advice with a link to our Fire Safety article in our June newsletter. In addition, this month, we have developed a Fire Safety (Life Safety) Management Plan, Appendix of National Fire Protection Agency required fire equipment testing requirements, a Fire Safety Risk Assessment Form, and a Fire Drill Critique Form for you.

We encourage you to use the risk assessment tool to evaluate potential concerns in your organization about fire safety, as well as staff knowledge and preparedness. As you work with staff to assess their awareness of current expectations and actions to take both at and away from the origin of the fire, the Fire Drill Critique form can be used to guide and reinforce knowledge and actions to maximize patient safety.