Staff education can prevent OR fires

1. Every operating room has the elements necessary to start a fire: oxidants (O2, N2O), ignition sources, and fuel. 2. A team approach, including nursing, anesthesia and surgery members, should be used in assessing fire safety in the operating room. 3. Staff knowledge of fire safety can be assessed by written tests. An appropriate fire safety program can be developed based on the test results. 4. Fire evacuation drills and hands-on use of fire extinguishers should be included in any OR fire safety program.