An issue of concern

[ddkrussell]

In our cs dept, people are bringing iphones, ipods etc., into the prep & pack area, I think that these items do not belong in a room where items are being processed to be used on patients, is there a standard on this somewhere??? I am not the boss, just a very concerned worker. any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[allis]

In our cs dept, people are bringing iphones, ipods etc., into the prep & pack area, I think that these items do not belong in a room where items are being processed to be used on patients, is there a standard on this somewhere??? I am not the boss, just a very concerned worker. any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I don't think there be any problem with those items in Prep and Pack area as far as sterilization is concerned. To me they can be treated like watches, glasses and so on... However, if those items bother productivity in the department, that will be something to look into.

[jrc]

Even before iPods, I have always made it a department policy that all personal electronic devices belong in people's lockers for the duration of their shift. They are a distraction from the work, they violate the dress code for working in a processing department, and they are completely unprofessional.

[Greg]

I agree with Allis. I allow my staff to listen to their Ipod. Before that we had a departmental radio/CD player. Most SPD's are in the basement and depending the age of the building there is never reception for the good radio station. I think the sound of music left the staff spirit and boost productivity. As far as cell phone they can be a problem. You just have to pay attention and see if it’s distracting the technicians from work. I do not think neither of these devices bring any harm to the sterilization process.

[jrc]

According to ANSI/AAMI ST79 4.5.1, "Jewelry and wristwatches should not be worn in the decontamination, preparation, or sterilization area." I would interpret this to include headphones from a personal electronic device.