Rauland-Borg Addresses Patient Safety Concern Over Pillow Speakers in Oxygen-Enriched Healthcare Environments
One of the primary patient safety issues when using non-approved pillow speakers in an oxygen-enriched environment is a fire hazard. This creates a potentially unsafe environment for patients in a healthcare facility. Rauland-Borg is the first and only current manufacturer of healthcare communications products to obtain this UL approval.
Skokie, IL (PRWEB) July 14, 2004
Rauland-Borg, the leader in nurse call communications, offers pillow speakers for the Responder® nurse call systems that are approved for use in oxygen-enriched environments by Underwriter Laboratories in accordance with the Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment standard (UL-1069). Rauland-Borg is the only nurse call vendor to currently offer this safety feature to healthcare facilities.
One of the primary patient safety issues when using non-approved pillow speakers in an oxygen-enriched environment is a fire hazard. This creates a potentially unsafe environment for patients in a healthcare facility.
Pillow speakers not deemed safe in oxygen rich environments contain the following caution: "CAUTION – Not For Use By Patients Undergoing Oxygen Therapy – Hang On Hook When Not in Use."
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) states the following when considering patients receiving oxygen:
"Regardless of the method of oxygen administration employed, electrically operated pendant controls and call cords, including but not limited to those that carry the above caution statement, should not be used by patients undergoing oxygen therapy, unless the pendant control is specifically labeled for use by patients undergoing oxygen therapy."
From a risk management perspective, Carl Cox, Vice President of Engineering for Rauland-Borg states, "Rauland-Borg's unique ability to offer this feature addresses an important patient safety concern. Hospitals have the reassurance that their patients who are receiving oxygen treatment can safely use the pillow speakers to control the television, lights, and call and speak to the nursing staff."
Rauland-Borg is the first and only current manufacturer of healthcare communications products to obtain this UL approval.
About Rauland-Borg Corporation
For over 70 years, Rauland-Borg has been an industry leader in the design and manufacture of communications and life-safety equipment for institutional environments. RaulandÂ’s Responder combines traditional nurse call with the latest technology and management tools. Responder systems offer fast and flexible solutions for staff-to-staff and staff-to-patient communication, resulting in increased productivity and quality of patient care. For more information please visit www. rauland. com
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