are alcohol skin preps flammable
Fire is the result of the combination of a fuel source, an oxidizing substance, and heat. In the operating room, alcohol-based preps and draping materials are the most common sources of fuel. Alcohol-based surgical prep solutions are excellent antiseptic agents but are also extremely flammable. In most operating rooms, the prepping and draping of the surgical patient is a role of the operating room nurse. To reduce risk of fire, PREP CAREFULLY: 1  solution contains alcohol and gives off flammable vapors. 2  do not drape or use ignition source (e.g., cautery, laser) until solution is completely dry (minimum of 3 minutes on hairless skin; up to 1 hour in hair).  avoid getting solution into hairy areas. Wet hair is flammable. Alcohol-Based Skin Prep Solutions. A report submitted to PA-PSRS described a patient receiving a second-degree burn and singed hair from the use of an alcohol prep solution during electrosurgery. Many clinicians are unaware of the risk of surgical fires or burns associated with the use, or misuse, of alcohol and alcohol-based prep solutions. 1  Purchasing skin prep solutions that provide clear and explicit instructions and warnings.  Ensuring that the prep solution does not soak into hair or linens. A combination of two factors involving alcohol or alcohol-based prep solutions can lead to fire or burns:3-5. If improperly applied, the solution may wick into the patient’s hair and linens or pool on the patient’s skin, which can prolong the solution’s drying time. Many clinicians are unaware of the risk of surgical fires or burns associated with the use, or misuse, of alcohol and alcohol-based prep solutions. Purchasing skin prep solutions that provide clear and explicit instructions and warnings. 1 in children less than 2 months of age because of the potential for excessive skin irritation and increased drug absorption. 2  on patients with known allergies to chlorhexidine gluconate or isopropyl alcohol. 3  for lumbar puncture or in contact with the meninges.  on open skin wounds or as a general skin cleanser. Many clinicians are unaware of the risk of surgical fires or burns associated with the use, or misuse, of alcohol and alcohol-based prep solutions. Practices that may help to reduce this risk include: Purchasing skin prep solutions that provide clear and explicit instructions and warnings. For external use only. Flammable, keep away from fire or flame. To reduce risk of fire, PREP CAREFULLY: 1  solution contains alcohol and gives off flammable vapors.  do not drape or use ignition source (e.g., cautery, laser) until solution is completely dry (minimum of 3 minutes on hairless skin; up to 1 hour in hair). Povidone iodine such as Betadine® and chlorhexidine solutions such as Hibiclens® are not flammable prep solutions and do not need a set drying time to prevent ignition. Reading the Fine Print. Alcohol-based skin preps are required to have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved package inserts. These inserts are quite informative and contain directions and warnings specific to the individual product and the size of applicators.
Yes, alcohol skin preps are flammable.