1. F 456: ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT IN WORKING CONDITION
Reporting Equipment Problems

2. Objectives: Upon completion of this learning module, the learner
will be able to:
Define medical device and identify at least 3 examples
Discuss the process for reporting equipment in need of repair

3. Medical Device
Any instrument, apparatus, or other article that is used to prevent, diagnose, mitigate or treat a disease or to affect the structure or function of the body with the exception of drugs
Community Hospital of San Bernardino (CHSB), 2012

4. Examples of Medical Devices
Thermometers
Ventilators
Suction machine
Oxygen flow meter
Monitors
Hospital bed
Mattress and waffle overlays
Feeding pumps
Oxygen tanks
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2010

5. Employee Responsibilities for Equipment
Always perform an inspection (touch, see, listen) of the equipment
Check for any cracks on the glass.
Ensure that the indicator ball is moving up and down as liter flow dial is adjusted.
Ensure that the liter flow dial is working correctly, not loose or tight.
Ensure flow meter fits snugly into the gas outlet and no “hissing” sound is audible (gas leak).

6. Employee Responsibilities for Equipment
Do not use defective equipment.
Tag it and put it out of service.
Report any problems to the appropriate department or your supervisor.
CHSB, 2012

8. References
Community Hospital of San Bernardino (2012). Medical equipment management. Environment of Care Standards [PowerPoint slides]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2010). Is the product a medical device? Retrieved from