Parker Waichman LLP

Cutting Cables on BOLS System Can Cause Explosion

  Federal Regulators have Warned That Cutting Cables on BOLS System Can Cause Explosion. Federal regulators have warned that cutting the cable on disposable battery-operated lavage systems (BOLS) can cause toxic fumes, sparks, fires, and explosions.  BOLS devices are used to provide pulsed irrigation for the removal of necrotic or infected tissue and debris from wounds. […]

Cutting Cables on BOLS System

 

Federal Regulators have Warned That Cutting Cables on BOLS System Can Cause Explosion. Federal regulators have warned that cutting the cable on disposable battery-operated lavage systems (BOLS) can cause toxic fumes, sparks, fires, and explosions.  BOLS devices are used to provide pulsed irrigation for the removal of necrotic or infected tissue and debris from wounds. They are powered by 8 to 20 AA batteries.

Federal regulators warned against cutting the cable on disposable battery

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued the Federal regulators have warned that cutting the cable on disposable following a report  of a patient who was transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit following  a wound debridement procedure in the OR with a disposable battery-operated lavage system (BOLS).

A staff member in the OR separated the battery pack from the device by cutting its cable. She put the battery pack on a cart and disposed of the rest of the device. A short time later, the battery pack exploded, spreading ash-like substances throughout the OR. Fortunately, the OR was empty at the time of the explosion, and no one was injured.

The FDA said it has also received reports of sparks and smoke occurring after battery pack cables were cut. The FDA’s investigations into these cases found that the cables had also been cut.

According to the agency,  in some cases, the cables were cut because staff members were told to dispose of batteries in hazardous waste instead of with regular trash.  In other cases, staff members wished to take batteries home for personal use because very little battery energy is used up during procedures.

cutting the battery pack’s cable caused a short circuit

According to the FDA, in all of these cases, cutting the battery pack’s cable caused a short circuit. The batteries discharged rapidly and produced intense heat and flammable gases. Pressure that built up inside the battery pack resulted in an explosion.

Battery explosions expel flammable gases and toxic chemicals. The agency warned that even though no serious injury or damages have been reported, patients and staff are at risk any time sparks, arcs, and explosions occur.

The FDA has recommended that hospital staff take the following precautions to avoid the risk of sparks, fires, toxic fumes, and explosions:

  • Read the device manufacturer’s labeling, paying particular attention to warnings. Manufacturers generally warn users not to cut the battery pack’s cable to avoid electric shock, sparks, fire, or explosion. Some manufacturers put only one labeling booklet in a box with several BOLS devices, so make sure a copy of the labeling is placed with each device.
  • Don’t remove used batteries or other used items from any patient-care setting for personal use. This practice is
  • inconsistent with infection control guidelines.
  • Follow your facility’s policy for disposing of batteries in accordance with appropriate state and local regulations.
  • Most states don’t require alkaline batteries to be discarded with hazardous material.
  • If a battery pack explodes, notify your facility’s hazardous materials response team as soon as possible. Make
  • sure the fumes and decomposition products don’t contact anyone’s eyes or skin and vapors aren’t inhaled.
  • If battery materials contact someone’s eyes, flush them with large amounts of tepid water for 30 minutes. Contact a physician at once.
  • If a battery leaks on a person’s skin, irrigate the exposed area with large amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. Contact a physician if irritation, pain, or injury persists.
  • If someone inhales vapors from a leaking battery, his respiratory passages may be irritated. Take him to an area with fresh air. Contact a physician if irritation continues.

Need Legal Help Regarding Cutting Cables on BOLS System?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

More battery-related cases:

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Responsiveness , Value Thank you Parker Waichman and a special thanks to Francisco for successfully settling such a complex case like mine. Would refer a friend.
Chulani Sterling
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I got into an accident a little while back and went to Parker Waichman for help. They were very honest and straightforward with me as to the steps I needed to take and guided me towards the right direction. I know sometimes dealing with lawyers can be intimidating but they really made me feel at ease I'd really like to thank Yesenia for helping out on my case, she has been amazing with communication throughout the whole case. Kept me up on updates and what to expect next with the case. I highly recommend the firm and to seek out Yesenia as she has been amazing with me !
Fred Mah
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They are very fast in their work recommended
Katty Chamorro
4 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038