Spark in needle cutter, oxygen-rich conditions caused fire at PGI

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 16

An Inspection team led by Prof Arvind Rajwanshi that was probing the cause behind the fire incident at Operation Theatre No.3 of the new emergency at Nehru Hospital on the PGI, submitted its report on Monday.

The fire incident had taken place on April 11. Professor Rajwanshi said a high concentration of oxygen in the resuscitation and a spark in a needle cutter was the cause behind the incident.The committee has also recommended that the passage leading to the OT, which remains crowded with patients, should be cleared.

The committee members had inspected Operation Theatre No. 3 on April 14 and enquired from the staff about the possible cause of the fire.

In the report, the copy of which is with The Tribune, the committee has made eight recommendations to avoid such an occurrence in future.

As per the findings, on April 11 at 9.30 pm, Dr Deepika, Junior Resident, Department of Anaesthesia, who was present in the operation theatre. She noticed that there was a spark in the needle cutter, which was kept near the paediatric resuscitator.

According to Dr Deepika, in no time, the fire spread to the paediatric resuscitator trolley corner and engulfed the whole operation theatre.

The patient was shifted from the operation theatre quickly. Shallu, nursing officer, and Dr Indu, a resident of obstetrics and gynaecology, who were also present in the operation theatre, corroborated the same facts.

During the inspection, it was found that the wiring from the affected area to the main electrical junction box was intact, dispelling chances of short-circuit.

The committee members unanimously concluded that it was a spark in the needle cutter in the oxygen rich environment, which led to the incident.

Remedial measures recommended

• An inspection team found that the OT was a crowded place. All medical equipment and the staff congested it. It suggested an increase in its size. 
• Manual needle cutters should be used in the OT/other areas of the PGI
• Supply of the oxygen, other inflammable anesthetic gadgets and fluid should be disconnected when not in use.
• The corridors and OT areas should be kept clear of any obstruction and the material and equipment, which are not in use, should not be in the Operation Theatre Complex.
• A gas-based flooding system should be installed in the OT to extinguish the fire and minimise the loss of life and property 
• The panel recommended a high pressure smoke exhaust fan with alternative power supply in the OT and corridors for quick ventilation
• A passage should be constructed connecting the emergency OT complex with the Advanced Trauma Centre.
• A portable fire extinguisher should be installed at the OT.