Elements needed for a fire ("fire triangle"):
(1) ignition source
(2) flammable material
(3) oxygen, nitrous oxide or other oxidizer that supports combustion
Ignition sources may include:
(1) laser
(2) electrocautery unit
(3) electric spark from faulty equipment or poor grounding
(4) fiberoptic light source
(5) defibrillator
Flammable material:
(1) alcohol or other flammable skin preparation solution
(2) tincture (any preparation suspended in alcohol)
(3) petrolatum or other petroleum-based product
(4) dry surgical drapes or dressings
(5) dry clothing or gowns
(6) hair
(7) intestinal gases (!)
(8) ether
(9) solvents
Oxygen or other combustible gas are a hazard if:
(1) present at a high concentration
(2) accumulate under drapes near the operative field
Surgery around the head and neck has the highest frequency of fires because of the proximity of an oxygen or gas rich atmosphere to an ignition source.
