Hazard identification and risk assessment by ETBA (Energy trace barrier analysis) method in the intensive care unit Loghman Hakim hospital

medical centers are among the most important healthcare facilities where following safety rules is of great importance because of the potential hazards existing in such places. Following safety rules is for preventing or reducing accidents by removing or controlling hazards. This research aims to identify and assessment the risks related to the intensive care unit (ICU); a case study in Loghman Hakim hospital, department of brain and neurosurgery, by using energy trace and barrier analysis (ETBA).

this is a descriptive-analytical study done on the ICU of Loghman Hakim hospital (department of brain and neurosurgery) in order to identify and assessment the risks by the use of ETBA method in 2019. All data were analyzed by using SPSS 23 software, then the central criteria were used for data description, and analytical criteria were used for analyzing the data.

according to the filled-out ETBA worksheets, 10 energy types and 35 risks were identified. As shown in MIL-STD882B, 13 risks were at the unacceptable level, 17 risks undesirable, and 5 risks acceptable with conditions.

the most dangerous identified energies in the ICU have included the explosion of pressured cylinders, electrocution, fire caused by electricity, slipping, falling off the bed because there is no bed-side closed sign, infections, and medical wastes. Considering the sensitivity of the participants under the study and also high probability of unacceptable risks, controlling actions, corrective actions, appropriate management techniques for making the environment safe and reducing the probability of accidents have been implemented so that both patients and staff would be safe.