The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning healthcare facilities of the possibility of fires or explosions from battery-powered medical carts, according to an article on the Healthcare Finance website.
The FDA has received reports of fires that have required evacuations.
The fires were associated with batteries and their chargers, according to the letter published on the FDA website.
The events can occur with lithium, lead acid, and other types of batteries. Such hazards may result in equipment and facility damage, hospital evacuation or patient and staff injury, the FDA said.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems