o       Fixed non-expendable equipment: This is the equipment installed in the wall or floor of the hospital, such as sinks, sterilization devices, etc.

o       Non-expendable equipment that is mobile or fixed: includes tools that have been used for more than five years, such as wheelchairs, trolleys, etc.

. Equipment management procedures:

There are four main procedures in equipment management:

•         the demand
•         Storage
•         Exchange
•         Monitoring and maintenance

– 1. Equipment Request:

Requesting equipment includes the following skills:

•         Prepare a list of needs and resources based on knowledge of previous use and an estimate of the current rate of use
•         Balancing needs, available resources, and estimating costs
•         Fill out the application form.

-2. Equipment storage:

•         Equipment can be stored in one of two places:

o       A main or reserve store where quantities are kept and not used

o       Where the equipment is used after it is released from the warehouse

o        Storing equipment requires the following skills:

o       Recording the receipt of new items and recording what is disbursed

o       Keeping daily records or cards for inventory

– 3. Equipment disbursement:

o        The nurse is responsible for some equipment. For example, the nurse in the maternity ward is responsible for scales, syringes, serums, birth equipment, and other devices.

o        After requesting and receiving the equipment and then recording it in the inventory book or register, it can be disbursed whenever needed

o        There are three written procedures that are followed when disbursing equipment and are recorded in the records designated for this purpose:

o       Disbursement record: that is, writing the disbursement in the inventory book

o       Issuing an exchange permit for signature

o       A record of the assets of the department that receives and uses the equipment

– 4. Equipment monitoring and maintenance:

o        Expendable equipment needs to be monitored to avoid wastage, while non-expendable equipment needs maintenance to maintain it in a usable condition.

o        Monitoring and maintaining equipment requires the following skills:

o       Convince workers of the need to clean equipment and keep it in good condition

o       Use an inspection checklist

o       Discover any differences in the equipment and find out its cause.

. The importance of equipment records and their benefits:

o        Referring to records of previous orders facilitates the preparation of subsequent orders, whether after a month or a year, as the supplier’s address, item number, and quantities required can be identified under normal circumstances.

o        Knowing the quantity in the inventory register is a good indicator of when it is time to order more supplies, avoiding long periods without essential equipment.

o        Exchange permits specify the party responsible for caring for, breaking or damaging equipment, and they also encourage workers to bear responsibility.

o        Inventory lists help quickly inspect equipment and discover discrepancies, waste, extravagance and theft.