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Healthcare ventilation service

Surgical Smoke Extraction Testing

IOM examines and tests surgical smoke extraction systems to confirm performance, identify overlooked units and help protect clinical staff.

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Service overview

Is surgical smoke being effectively controlled?

Electrosurgical procedures can generate surgical plume, also known as surgical smoke. Without effective extraction, clinical staff may breathe in fine particles and potentially harmful substances.

Small or mobile extraction units can easily be missed from risk registers, maintenance schedules and Local Exhaust Ventilation testing programmes.

IOM provides specialist examination and testing to help you identify overlooked systems, assess their performance and manage the risk.

When this service may be needed

  • New surgical smoke extraction equipment has been introduced
  • Small or mobile units may be missing from risk registers or maintenance schedules
  • Thorough examination and testing is due or records are incomplete
  • Extraction performance is uncertain or staff have raised exposure concerns

Why surgical smoke needs to be controlled

Surgical plume may contain:

  • Fine airborne particles
  • Irritating gases and vapours
  • Potentially harmful chemicals
  • Biological material

Exposure may irritate the eyes and airways and has been associated with other respiratory concerns.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 requires employers to assess and adequately control exposure to hazardous substances.

Local Exhaust Ventilation systems used as engineering controls must be maintained and thoroughly examined and tested at suitable intervals. For most systems, this is at least once every 14 months.

Practical support

How IOM can help

Our occupational hygiene and ventilation specialists can:

  • Identify extraction systems that may have been overlooked
  • Assess whether the system is suitable for its intended use
  • Carry out thorough examination and testing
  • Review maintenance and testing arrangements
  • Provide clear reports and practical recommendations
  • Deliver testing as a standalone service
  • Combine testing with wider Control of Substances Hazardous to Health or ventilation inspections

Our service can cover extraction systems associated with:

  • Electrosurgical pencils
  • Hand-held tubing
  • Monopolar and bipolar forceps
  • Passive and active cannula ports
  • Electrostatic wands
  • Vaginal speculums

Training on the effective use of surgical smoke control systems is also available through IOM’s specialist partner.

From evidence to action

Bring overlooked systems into your compliance programme

We help you include surgical smoke extraction equipment within risk assessments, maintenance schedules and testing programmes.

This gives estates, facilities and clinical teams clearer evidence that the systems intended to protect staff are being properly managed.

Are surgical smoke extraction systems missing from your testing programme? Talk to IOM about a practical review.

What the service includes

Identify extraction equipment that may be missing from registers or testing programmes.
Assess suitability, condition and performance.
Review testing, maintenance and risk-management arrangements.
Provide reports, recommendations and wider COSHH or ventilation support.

What you receive

Clear evidence and usable next steps

  • Independent technical findings
  • Clear explanation of the risks or performance issues
  • Prioritised practical recommendations
  • Evidence to support governance, planning and assurance

Get practical advice for your organisation.

Discuss your requirements

Tell us what you need to achieve and your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate team.

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