to main content Medical Equipment - Blanket Temperature Risk Assessment | Nursing Care Center | Environment of Care EC | The Joint Commission
Medical Equipment - Blanket Temperature Risk Assessment

What standards apply to the requirement for organizations to maintain blanket temperatures?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

The Joint Commission is not prescriptive regarding the temperature setting for blanket warmers. 

Best practice would utilize evidence-based guidelines and recommendations by organizations such as but not limited to AORN and ECRI to determine optimal and safe temperatures for blankets to be warmed to.  Both AORN and ECRI recommend maximum temperature setting of 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) for blanket warming cabinets

Blanket warming equipment should be:
  • maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
  • loaded correctly and not exceed the level or quantity specified by the manufacturer's instructions for use (over-loading can be a source of fire)
  • only contain items that the warming cabinet was designed for, blankets and fluids are not to be commingled in a warming cabinet unless specifically designed for that purpose
Additional Resources
AORN eGuidlines, Warming Cabinets
ECRI Institute Continues to Recommend Maximum Temperature Setting of 130 degrees Fahrenheit for Blanket Warming Cabinets

 
Manual: Nursing Care Center
Chapter: Environment of Care EC
First published date: April 11, 2016 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on October 21, 2021
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.