scope:

This technical report contains guidelines for medical and nursing personnel regarding the safe and effective operation of HIGH FREQUENCY SURGICAL EQUIPMENT (also referred to as HF SURGICAL EQUIPMENT in this document). It will also be of use to scientific/technical staff who have responsibility for the maintenance of this equipment.

The application guidelines in this document deal with the safe operation of HIGH FREQUENCY SURGICAL EQUIPMENT constructed according to the safety requirements of IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2-2 (see Bibliography).

Not all existing HIGH FREQUENCY SURGICAL EQUIPMENT meets the minimum requirements of current international standards, however, the guidelines in this report will still be helpful in utilizing these devices.