PM's in work enviroments

I just had a PM installed on July 22nd 2008. St. Jude Model 5826 two leads. Installed only for low pause rate. I do not have the defib unit. I workin a manufacturing facility as a maintenance supervisor with lots of CNC equipment. Our Nurse is looking for information on what to be aware of before i come back to work in a couple of weeks. If there is anyone out there that knows what the guidelines are and what we need to be aware of please let me know.

Thanks

Rick Warren

6 Comments

Guidlines

by pete - 2008-07-25 04:07:55

You should have no problems in an industrial environment. But avoid the following.
Do not use any type of welder in a work environment.
Do not let your pacemaker within 9 inches of a magnet.
Keep your chest area at least 9 inches away from any electromagnetic field , for instance electric motors.
I would avoid getting involved in wiring up or connecting new or old machinery. Always wear gloves if you think you have the slightest risk of an electric shock. Static electric shocks are harmless though. Avoid bluetooth devices. Ther is absolutely no reason why you should not return to work and do your job safely. Cheers Peter

Thanks

by rwarren - 2008-07-25 06:07:22

Thanks for the advice. I have in the maintenance field for 30 years and want to continue. It looks like I will need to use some precautions. Can you tell me where the 9 inch rule comes from? Thanks for the information again. This is all new to me. I have live a active life style with running and biking and want to continue. Thanks Rick

back to work

by sis - 2008-07-26 02:07:12

I just returned to work this week from having a defibrillator in April. I work in an auto manufacturing company with lots of different equipment and I had many of the same worries to return to work I drive a fork truck and another thing called a tugger that are both battery operated and we have a battery changing area not to mention all of the different machines in the plant. I talked to one of the St Jude personal at the hospital when he was checking my device and told him of my concerns and he told me how they have a device that they can bring into the company that can measure any interferences that may be of concern that could interfere with my icd. I talked to my doctor before it was time to return to work and he gave me the number to call and they sent an engineer to my company ( I had to have my safety rep from my company invite them there) and they met me there and turned off my device walked into the plant with me to look around for any concerns then went to my areas that I work at and hooked me up to a wireless connection while they tested me as I walked near any of the machines and had me go near the battery area and everything checked out ok. They were wonderful and it sure eased my mind to return to work. Im not quite sure what the name of the tester was but I can try to find out. They said that they do a lot of big companies and normally they check out safe for people to return to work. I wish ya the best on your return to work I'm pretty sore this week it was a LONG week thats forsure!!

PETE AGAIN

by pete - 2008-07-26 03:07:15

THe 9 inches comes from a website advising people like you and me about interferences. Its 6 inches plus I add 3 for safety . You cant be expected to wander around with a ruler !! I suggest you go to the site and read all the info and click on the links to other pages at the top left of first page. Type in GOOGLE the following
- safe distance from magnet for pacemakers -
the first hit will be GUIDLINES : HOME AND WORK
There is far more info here than I can be bothered to type.Any further queries and you can send me a private message. Cheers pete

Thanks for the information

by rwarren - 2008-07-26 08:07:08

Good information. Thanks for all the help. Thanks Rick

Thanks

by rwarren - 2008-07-29 07:07:17

Thanks rwarren99. I do not have a full manual. I am going back to the doctor this Thursday. I will ask for the manual. How long does it take to get over of being tired after the operations. Been a week now and I am still feeling tired in the afternoon and taking about 2 hour cat naps. I think it is getting better. Take care and thanks for the information, Rick Warren

You know you're wired when...

You name your daughter “Synchronicity”.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.