Accession Number:

ADA061059

Title:

Control of Occupational Exposure to Inhalational Anesthetics - Current Status.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LAB BROOKS AFB TX

Personal Author(s):

• Whitcher,Charles E.
• Rock,James C.

Report Date:

1978-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

A complete waste anesthetic gas management program includes application of a well designed waste anesthetic gas scavenging system, anesthetists using work practices which minimize gas leakage, and application of a routine equipment maintenance program so gas leaks are minimized. Work practices of the anesthetist may contribute from 94 to 99 of all waste anesthetic gases in an operating room equipped with properly designed and maintained scavenging components. Improper practices, such as poor choice of the face mask, insufficiently inflated endotracheal tubes, and spillage of volatile anesthetic agents when filling vaporizers, are the chief contributors. Once the proper equipment has been installed, and proper work practices have been established, the Environmental Health Section should initiate a periodic monitoring program geared to detect leaks and the Medical Equipment Section should initiate a compatible preventive maintenance program. This report provides anesthesia-oriented personnel with information necessary to minimize occupational exposure to inhalational anesthetics. Author

Descriptors:

• *PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
• *EXPOSURE(PHYSIOLOGY)
• *ANESTHETICS
• HAZARDS
• MEDICAL PERSONNEL
• HEALTH SURVEYS
• MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
• INHALATION
• WASTE GASES
• ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE