Medical-grade gases are used throughout healthcare facilities, from patient rooms to operating rooms. Dental practices also use these gases for various procedures. Knowing how to handle these materials properly can reduce the risks of accidents and create a safer environment.

Best Practices for Handling Medical Grade Gases

Gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and medical air are commonly used in patient care and as part of different medical procedures. They are very safe when stored and administered properly but can cause potentially hazardous conditions when mishandled.

Keep cylinders in a secure location.

Medical gases are stored in pressurized cylinders that can be damaged if dropped. Gases like oxygen are also highly flammable. Keep cylinders in a sturdy rack so that they do not fall over, and secure them to a dolly during transport. The containers are heavy and should not be dragged across the floor.

Make sure cylinders are labeled.

Generally, a color-coded system is used to differentiate between various gases. In the United States, usually green is for oxygen, blue is for nitrous oxide, black is for nitrogen, grey is for carbon dioxide, and yellow is for medical air. Ensure that correct labeling is used to identify contents and that colored parts are not mixed up between different types of cylinders.

Check equipment regularly.

Conduct regular inspections to verify that cylinders and equipment are not damaged. Each cylinder should be fitted with a pressure regulator, connections should be tight, and there should be no leaks in any hoses. Open cylinder valves slowly to control the release of gas and prevent sudden pressure changes.

Use medical-grade gases in a well-ventilated area.

Rooms should be equipped with standard ventilation equipment or have good air circulation. Make sure that monitors and alarms are on to measure gas levels, detect unsafe air quality, and alert to malfunctions. There should also be emergency shutoff valves to immediately stop the flow of gas.

When administering medical-grade nitrous oxide, a scavenging system should be used to capture exhaled nitrous oxide and other waste gases. Confirm that the system is properly implemented and functioning correctly to minimize staff exposure to gas.

Train staff on proper use.

All staff working where medical-grade gases are stored or used should be trained on safety policies and procedures. Any changes in protocol should be immediately communicated and implemented. It is a good idea to have regular refresher courses to help providers and staff stay current on best practices.

Have emergency plans in place.

There should be emergency plans for each type of gas used, and these documents should be easily accessible to staff. Plans should detail what to do in different situations and be updated as necessary. Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency oxygen supplies should be kept close by.

Improve Safety When Using Nitrous Oxide and Other Medical Gases

Safety is a top priority, especially around potentially hazardous materials. HampMED has everything you need to safely use medical-grade gases in your facility, from storage and equipment to alarms. Contact us today for more information.