Anaesthetic Gas Exposure Testing
Sysco can assist in your compliance with the COSHH regulations by devising and undertaking workplace air monitoring surveys to measure the exposures of anaesthetic gases in your surgery whether it be a hospital, dental, or veterinary based. To fully understand the risk to the health of your employees, it is necessary to carry out personal sampling for nitrous oxide and other harmful gases caused by anaesthetic gases. All assessments are undertaken following the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002”.
We employ the latest monitoring and data logging technology to identify potential leakages within the anaesthetic gas delivery systems. We combine onsite analytical software along with a passive monitoring system to evaluate the potential exposure to the surgical teams and identify risks before they can develop into potentially hazardous situations.
Anaesthetic gases are used to block the sensation of pain allowing the patient to undergo surgical or other procedures without any distress. There are several different types of anaesthetics:
- General
- Inhaled
- Injected
- Regional
Of particular concern in healthcare, the workplace is exposed to anaesthetic gases from causes involving dosing technique, equipment leaks or failures, and waste anaesthetic gases. Due to the high risk of workplace exposure, monitoring programs are required by law to be within the UK guidelines to protect workers. The most widely used anaesthetic are halogenated ethers such as enflurane, halothane, isoflurane, and desflurane coupled with nitrous oxide.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is an anaesthetic in dentistry and surgical operations, commonly referred to as laughing gas. Occupational exposure from inhalation can result in neurotoxic effects, also decrease the mental performance and audiovisual dexterity which can be extremely dangerous when undertaking delicate work in surgeries.
Exposure to Nitrous Oxide can cause
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Difficulties with judgement and coordination
Enflurane, Halothane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane
All these drugs are for inhalation of general anaesthetic either introducing or maintaining. These are delivered from a vapouriser during anesthesia and the dose is individualised for each patient. The side effects vary from the different versions which are listed below
Enflurane:
- Hypotension
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Halothane (Fluothane):
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Decreased lung function
- Decreased oxygen in the blood
- kidney damage
- problems with circulation
- Jaundice
Isoflurane:
- Respiratory depression
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Ileus
- Hypotension
Desflurane
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Slow/Fast heart rate
- Increased salivation