Introduction to the Operating Room
LESSON 3: Safety in the Operating Room
3-7
3-7. ELIMINATION OF HIGH OXYGEN CONCENTRATION
a. Discussion. High oxygen concentration, whether caused by extended use or by improper handling of oxygen cylinders, must be reduced to a minimum.
b. Ventilating or Air-Conditioning Systems. Systems should be provided which permit complete exchanges of air.
c. Oxygen Cylinders. Oxygen cylinders must be operated properly. The precautions that must be observed when handling oxygen cylinders and regulators to prevent high concentrations and explosions or fire are as follows:
(1) Never permit oil, grease, or readily combustible materials to come in contact with oxygen cylinders, valves, regulators, gauges, or fittings.
(2) Never lubricate regulators, fittings, or gauges with oil or any other combustible substance.
(3) Never handle oxygen cylinders or apparatus with oily hands, greasy gloves, or dirty rags.
(4) Always clear the particles of dust and dirt from the opening to each cylinder by just barely opening and closing the valve before applying any fitting to the cylinder. (This is called "cracking" the valve. The specialist should point the valve opening away from his face while cracking the valve.)
(5) Never permit oxygen to enter the regulator suddenly; open the valve slowly. The regulator reduces the pressure of oxygen to a low pressure that is safe to use; it ensures a steady, even flow of oxygen; and it provides a means for adjusting the rate of flow.
(6) Never drape an oxygen cylinder with any materials such as hospital gowns, masks, caps, sheet, plastic material.
(7) Never use oxygen fittings, valves, regulators, or gauges for any other service except oxygen.
(8) Never mix gases of any type in a oxygen cylinder or in other type cylinder.
(9) Never use oxygen from a cylinder except through a pressure-reducing regulator.
(10) Never attempt to use regulators that are in need of repair and do not attempt to use cylinders having valves that do not operate properly. They can be removed. The common types of accidents due to hazards other than fire and explosion and the measures used to prevent them are discussed below.
(11) Never attempt to repair defective oxygen equipment, unless properly qualified by knowledge and experience.
