Anesthetic Pollution-Introduction to Basics

Vaporization results in equilibration of liquid anesthetic in expanded space by transfer to gas phase. Amount of gas produced is related to the vapor pressure of the anesthetic.

Pour (top) and key types of filling devices.

Recommendations for filling vaporizers, machine assessment, patient connection, scavenging, and more.

Reasons and recommendations for training, service and monitoring practices to avoid pollution.

Concerns related to filling vaporizers and video of proper technique.

Review of vaporizer filling ports. Concerns noted related to improper identification.

Determination of inhalant level with suggestion for calculating remaining anesthetic time.

Circumstances when staff should consider wearing a filter mask to avoid anesthetic pollution exposure.

Recommendation for preferred locations in hospital to fill vaporizers.

Consideration of time of day and potential exposure of staff to inhalant during vaporizer filling.

Storage of filling devices (after used to pour inhalant). Use of a sealed container to avoid pollution.

Filling a vaporizer while in use (O2 flow on) requires special attention to avoid pollution.

Filling a vaporizer while using a ventilator requires special attention to avoid pollution.

Technical details on filling vaporizers. Videos of proper technique and dangerous spills.

Leaks in machines and circuits. Pressure testing and techniques for locating.

Intubation concerns - proper tube location, cuff inflation and timing of inhalant use.

Inhalant induction or mask maintenance concerns. Scavenge use. Hospital ventilation role.

POLLUTION-FREE ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT

Home

Part I- Sources of Anesthetic Pollution

Part II- Awareness/Assessment

Vaporizers

Machine

Intubation

Other

Filling Technique

Basics

Vaporizer

Design

Need to fill

Safety Issues

Filters

Location

Timing

Sealing devices

Filling During Use

02 flow

Ventilation

Filling Technique | Basics

Place mouse over each step:

Locate supplies/machine near exhaust
Put on mask
Attach filling device to bottle
Insert key into filling port
Fill to FULL mark (watch carefully)
Drain key into bottle
Remove key and close port
Cap bottle
Seal key for storage

Anesthetic gases are toxic and thus constitute a pollution hazard in the workplace.

The greatest amount of pollution occurs when a vaporizer is refilled with anesthetic liquid. Vaporization of liquid anesthetic occurs rapidly when exposed to the air (1 ml of liquid halothane or isoflurane produces approximately 200 ml of anesthetic vapour).

The technique used to fill a vaporizer should limit exposure of personnel to liquid or vaporized anesthetic. Staff need to consider extra protection for themselves and avoid unecessary exposure to others. All components involved in the process (vaporizer, inhalant bottle, devices used to pour the liquid into the vaporizer) should be sealed as soon as possible. The steps listed here, as well as those for filling a vaporizer in use, are expanded within this section on Vaporizers.

Vaporizer dial should always be
in the OFF position if not intending to deliver anesthetic to a patient.

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