“EXTREME HAZARD”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4349, 30 October 1950, Page 8

“EXTREME HAZARD”

OPERATING THEATRES

USE OF ANAESTHETIC FIRE AND EXPLOSION DANGER “I have received reports from both the medical superintendent and the board’s engineer regarding the extreme hazard created by the use of cyclopropane for anaethesia in so far as the risk of explosion is concerned,” wrote the secretary, Thames Hospital Board, to the director-general of health, WelKmigtan, the letter being placed before the October meeting of the Thames board.

The letter went on to state that

as recommendations for minimising the risk to the lowest point involved demolition of the theatre from the floor downwards, the secretary would be pleased if the director-general could advise, for the guidance of the board, the action which the director-general had recommended to other boards, which were users of 'that anaesthetic.

The subject of,fire and explosion hazards \ in operating theatres has been under consideration by a special committee for some time past and the department hopes shortly to issue a circular to boards on this subject,” wrote the director-general in reply. “Meanwhile the following suggestions which have been made to another board, may be helpful:— 1. “Installation of a low level exhaust

fan. 2. “As a means of indicating the relative humidity conditions, that a wet bulb thermometer or hygrometer and a dry bulb thermometer should be hung on the operating theatre wall. 3. “Electric switches and iplug receptacles should be at least four feet from the floor.”

There should be no delay at all in carrying out the suggestions, said Mr Edwin Edwards, who urged that the suggestions made by the department be carried out immediately. The chairman, Mr J. W. Danby, thought the matter should be referred to the medical superintendent and the cost estimated.

It was finally resolved that the matter be referred to the medical superintendent and engineer with power to act.