(g) Release the breathing bag nipple and adjust the oxygen flow to
500 cc/minute.
(h) Verify that the breathing circuit pressure gauge does not exceed
3 mm Hg. If it exceeds this amount, isolate and repair the malfunction.
(i) Turn the control knob ON and repeat steps "a" through "h" for the
vaporizer control valve in the ON position.
(j) With the control knob ON, repeat steps "a" through "h" for the
vaporizer control valve in the OFF position.
Section II. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND SERVICES
1-4.
GENERAL
You must conduct periodic PMCS of the anesthesia apparatus to ensure the
continued operation of the apparatus under field conditions. PMCS procedures are
given in paragraphs 1-5 and 1-6.
1-5.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Preventive maintenance consists of changing the soda lime in the absorber
canisters, verifying the check valve is clean, and verifying the gas evacuator/relief valve
operates smoothly.
a. Change Soda Lime in Canisters. You must change the soda lime in the
canisters within 4 hours of use if there is a color change in the lower canister. This color
change is from blue to white. Before connecting the absorber to any patient, the
anesthetist ensures that the remaining capacity of the soda lime is adequate for the
case at hand. The anesthetist judges by the color of the soda lime after the last use.
The color fades over time, making later estimates unreliable.
(1)
Refill the canister.
(a) Fill the canister with soda lime.
(b) Eliminate dust and fine granules.
(c)
Do not over/underfill the canister.
(d) An alternate procedure is to use factory Pre-Pak, pre-filled
absorbent cartridges. Ensure you remove the screens from the base of the canisters to
prevent resistance in the patient breathing circuit from being too high.
MD0353
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