(15) The humidity of the OR should be kept at 55 to 60 percent to lessen the
accumulation of static charges.
e. Elimination or Control of Sources of Heat. Sources of heat should be
rigidly controlled or entirely eliminated, if possible to reduce to a minimum another factor
which may cause an explosion.
(1)
No smoking should be permitted in hazardous area.
(2) Open flames such as lighted matches or alcohol lamps may be used in
some operative procedures but only after their use has been cleared by the anesthetist.
(3) Electric hot plates should never be used in the same room or area where
flammable agents are stored or used.
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.
MD0923
3-7