Our colleagues at BOC have shared a statement around extreme heat and medical gas cylinders. BOC gas cylinders are designed to withstand increased temperatures (up to 60 Degrees C).However, we are reminded that extreme temperatures can result in internal increased pressures inside high pressure cylinders.
NAMDET members are reminded about accessing and sharing the E Learning course around the safe storage and use of medical gas cylinders, as well as following these important messages;
- Ensure you store medical gas cylinders in a safe, designated area
- Ensure you have proper signage to reflect the medical gases in use
- Check on staff training and signpost to the E-learning course developed by NAMDET via ESR and NHS Learning Hub
- Avoid sources of heat, and keep out of direct sunlight
- Make sure Entonox (50% O2 + 50% Nitrous Oxide) is stored above 10 degrees (The 2 gasses can separate out at -6 degrees !!)
- Extreme heat can cause the internal pressure in medical gas cylinders to rise; make staff are aware, as this may affect pressure regulators within some medical devices