Medical Gases

Medical gases are commonly used in health and social care settings. Medical gases can include Medical Oxygen, Medical Air, Medical Nitrous Oxide, Entonox, Oxygen/ Carbon Dioxide mixture, Helium, Helium/ Oxygen mixture. Medical gases can be stored or in use on-site as individual cylinders or as part of a bundle of cylinders supplying medical gas via a manifold system. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the requirements outlined in the product data sheet, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the manufacturer’s guidelines are complied with.

The employer must ensure that the hazards and risks associated with the medical gas are identified and a risk assessment is carried out (please refer to the SDS and manufacturer’s guidelines in this review). The risk assessment should consider the following:

• Gas properties
• Quantities required
• Combustible material(s)
• Separation distances
• Internal and external storage locations
• Signage
• Housekeeping
• Traffic management/access to stores for deliveries/collections
• Manual handling
• Emergency procedures
• Training

It is recommended that a documented procedure is put in place for the safe storage and handling of medical gases, including emergency arrangements, and that this is communicated to all relevant staff. The employer must ensure that there is a system in place for maintenance and testing by a designated competent and authorised person. All personnel who store, handle or use medical gases must be competent to do so, including the safe management of any associated medical devices.