What is Waste Anesthetic Gases?
Waste anesthetic gases or WAGs refer to vapors that fill a room where a medical procedure is taking place. Medical healthcare professionals who work in clinics, operating theatres, veterinary clinics, and dental offices are exposed to these deadly gases on a regular basis, and as such, are at risk of occupational illnesses.
Waste anesthetic gases or WAGs refer to vapors that fill a room where a medical procedure is taking place. Click To Tweet
These harmful waste gases include halogenated agents such as desflurane and enflurane as well as nitrous oxide. Prolonged exposure can lead to:- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Sterility
- When anesthetic gas leaks from vaporizers as they are being refilled
- During the initial check of the anesthesia system
- If WAGs leak from an ETT (endotracheal tube) or laryngeal mask airway that is fitted to a patient. This can happen if the wrong size is used and if the cup is not inflated properly.
- If WAGs leak from an improperly fitted anesthesia mask
- If there is a leak in the anesthesia system
- If there is a leak in the system between the cylinder filled with nitrous oxide and the yoke
- When the anesthesia system is flushed after a medical procedure is completed
- If there is poor ventilation in the room where the medical procedure is taking place
- Leakage from gaskets and tubing
Who is Most at Risk from WAGs?
The following medical personnel are exposed to waste anesthetic gases on a regular basis:- Dentists
- Nurses
- Anesthetists
- Operating room nurses
- Operating room technicians
- Recovery room nurses
- Surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
The Role of Employers in Reducing Risk
Like all employees, medical personnel have the right to a safe work environment. Employers can reduce their risk of falling ill from waste anesthetic gases by:- Creating and implementing a health and safety program that can reduce exposure and control risks
- Labeling all cylinders that comprise of anesthetic agents
- Make MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) available 24/7
- Train all medical personnel as per OSHA hazard safety standards
- Create and maintain a hazard communication plan
- Implement a scavenging system that delivers anesthetic agents to ensure all waste gases are filtered out. The exhaust should be placed in areas where those gases will not return into operating rooms.
- Installing a ventilation system that can circulate and replace the air in a room at least 6 times every hour
- Maintaining anesthesia equipment and machines on a regular basis
- Maintaining waste gas scavenging systems to reduce risks of leaks
- Training employees in hazard awareness and controlling anesthetic agents
- Compiling data on all anesthetic agents that are being used by medical personnel
- Creating comprehensive information programs for employee training
- Clearly outlining emergency procedures regarding safe work practices
- Training personnel on how to use PPE or personal protective equipment that can keep them from inhaling waste anesthetic gases
- Detailing the use of constant monitoring services for the safety of medical personnel
