Medical gases used in a hospital are a vital, life-supporting element that influences the direct care for the life of a patient. Training of hospital employees about the handling of gases commonly used is vital in order to raise awareness of the risks and hazards associated with their use, proper handling, and the administration of oxygen to patients. They are safe if handled correctly, however, misuse or mishandling can have catastrophic consequences. Patients are endangered if medical gas systems, particularly oxygen, malfunction. Oxygen is stored as a compressed gas at room temperature or refrigerated as a liquid. A reliable supply of oxygen is critical in any surgical area. Common gases that are used in health care include oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and medical air.

Medical gas is piped into hospitals and other health care facilities using through complex systems collectively known as the Medical Gas Pipe Systems (MGPS). The gases must be piped to various parts of the facility. The main features of such systems are the sources of the gases and the means of their delivery to the operating room. Medical gases are delivered from their central supply source to the operating room through a piping network. The gas delivery system in a hospital appears in the operating room as hose drops, gas columns, or elaborate articulating arms. Quick-coupler mechanisms or adaptors connect one end of the hose to the appropriate gas outlet. The other end connects to the anesthesia machine using a noninterchangeable diameter fitting, or safety system fitting, in order to prevent incorrect hose attachment.

The functioning of medical gas supply sources and pipeline systems is constantly monitored by central and area alarm systems. Indicator lights and audible signals warn of changeover to secondary gas sources and abnormally high or low pipeline pressures. Catastrophes continue to result from malfunctioning medical gas systems despite a multitude of safety devices, alarms, and detailed regulations. Therefore, mandatory periodic inspection of hospital gas delivery systems are required to help prevent this problem.

Anderson & Forrester has been providing the gas industry with high quality fittings and specialty tools since 1928. We offer a full line of parts to meet almost any specifications, contact us today for all of your gas system parts and fittings needs.