STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES for GAS ANESTHETIC WASTE SCAVENGING

LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITIES


  1. Purpose:
    This procedure contains options of gas anesthetic waste scavenging.
  2. Scope:
    This procedure applies to all CM-LAF and Principal Investigator staff utilizing gas anesthetics.
  3. Procedure
    1. Prior to use of any anesthesia machine, the waste scavenging system must be properly managed.
    2. Unless waste is scavenged through a wall vacuum system, then all anesthesia machines should be equipped with a F/air canister.
    3. Immediately before using any anesthesia machine, the F/air canister should be removed and weighed. The weight should be recorded and dated on the side of the canister.
    4. Immediately following the use of an anesthesia machine, the number of hours the machine was in use should be recorded next to the dated weight information.
    5. The F/air canister should be changed when (whichever occurs first):
      1. The total number of hours used exceeds 12. OR
      2. The weight of the canister increased by 50 grams over its initial weight.
    6. New F/air canisters can be obtained from any of the CM-LAF technical staff.
    7. The Ohaus scale in the post mortem room should be used to weigh the canisters. (See SOP 4.A.23.)