Oxygen-enriched atmospheres have been associated with inhalation anesthesia since the development in 1887 of a gas anesthesia apparatus to administer oxygen and nitrous oxide. Such a machine allows the patient to be both anesthetized and to receive therapeutic oxygen when needed. The use of a flammable volatile liquid or gaseous inhalation anesthetic agent in such an atmosphere, however, creates severe fire and explosion hazards. Before the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Committee on Health Care Facilities was formed, a significant number of fatalities and injuries resulted from hospital operating room fires and explosions. Such incidents have been drastically reduced through widespread adherence to the provisions of 12-4.1 of NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities.
The reduction in use of flammable anesthetics in operating rooms has allowed for increased use of potential ignition sources, such as electrosurgical units and lasers. Advances in materials science, however, have also introduced polymers (e.g., endotracheal tube) and fabrics (e.g., drapes and gowns) that are flammable in the oxygen-enriched atmosphere of operating rooms. Therefore, the operating room environment continues to present fire hazards.
For additional information, contact Joel Stoltzfus, (575) 524-5731.
