Rochdale-headquartered Medical Gas Services says that, cumulatively, its specialist employees have over 150 years’ experience with medical gas pipeline and cylinder installations.
The company says of one of its current major concerns: “In the light of the volume of EFA (Estates and Facilities Alert) notices relating to medical gases, the whole issue of the correct installation, maintenance, and operation, of medical gas systems is clearly deemed highly important by the DH. The EFA notice preceded by the NPSA RRR 006 alert highlights the issues relating to use of medical gas cylinders within healthcare, but we still see a number of dangerous and risky practices employed by Trusts. “Among the benefits of good cylinder management are improved safety; the eventual reduction in cylinders on site; improved knowledge of their location; and improved fire safety and cost savings year-on-year, coupled with peace of mind and compliance. “To achieve such benefits, a thorough site audit – by a company independent of the gas supplier, followed by ratification against the gas supplier’s invoiced total and required number of cylinders, and adequate training for portering and estates and facilities staff, are essential.” The company added: “Compliant, safe, anti-bacterial impregnated cylinder management products ensure a safe, efficient, method of storage, while compliant signage and labelling help keep storage areas clean, well-ordered, and as safe as possible, in the event of fire.”
