Safe Use of Anesthetic Gases in Research Environments
See requirements for safe use and handling of anesthetic gases at UC San Diego.
Anesthetic gases are used to prevent pain and other sensations during surgery and are covered under the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Anesthetic gases and vapors that leak into the workplace are considered waste anesthetic gases and may pose a health hazard. Appropriately scavenging both the product and waste products is essential to ensure workplace safety and reduce exposure.
Requirement for researchers
UC San Diego researchers working with isoflurane and other volatile anesthetic gases must complete the Volatile Anesthetics hazard control plan (HCP) in the Chemical Hazard Use Application (CHUA). This HCP must be preapproved by the principal investigator prior to beginning any work with this material. Information on this Blink page is supplementary and is not intended to replace the approved HCP.
These requirements are intended for use in a veterinary research environment.
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Quick overview: Safe Use of Anesthetic Gas in Research brochure (PDF)
Calibration | Certification of vaporizers
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), in collaboration with Environment, Health & Safety, requires vaporizers to be operated according to manufacturer recommendations.
Anesthetic vaporizers must be calibrated/certified at a minimum once every 3 years.
Hazard evaluation
Evaluate the possible hazards of the materials and processes you intend to use before you begin work.
Consult safety resources
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Sources
- Waste Anesthetic Gases, American Society of Anesthesiologists
- Commentary and Recommendations on Control of Waste Anesthetic Gases in the Workplace, American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists (ACVA)
- Anesthetic Gases: Guidelines for Workplace Exposures, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor
- Waste Anesthetic Gases, U.S. Department of Labor, Fact Sheet No. OSHA 91-38
- Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases and Vapors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Criteria Document, Publication No. 77-140
- Hazards of Waste Anesthetic Gases, Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
Consult with knowledgeable colleagues
Contact one or both of the staff below if you have questions or concerns about work with anesthetic gases:
- Animal Care Program Veterinarian: Email: acp-veterinarians-l@ad.ucsd.edu Website: https://animalcare.ucsd.edu
- EH&S Chemical Hygiene Officer
Policy and regulations
- California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5191 — Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
- Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Section 1910.1450 — Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
- PPM 516-5 Chemical Safety (PDF)
- Chemical Hygiene Plan