College of Anaesthetists?

Abstract

develop ways in which health and safety performance can be improved.The HMSO's sectional list 18 (Health and Safety Executive forms and publications) lists many publications, parts of which are now applicable to hospitals and associated areas. Sectional list 18 (Department of Health and Social Security) enumerates many codes, etc. Publications listed under "Health Technical Memoranda" relate to antistatic precautions (rubber, plastics. flooring in anaesthetic areas), electrical services, piped gases, and other items, while under "Hospital Technical Memoranda" is the safety code for electromedical apparatus. The electrical safety code for hospital laboratory equipment comes under "Hospitals, Building and Equipment." Other codes and handbooks cover ionising radiations, radioactive isotopes, and radiological protection. All are available from HMSO.A publication which I have found most helpful is the Safety Manual of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.' This excellent work was compiled on behalf of the Safety and Environmental Health Committee, and 78 subjects are covered. These include laboratories-pathological, chemical, and animal; chemical hazards and gases; gas cylinders; explosions; electrical safety; glassware; hand tools; lasers; lifts and lifting; fire prevention and first aid; wastes, water supplies, and welfare; autoclaves; car parks; and other areas. There is a wealth of reference material available at the end of each chapter, and codes of practice, British