OSHA, therefore, has developed technical instructions designed to give guidance for coping with exposure to WAGs. The instructions cover sampling methods, leak test procedures, medical surveillance, disposal methods, training and exposure to WAGs. When such agents are used in combination with nitrous oxide, levels of the halogenated agents well below 2 ppm are achievable. In most situations, control of nitrous oxide to a time weighted average concentration of 25 ppm during the anesthetic administration period will result in levels of about 0.5 ppm of the halogenated agent. A complete WAGs management program includes at the outset the application of a well designed WAGs scavenging system.
Most anesthesia equipment being manufactured today includes scavenging systems.
The remainder of the WAGs management program should include work practices minimizing gas leakage, the application of a routine equipment maintenance program so that gas leaks are minimized, and periodic exposure monitoring and provision for adequate general ventilation. Switch off the nitrous oxide and vaporizer when not in use. Maintain oxygen flow until scavenging system is flushed. The primary method of evaluating WAG concentrations in air is by collecting a quantity of air in a sampling bag and then introducing the sample to an infrared analyzer. Sampling should be conducted based on the particular anesthetic agent in use.