Laboratory Gas Monitoring
Laboratory gas monitoring services are integral for a large number of departments throughout hospitals and other medical facilities. Health Choice Enterprises has applied our laboratory gas monitoring services to many medical departments including but, not limited to: pathology, histology, cytology, microbiology, morgue, specimen storage, general surgery as well as labor & delivery.
Health Choice Enterprises laboratory gas monitoring services include:
- Reviewing ventilation systems including air exchange rates and supply and exhaust vent diagrams.
- Testing both short term (STEL) and long term (TWA) dosimeters for formaldehyde, xylene or other laboratory gases.
- Administering on-site, real-time monitoring for grossing, specimen dumping, tissue processor operations, cover slipping, staining, and special procedures.
- A full check for proper signage and label–location and wording, both.
- Working with a certified technician to ensure that all setup and maintenance is in compliance with current state and federal regulations.
Purpose
- To minimize employee exposure to formaldehyde and xylene by evaluating work procedures and engineering controls.
- To format monitoring results to satisfy the requirements and recommendations set forth by OSHA, Department of Labor, NIOSH, JCAHO, and insurance companies that offer liability coverage.
- To utilize testing results as a basis for making appropriate recommendations aimed at reducing employee exposure.
This management program helps follow the guidelines of OSHA standard publication number: (29 CFR 1910.1000 29 CFR 1910.1048, and 29 CFR 1910.134 [b], 24, [e], and [f]), and test the effectiveness of systems designed to reduce employee exposure to formaldehyde and xylene. Trace gas contamination is usually the result of four main factors: Exhaust system malfunction
- Work practice control
- Improper ventilation
- Engineering controls
Protocol
An infrared gas analyzer (Foxboro Miran Sapphire) will be used to make on-site determinations for formaldehyde and xylene; and in-depth exposure assessments in potentially hazardous work areas such as the Morgue, Processing Room, Pathology, and Gross Room. Both short and long term passive diffusion monitoring badges will be used to meet current federal requirements.
Health Choice Enterprises will also determine air exchange rates by measuring ventilation supply air flow in locations where the monitoring is performed. A ShortRidge flow hood will be used to obtain the air flow measurements.
