Wednesday 8th of February 2012
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 Subject :Surgical Smoke.. 03 09 2010 09:30 
NU_admin
Joined: 27 04 2010 12:16
Posts: 19
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Surgical Smoke

Last year a group of nurses put forward a resolution at the NSWNA Annual Conference, calling for action to prevent nurses being exposed to surgical smoke  in operating theatres.

Surgical smoke rising from tissue being burnt, as in laser surgery or diathermy, carries potential health risks. The smoke can carry toxic compounds and infectious agents. Modern equipment has scavenging devices attached to prevent the smoke from being inhaled by staff, but older equipment does not have these devices.

The NSWNA began investigations into the situation and has been gathering information to present to the Health Department. The Department is now conducting research and a survey of area health services in regards to surgical smoke and where scavenging devices have been fitted.

Once this information is collated, the Department will issue a short policy about the installation of smoke scavenging devices including timeframes for their implementation and informing area health services that they must put in place interim risk control measures.

‘It is good that the Health Department seems to be supportive in this matter,’ said NSWNA Assistant General Secretary Judith Kiejda. ‘Surgical smoke is dangerous to nurses’ health and the only thing they can do at the moment to protect themselves is to wear respiratory protection. The Union will continue to press the Department to ensure that requirements are put in place to ensure nurses’ health and safety at work.’
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 Subject :Re:Surgical Smoke.. 07 09 2010 21:52 
Foxylass
Joined: 06 04 2010 10:19
Posts: 118
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At least they plan to add scavenging devices. We are exposed to sevo (anaesthetic gas) whenever the doctors decide to intubate under gas induction. I thought I was imagining feeling sleepy while I stood next to the anaesthetist using an anaesthetic bag to gas down the child. Then someone told me that they don't scavenge the gas in PICU. One RN passed out when the door had been closed in the isolation room where the procedure was being performed. She was lucky she didn't strike her head on the way down.
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