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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (August 28) announced the resumption of use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O, also known as laughing gas) in Kwong Wah Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital commencing this Friday (August 30).
Following the risk identification of possible excess occupational exposure of N2O in some obstetric units since August last year, the HA has established an Expert Advisory Group and subsequently commissioned the occupational hygiene consultants of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for a comprehensive N2O assessment in all public hospital obstetric units.
The HA Head of Human Resources and convenor of the Group, Dr Derrick Au, said that multiple control measures had been recommended by the consultants. "They include the stepping up of inspection and maintenance of the Anesthetic Gas Scavenging System (AGSS) to ensure effective local exhaust at source, optimising room ventilation by additional exhaust ventilation installation, and enhancing training and education of staff and patients on the proper use of the AGSS and N2O," Dr Au said.
"We are delighted to learn that the recently completed N2O personal exposure monitoring for all the eight obstetric units gave satisfactory results which are well below the Occupational Exposure Limit as stipulated by the Labour Department.
"The assessment results show that the multiple control measures have been effective in bringing down the N2O exposure and warrant the resumption of N2O in the four obstetric units which have earlier suspended using the pain relieving gas for the occupational safety of staff," he added.
Dr Au expressed appreciation to members of the Group and the HKUST consultants for the assessments and making valuable recommendations in the improvement measures.
"To ensure the sustainability of the effective control of N2O, all obstetric units will adopt and implement a proper and ongoing N2O management programme from now on," Dr Au remarked.
Ends/Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:31
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