Blease Sirius 1000, Manual, Page: 38 / 107

37 First Line and Planned Maintenance Manual
Frontline Sirius®
2.8 Checking Anaesthesia Equipment
INTRODUCTION
To check the correct functioning of anaesthetic equipment before use is a mandatory
procedure. In 1997 the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland published the
second document of its ‘Checklist for Anaesthetic Machines’ which gained widespread
acceptance in the profession. This section recognised that changes in anaesthetic equipment
and the introduction of microprocessor -controlled technology would necessitate continued
revision of the document in the future. This new edition further updates the procedures
recommended in 1997.
The principles set out in previous booklets have governed amendments to this new edition. It
must be emphasised that a major contributory cause of anaesthetic misadventures, resulting at
worst in hypoxic brain damage or death, has been the use of anaesthetic machines and/or
breathing systems which had not been adequately checked beforehand by an anaesthetist. It is
the responsibility of all Trusts and other Hospitals to ensure that all personnel are trained in the
use and
checking of relevant equipment. This is usually devolved to the Department of Anaesthesia, but
where such a department does not exist, other arrangements must be made. The use of
checklists and associated procedures is an integral part of training in Anaesthesia, and as such is
part of the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ Competency Based Training.
This checking procedure, applicable to all anaesthetic machines, should take only a few minutes
to perform, and represents an important aspect of patient safety. It is not intended to replace
any pre-anaesthetic checking procedures issued by manufacturers, and should be used in
conjunction with them. For example, some modern anaesthetic “workstations” will enter an
integral self-testing cycle when
the machine is switched on, in which case those functions tested by the machine need not be
re-tested by the user. The intention is to strike the right level of checking so that it is not so
superficial that its value is doubtful, nor so detailed that the procedure is impracticable.
The checking procedure covers all aspects of the anaesthetic delivery system from the gas
supply pipelines, the machine and breathing systems, including filters, connectors and airway
devices. It includes an outline check for ventilators, suction, monitoring and ancillary equipment.
2. User Pre Use Testing