Hazardous Locations and Hospitals

[mshields]

Per the following paragragh from the NEC, do all operating rooms need to be Class I, Div 1. Are all anesthetics flammable?


517.60 Anesthetizing Location Classification.
FPN: If either of the anesthetizing locations in 517.60(A) or 517.60(B) is designated a wet procedure location, refer to 517.20.
(A) Hazardous (Classified) Location.
(1) Use Location. In a location where flammable anesthetics are employed, the entire area shall be considered to be a Class I, Division 1 location that extends upward to a level 1.52 m (5 ft) above the floor. The remaining volume up to the structural ceiling is considered to be above a hazardous (classified) location. [99: Annex E, E.1, and E.2]

 

[dbuckley]

Flammable anesthetics still exist, even if they are not widely used. Rules covering their usage will still be in just about every theatre's operation manual.

If you have some life you need filling, you can read the autobiography of Gasman John, which is both entertaining, and encompasses the history of aneasthesia over the last half century.

 

[steve66]

My understanding (I'm not 100% sure, but I've been told) is that flammable anesthetics are not used in the US, and are probably only used in third world countries.

I do still see signs on some OR's that state "non-flammable anesthetics only".

Steve