Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a vapor control system?
I have 10 air changes per hour; do I still need a vapor control system?
I switched to Cidex OPA; do I still need a vapor control system?
How do GUS® systems meet OSHA and JCAHO requirements?
What standard does OSHA use to regulate exposure limits of glutaraldehyde?
How do GUS® systems eliminate fumes?
How often do I need to change the filter?
How do I know which GUS® system to buy?
Can I use my own trays?
Do I need any special electrical requirements?
Do I need to keep the system running all the time?
Is Glutaraldehyde a Carcinogen?
How do I safely dispose of used glutaraldehyde and OPA?
Why
do I need a Vapor Control System?
All high-level disinfectants are toxic, including Glutaraldehyde,
OPA, Hydrogen Peroxide and Peracetic Acid. Fumes are created when
the surface tension is broken, this occurs when pouring and working
with these chemicals. Once fumes become dispersed in a room they are
very difficult to capture. An enclosed vapor control system captures these fumes
at the source, before they have a chance to disperse. In addition
to capturing fumes, splashes and spills are contained inside the vapor control system.
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I have 10 air changes per
hour; do I still need a vapor control system?
In some cases yes. Most rooms have the supply and return vents (for
air-conditioning & heating) in the ceiling. This often results
in the air simply ‘short circuiting’ and taking the quickest
route, going from the supply directly to the return. So even though
you technically have 10 air changes, the air is not being properly
mixed in the breathing zone. In some cases when the return air vent
is above the soaking container, it will actually draw the fumes up
through the breathing zone.
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I switched
to Cidex OPA; do I still need a vapor control system?
Cidex OPA is a powerful high-level disinfectant that works much faster
than glutaraldehyde. The instructions that come with Cidex OPA state
quite clearly that:
“Cidex OPA must be used in a well-ventilated area in closed
containers with tight fitting lids. If adequate ventilation (10 air
changes an hour) is not provided by the existing air conditioning
system, use in a local exhaust hood or ductless fume hood.” In
addition, it states that you must use “gloves of appropriate
type and length, eye protection and fluid resistant gowns.”
These are virtually the same recommendations given for glutaraldehyde.
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How do GUS® systems meet OSHA
and JCAHO requirements?
OSHA and JCAHO require that you protect workers and patients from
known risks. Since all high-level disinfectants by definition are
toxic, and their fumes are known irritants, you need to take steps
to protect workers and patients from exposure to them.
If used correctly, the GUS® systems eliminate the risk of exposure
to these fumes, thus meeting OSHA and JCAHO requirements.
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What standard
does OSHA use to regulate exposure limits of glutaraldehyde?
In 1989, based on the ACGIH recommendation at the time, OSHA adopted
a TLV-C (ceiling value limit) of 0.2 ppm as part of its Air Contaminants
Standard (20 CFR 1910.1000. ) OSHA enforces these exposure limits
by means of its General Duty Clause, which is designed to ensure that
each employer provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards.
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How do GUS® systems
eliminate fumes?
The blower draws fumes away from the worker and into a patented carbon
filter. A chemical bonding occurs inside the filter, trapping the
disinfectant fumes and clean air is returned to the room. Detailed
independent testing reports from a government recognized testing facility
are available by contacting PCI Medical.
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How often do I need to change
the filter?
Every GUS® system comes with its initial carbon filter. These
filters must be changed every six months to one year, depending on
usage. PCI Medical will automatically remind each end user of their
pending filter change and prompt them to purchase a replacement filter.
Also offered are automatic filter replacements, which can save you
money and increase the warranty on your GUS® unit.
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How do I know which GUS® system
to buy?
Typically the size of the soak tray that you use will determine the
GUS® system best for you. It is recommended that both a soak
and a rinse tray are INSIDE the GUS® system, to eliminate fume
exposure when transferring instruments. Many of our systems are designed
for soaking specific instruments, such as ultrasound probes, hysteroscopes,
cystoscopes, sigmoidoscopes and colonoscopes. The specially designed
soaking trays included with many of our systems will dramatically
cut down on the amount of disinfectant needed. If you would like help
determining the size system you need, you can simply call PCI Medical
1 800 862 3394
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Can I use my own trays?
In many cases, yes. However, we have found that many people are using
larger trays than they need and therefore are using far more disinfectant.
Many GUS® systems include instrument specific soaking trays,
which will also cut down dramatically on the amount of disinfectant
used.
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Do I need any special electrical
requirements?
The domestic US models are all 110/115-volt. Actual electrical consumption
will vary from unit to unit, please see the individual specification
pages for each machine. All GUS® systems use energy efficient
blowers/fans. 220/240-volt units are also available for export.
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Do I need to keep the system
running all the time?
As long as there is high-level disinfectant in the soak vessels, you
should leave the system running. The systems use very little electricity,
and leaving them running is like leaving a light on. You should always
cover your disinfectant after usage to lessen evaporation.
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Is Glutaraldehyde a carcinogen?
No, the FDA has not classified glutaraldehyde as a carcinogen. OSHA
specifically classifies glutaraldehyde as A4, which means, “not
classified as a human carcinogen”. Confusion over this classification
is due to the fact that OSHA does classify formaldehyde as a carcinogen.
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How do I safely dispose of used
glutaraldehyde and OPA?
Even after use, used glutaraldehyde and OPA remain highly toxic. Spills
often happen when carrying a tray of used glutaraldehyde over to the
sink for disposal. California now requires that glutaraldehyde and
OPA be neutralized prior to disposal down the drain. The larger vapor control systems from PCI Medical have built-in disposal systems that allow you
to safely transfer used disinfectant to the drain. PCI Medical also
offers a glycine based neutralizer to deactivate the used chemicals
prior to disposal. This not only protects your staff but also meets
the strict disposal codes in California.
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