Ethylene Oxide (EO or EtO) Ethylene oxide is the most widely used low temperature sterilant, and it is still the dominant process used by the medical device industry, owing to its effectiveness and compatibility with most materials. First employed as a fumigant in the 1920s, it was developed as a sterilant in the 1940s by…
Within sterile processing departments, the predominant modality for ethylene oxide sterilization is the sealed EtO cartridge approach, as sold by 3M. In its Product Profile on the Steri-Gas™ EO cartridges, 3M puts forth these recommendations: Keep all sources of ignition such as matches, lighted cigarettes, sparks and static discharge away from the sterilizer and cartridges.…
The dictionary defines “danger” as “the state of being exposed to harm : liability to injury, pain, or loss.” Typically, gas detection is deployed in areas that contain potential danger. This danger may result from some sort of upset condition, as in a leak—representing an immediate toxic or explosive risk—or it could be more insidious,…
This entry refers to issues from several years ago, but the concepts are still quite valid. In the wake of the FEMA trailers and the recalled toys from China—to say nothing of the hype surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)—you may have heard some pundit say that “There is no safe…
Background Gas detection instruments must often be used or installed in areas considered to be “hazardous locations.” Generically, all sorts of hazards might be recognized in a particular environment, but the term “hazardous locations,” as it applies to electrically-operated equipment refers to provisions established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and various other organizations.…
