Medical gas pipeline system disruption during tropical cyclone 'Fani' - a clear and present danger of tropical cyclones: Are we prepared?

• Published in: Indian journal of anaesthesia Vol. 64; no. 5; pp. 439 - 441
• Main Authors: Mohanty, Chitta, Ahmad, Suma, Bellapukonda, Snigdha, Sahoo, Sangeeta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Belagaum Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.05.2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Climate change; Cyclones; Disasters; Gas transmission industry; Global temperature changes; Letter to Editor; Natural disasters; Natural gas pipelines; Patient care; Patient safety; Pipelines; Safety and security measures; Storms; Surgery; Tropical cyclones
• ISSN: 0019-5049; 0976-2817
• DOI: 10.4103/ija.IJA_67_20

Sir, The sudden disruption of oxygen supplies due to damage to medical gas pipeline system (MGPS) during a natural disaster can adversely affect patient safety during anaesthesia. Adequate experience and knowledge of medical administration and the involved department (anaesthesia and critical care) while installing the MGPS is one of the important factors which should be taken into account while installing the MGPS and liquid oxygen plantPipelines in exposed areas shall be protected from physical damageMedical gas piping must be clearly identified using non removable stickers that are colour coded according to the gas [Figure 1]Hangers should be installed as required for support of all exposed pipingsMM Kembla Kemlag sheaths are available to fit over and protect. Buried gas pipelines are preferred to avoid physical damage to them due to high-speed winds If buried then a sticker must be present over the ground to identify themBuried pipelines shall be protected adequately against frost, corrosion and physical damageCopper tubes may experience severe corrosion if buried in direct contact with extreme environmentsMedical gas pipelines may be placed in the same tunnel, trench or duct with fuel gas pipelines or steam lines, provided that these medical gas pipelines are a minimum of 50 mm from other pipeline systems and combustible material and there is good ventilationMedical gas pipelines should not be enclosed in reinforced concrete or placed under slab on ground floors.