HazCom: Medical Gases

Medical gases are especially hazardous because they’re hard to smell and can’t be seen. Operating and recovery room staff are at the highest risk if gas leaks from tubing or from the patient’s mask. The longer the gases are inhaled or are in contact with your body, the more harm they can do.

Color System for Medical Gases

A standardized color system is crucial since it helps identify the compound in the cylinder. The color system for air and oxygen used in the United States, however, differs from those used internationally.

• Oxygen - Green (*White)

• Carbon dioxide - Gray

• Nitrous oxide - Blue

• Nitrogen - Black

• Helium - Brown

• Air - Yellow (*White & Black)

*International color

To prevent any mishaps from connecting the wrong cylinders, a safety system, called the Pin Index Safety System, is used. It employs a standardized, unique pin configuration system that acts as a lock and key system. This prevents the mismatching of gas cylinders with their corresponding connections in medical settings.