National Dental Advisory Committee - Emergency Drugs & Equipment in Primary Dental Care

Appendix 2: Guidelines for the transport of medical gas cylinders

The Health and Safety Executive advice that oxygen cylinders as used in dentistry, which include a regulator, hose and mask, form part of a "ready to use" set. As such they are exempt from European Agreements concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) by virtue paragraph 1.1.3.1 (b). Measures need to be taken to prevent leakage of contents in normal conditions of carriage.^[10]

A car insurance company should be informed if a vehicle is being used to transport medical oxygen. There is normally no additional charge for the carriage of D size cylinders.

You must ensure that:

1. the cylinder valve is properly closed;

2. the equipment is carried securely in the vehicle;

3. the equipment is carried in purpose-made bags or cases;

4. the equipment is removed from the vehicle as soon as possible.

Duty-holders will still need to carry out a risk assessment and provide appropriate training under other legislation such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and the Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations.

Such training should include:

1. Adequate knowledge of the properties of the gas;

2. Correct operating procedures for the cylinder;

3. Awareness of the potential load including the precautions and actions to be taken in the event of an emergency or oxygen leak.