Gas Pipelines
Pressurized gases must be distributed to locations throughout the health care facility (see
Chapter 110). Medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air are particularly
important for the administration of anesthesia in the operating room. Medical gases
are stored either in metal cylinders or in the reservoirs of bulk gas storage and central supply
systems. The central supply system is the source of medical gases that are distributed
via the facility pipeline system. The number and location of wall outlets in the operating
room varies, depending on facility design and surgical specialty. Figure 90-2 shows a wall
outlet for nitrogen commonly used to power pneumatic tools such as saws and drills.