ABSTRACT
Unless areas in which sedation is provided are within the main operating theatre, it is possible that they may not be fi tted with dedicated equipment, or alternatively they may be equipped with devices that have previously been used in the theatres, but which have been replaced there by newer models. It is important for staff in sedation facilities which receive such devices to remember that, when in theatre, this equipment will have been subject to rigorous, sometimes daily, safety checks and services. In fact, every anaesthetist is trained to perform a minimum safety check on their machines before using them.4 Staff in suites that are not attached to theatres which receive such decanted equipment should ensure that they are checked as regularly as is recommended, even if they are not often used. For example, in the case of older equipment it is entirely possible that spare parts would not be immediately available (or even available at all) if the devices started to malfunction. Improperly maintained equipment can fail when it is most needed (see Box 4.1), with disastrous consequences for the patient. It is unlikely that the Courts would look favourably on such lapses if legal action resulted.
