Marchwood has been granted UKAS accreditation for its nitrous oxide analysis (N2O) services. This service is vital to help employers and occupational hygienists protect workers and ensure a safe working environment while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
‘Nitrous oxide, or Entonox, is commonly used in medical settings to provide short-term pain relief and to calm anxiety in childbirth, minor surgery, and dental treatments,’ said Jenny Wraith, Business Development Manager at Marchwood. ‘Despite these benefits, acute exposure is extremely dangerous. Because only 0.004% of nitrous oxide is metabolised by the body, almost all of it is exhaled unchanged, maintaining its potency in the surrounding air. In environments with inadequate ventilation, this can lead to harmful accumulation, posing a risk to medical and clinical staff.
‘With this in mind, protecting workers and monitoring air quality in areas where Entonox is used is absolutely essential. To do this, employers must conduct regular analysis to assess exposure levels and implement necessary safety measures. At Marchwood, we can help.’
Marchwood provides comprehensive air quality analysis services using molecular sieve tubes for sample collection. These tubes can be deployed as static samples within rooms or used with lapel clips to measure exposure within a worker’s breathing zone. Samples are analysed using thermal desorption, with a limit of detection of 1.8 micrograms, ensuring exceptional sensitivity and precision.
‘Our newly awarded UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025 should assure our clients that our nitrous oxide analysis meets the highest standards of technical competence and reliability,’ continued Jenny. ‘Achieving this accreditation ultimately shows our dedication to supporting safer workplaces through robust, scientifically validated analysis.’
Acute exposure to Entonox could lead to vitamin B12 depletion, resulting in anaemia, and could impair mental performance, audio visual ability, and manual dexterity. At its worst and with chronic or habitual exposure, it can cause severe neurological damage. To maintain a safe working environment where Entonox and similar gases are used, it is essential to ensure adequate ventilation, regular air monitoring, and ongoing staff education about the potential risks of exposure.
For more information on our services, contact us.
