Veterinary Anesthesia Machine Daily Safety Check Checklist
Anesthesia machine failures are a leading cause of preventable anesthetic deaths in veterinary patients. This daily pre-use checklist ensures all anesthesia equipment is functioning correctly before any patient is anesthetized.
- Industry: Veterinary
- Frequency: Daily / Pre-Use
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Veterinarian / Veterinary Technician
- Total Items: 36
Oxygen Supply and Pressure
Verify oxygen supply is adequate for planned procedures.
- Oxygen cylinder valve opened and pressure adequate for day's schedule?
- Cylinder pressure gauge reading adequate (above 500 psi)?
- Oxygen flowmeter float moves freely - not sticky?
- Backup oxygen cylinder available and valved?
- If using pipeline oxygen: pressure within normal range (50-55 psi)?
- Oxygen cylinders secured upright in approved holder - not free-standing?
Vaporizer Check
Verify vaporizer is filled and functioning.
- Vaporizer agent level adequate for planned procedures?
- Vaporizer contains correct agent (isoflurane vs. sevoflurane)?
- Vaporizer dial turns smoothly - not stuck at any setting?
- Vaporizer dial confirmed at 0% before attaching breathing circuit?
- No agent odor detected near vaporizer fill port?
- Vaporizer serviced per manufacturer schedule (typically annually)?
Breathing Circuit Integrity
Leak test and inspect breathing circuit.
- System leak test performed and passed (pressure holds at 10-20 cmH2O)?
- Breathing hoses free of cracks, holes, or damage?
- All connectors firmly seated and not loose?
- Pop-off (APL) valve opens freely and fully?
- Rebreathing bag free of punctures and correct size for patient?
- CO2 absorber granules fresh (no color change to pink/white from blue/purple)?
Scavenging System
Verify scavenging system is functioning to remove waste anesthetic gas.
- Scavenging system connected to pop-off valve and ventilator exhaust?
- Scavenger flow adequate - float in indicator range if active scavenger?
- Passive scavenger charcoal canister within useful life - weight checked?
- No agent odor detectable in anesthesia area (suggests leak or scavenging failure)?
- Staff reporting no headaches or dizziness during/after anesthesia procedures?
- Surgery/anesthesia area has adequate room ventilation (not recirculated only)?
Patient Monitoring Equipment
Verify patient monitoring equipment is ready.
- Pulse oximeter functioning with appropriate probe for species?
- Capnograph (CO2 monitor) calibrated and sampling line clear?
- Blood pressure monitor functioning with appropriate cuff size?
- ECG monitoring available and functional?
- Temperature monitoring device and heating pad available?
- Emergency drugs drawn up and labeled per clinic protocol?
Documentation
Document pre-use check.
- Daily machine check logged with date and technician signature?
- Any issues identified immediately reported to veterinarian?
- Failed machine removed from service and labeled DO NOT USE?
- Repair requests tracked in maintenance log?
- CO2 absorber change logged with date?
- Previous day's issues resolved before machine cleared for use?
Related Veterinary Checklists
- Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist
- Veterinary Dental Procedure Safety and Equipment Checklist
- Veterinary Infectious Disease Isolation Protocol Checklist
- Veterinary Practice DEA Controlled Substance Compliance Checklist
- Veterinary Boarding Kennel Daily Care and Safety Checklist
- Veterinary Spay and Neuter Surgical Protocol Safety Checklist
- Veterinary Feline Housing and Welfare Standards Checklist
- Veterinary Practice Infection Control Annual Audit Checklist
Related Clinical Operations Checklists
- Veterinary Exam Room Turnover and Sanitation Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Dental Procedure Safety and Equipment Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Infectious Disease Isolation Protocol Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Practice DEA Controlled Substance Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Spay and Neuter Surgical Protocol Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary ICU Patient Monitoring and Critical Care Checklist - FREE Download
- Large Animal Veterinary Practice Safety and Handling Checklist - FREE Download
- Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear-Free Examination Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Radiology and X-Ray Safety Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Veterinary Anesthesia Machine Daily Safety Check Checklist?
This veterinary anesthesia machine daily safety check checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / veterinary technician professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / pre-use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Veterinary Anesthesia Machine Daily Safety Check Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Oxygen Supply and Pressure, Vaporizer Check, Breathing Circuit Integrity, Scavenging System, Patient Monitoring Equipment, Documentation. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily / pre-use. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Veterinary Anesthesia Machine Daily Safety Check Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Veterinary Technician professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.