Tradespeople will now require a special licence to install medical gas in NSW following legislation passed by the NSW Government this evening.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said that the Gas Legislation Amendment (Medical Gas Systems) Bill has created robust new regulations that increase protections for patients that are administered medical gas during medical procedures.
“In 2016, contractors incorrectly labelled a gas pipe oxygen instead of nitrous oxide at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital which led to the tragic loss of a life and the permanent disability of one newborn,” Mr Anderson said.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring this never happens again and no other families will have to endure the heartbreak and anguish these two families have suffered.
“From today, any person who is looking to install or test medical gas in a medical facility in NSW must have specialist qualifications and the appropriate level of skills and experience to do the work.
“These are straightforward and common-sense reforms that are first and foremost about the safety of the people of NSW.
“The days of unlicensed medical gas fitting in this state is over.”
Mr Anderson said the legislation has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including NSW Health, the building and health sectors, training providers, medical gas suppliers and medical service providers.
“We have left no stone unturned to ensure this legislation is as comprehensive, practical and effective as possible,” Mr Anderson said.
“We are also committed to punishing anyone who thinks they can operate outside of these new rules to the fullest extent of the law.
“If people or businesses are found to have breached the standards we have put in place they will face significant fines and potentially jail time.”