This section will be updated regularly.
It was first published on 28 February 2020 and last updated on 26 June 2020
Members with sector-related requests around the COVID-19 pandemic can contact Philippe or Jan (*). Upon discussing the request/matter within the EIGA community, EIGA will take appropriate action (sharing information, setting up a temporary expert group, escalate to the EIGA Board, …) and feedback.
How EIGA supports our industry to continue to save lives:
- Read here how the Medical Gases industry successfully ramped up oxygen supply to COVID-19 patients
- Technical Bulletin TB 35 provides explanation to EIGA members and others who fill the listed gases in M326, what they should do and not do.
- With COVID-19, a lot of people are handling large cylinders they are not familiar with. Doc 229 offers a new Guidance for Manual Handling includes ergonomic principles that can be adopted to reduce likelihood of musculoskeletal issues.
- Briefing Note BN 27 (for members only) was issued to support the “Temporary Use of Equipment Not CE Marked as Devices in Medical Gas Service” during the pandemic for use in medical or breathing gas service.
- EIGA published a Briefing Note BN 26 (for members only) on how to disinfect cylinders, to assure the safety of operating staff and drivers, but also users and in addition to obtain a sufficient number of empty cylinders to assure the supply to healthcare facilities and homecare services. See also the related Doc 222.
- Issue a MGC Briefing Note BN 25 (for members only) with proposals for temporary derogation measures to support the continuation of supply of all medical gases to healthcare facilities and homecare services.
EIGA shares good practices, country implementation and status, actions our different members undertake, and other relevant information as provided by the National Associations and our members. The objective is to provide insights on the status within our membership and in the different countries. This overview (for members only) can be downloaded here.
- Because of the pandemic, EIGA has requested temporary derogations to dangerous goods transport regulations. As result, UNECE ADR Geneva published
- M326 on “Periodic inspection and test of pressure receptacles”, describing for a limited time period and for certain gases, that closed cryogenic receptacles and pressure receptacles arriving for refill that have an expired date of periodic inspection and test, are permitted to be filled and carried.
- M325 on ADR “periodic or intermediate inspections of tanks, and certificate of approval for vehicles in accordance”
- M324 on “ADR driver training certificates and safety adviser certificates”.
- Or see down this list, for the latest status.
All EIGA meetings are changed to Net Meetings until 31st of August. EIGA is ready to welcome guests and working groups as from 1st of September, with the below measures:
1. No handshaking – other than eye-contact and a smile, we will use non-physical-contact methods of greeting.
2. Masks or no masks? EIGA asks its visitors to wear masks when social distancing is difficult (e.g. the elevator). Please refrain from meeting at EIGA if you would feel sick.
3. Create physical space – we will meet in the two meeting rooms – even if there are only a few people – and leave at least one chair between each person.
4. No air-conditioning–Ventilation will be by opening windows and doors.
5. Wash hands – hand washing is encouraged before entering the meeting.
6. Sanitise hands – hand sanitisers are available at the door.
7. Coughs and sneezes – plenty of tissues are on hand to catch coughs and sneezes. Bins are at hand as well.
8. Disinfect surfaces – doorknobs and handles, tables, chairs, desks, handrails, hardware (keyboards, telephones, AV equipment) are cleaned daily.
