Abstract
The ventilation rates of 23 operating theatres were tested randomly. These were found to vary widely from-design specifications (− 43 to +40%). One modern theatre was studied intensively for 6 months and the causes of poor ventilation determined. Preventative maintenance schemes are justified by a positive relationship with plant performance. The influence of theatre ventilation on contamination with anaesthetic agents and the medico-legal implications of poor theatre ventilation are discussed. There is a need for main duct airflow signals, displayed in theatre, to warn personnel of low levels of theatre ventilation.

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