What system is primarily responsible for removing waste anesthetic gases?

The system primarily responsible for removing waste anesthetic gases is the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This system is designed to maintain appropriate air quality and temperature within surgical environments where anesthetic gases are used. It effectively ventilates the operating room by introducing fresh air and removing contaminated air, including waste anesthetic gases that can pose health risks to both medical personnel and patients. Proper ventilation helps prevent the accumulation of these gases, ensuring a safer working environment.

While the central gas supply system delivers gases like oxygen and nitrous oxide for anesthesia, it does not actively remove waste gases from the environment. Humidity control is crucial for maintaining the comfort and safety of patients, but it is not directly involved in gas removal. An oscillating fan may help circulate air in a space but lacks the necessary systems and mechanisms designed to effectively manage and exhaust waste gases. Thus, the HVAC system plays a central role in the safe management of air quality in surgical settings.