Angus Galati - mechanical engineer

In hospitals, medical centres and laboratories, different gases are used by doctors and medical researchers to help treat patients, calibrate and run equipment and conduct scientific experiments. Oxygen and nitrous oxide are used during anaesthesia, while helium and oxygen can help patients with respiratory disorders. Nitrogen gas is useful for gauge calibration, liquid nitrogen for tissue preservation, and methane for carrying samples into analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers.

In my work as a mechanical engineer with Hoslab Systems, I help design the systems that pipe these gases to the different outlets where they are required in the hospitals and laboratories. We also produce systems for handling industrial gases including acetylene and the tool air used in pneumatic tools.

The work requires a good knowledge of how fluids and gases behave. Some of the gases involved are potentially flammable or even explosive under the right conditions.

I am head designer on several projects and have recently helped install gas-handling systems in two large Sydney hospitals and a major industrial laboratory.

As well as designing the gas systems, my work involves ensuring the quality of the final products, and managing projects so that they are finished on time and on budget. I also help put together tenders to convince potential clients that we are the best people to build their gas-handling systems.

I have an associate diploma in mechanical engineering from Meadowbank TAFE, and I am currently learning more about medical electronics.

In 1997, I was proud to be chosen as Young Associate Engineer of the Year; by the NSW branch of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. I have found engineering to be a fulfilling and interesting field where hard work is rewarded.

"Science Futures" was produced by Wisenet with the aid of a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism Science and Technology Awareness Program.