Many of us think of the medical gas system as the oxygen that is pumped to patients during a surgery or operation. Interestingly, numerous gases are a part of the average medical gas system. This also includes anesthesia gas, which is a part of the cart in the operating room. Regulated as a drug, medical gas systems sustain life. This essentially means there are numerous restrictions on how to legally use them safely and properly.
The most commonly used medical gases used in a healthcare facility include oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, medical air, helium, and carbon monoxide.
Checklist of questions to ask before a medical gas system installation
- Is there a blueprint for the existing (and new) system? Blueprints play a crucial role to ensure the most optimized design along with patient safety. In addition, the NFPA design edition must be thoroughly followed. The design planning must also meet the state requirements.
- How is the risk assessment done before shutting down the medical gas system? With the successful completion of the assessment, concerned users would become well aware of the project and its potential impact on the patients of the facility. There must be an emergency plan in place in case medical gas systems get affected during the project tenure.
- Is there at least twice the estimated gas required to back-feed the system? There must be a few reliable and responsible people for the medical gas back feed.
- How exactly temporary is the temporary supply? Do you have a verifiable back feed wherein all the NFPA 99 requirements are being fully met? The master alarm system must be fully operational in case there is an emergency medical gas system shut down.
- Are there certified ASSE 6010 installers in place who are performing the project work? They need to have NITC identification to make sure they hold the latest certifications to work towards the betterment of the project. The contractor must ensure the inspection is completely passed.
- Is a credible and verifying company working for you? The company’s sole interest must be with your facility and not the contractor.
- Will the project be neatly documented when it is fully accomplished? Are the life safety drawings updated? Are there technical specifications and manuals in place to work for the new system components?
Monitoring Systems and Fail Safes
A monitoring system must be in place to maintain an adequate supply of medical gases. The system should be able to trace the flow of the gas from its origin, right through the numerous outlets the gas passes through. The system must be able to tell you the exact amount of gas that is remaining in the tanks. The systems have to be carefully designed so that the correct female connector can be connected by using pin patterns.
Choosing Medical Testing Solutions
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