Medical Gas Alarm Panel Testing

Q. Is there a code requirement for medical gas alarm panel testing?  Monthly, quarterly, etc?

A. Chapter 9 of NFPA 99, 2005 edition states that:

9.8.5.  A periodic testing procedure for nonflammable medical gas and vacuum and related alarm systems shall be implemented.

9.8.8.  Audible and visual alarm indicators shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be periodically tested to determine they are functioning properly
(2) Have records of the tests maintained until the next test is performed

Also, the Joint Commission, Environment of Care (EC 02.05.09), states that the hospital inspects, tests, and maintains medical gas and vacuum systems.

A1. In time frames defined by the hospital, the hospital inspects, tests, and maintains critical components of the piped medical gas systems, including master signal panels, area alarms, automatic pressure switches, shutoff valves, flexible connectors, and outlets.  These activities are documented.

Finally, CMS State Operations Manual states that equipment must be maintained to ensure an acceptable level of safety and quality.  Further, there must be a regular periodical maintenance and testing program for equipment.  A qualified individual such as a clinical or biomedical engineer, or other qualified maintenance person must monitor, test, calibrate and maintain the equipment periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and Federal and State laws and regulations.  Equipment maintenance may be conducted using hospital staff, contracts, or through a combination of hospital staff and contracted services.

Equipment includes both facility equipment (e.g., elevators, generators, air handlers, medical gas systems, air compressors and vacuum systems, etc.) and medical equipment (e.g., biomedical equipment, radiological equipment, patient beds, stretchers, IV infusion equipment, ventilators, laboratory equipment, etc.).

There are also some recommended activity frequencies identified in the ASSE 6000 Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel and the Compressed Gas Association E-10 Maintenance of Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems in Health Care Facilities.  Both of these documents recommend monthly testing of area alarms.

Essentially, the hospital decides the frequency as long as it is documented and the program is followed properly.

Another item to keep in mind no matter what frequency is decided upon is that all of these documents discuss the need for any persons performing work on the medical gas and vacuum systems to be competent and experienced in the maintenance and testing of medical gas and vacuum systems by some documented training program.  This is to ensure that public, personnel, and patient safety is being protected at all times.

Get Your ASSE 6000 Medical Gas Certification Online

Jonathan Willard
Certified Medical Gas Services, LLC
www.certifiedmedgas.com

Medical Gas Certifications, Inc.
www.medgascerts.com