It seems like we just became familiar with the 2012 version of NFPA 99 and now, like the holidays, NFPA 99-2015 is right around the corner. For the medical gas community the good news is there are not a lot of changes directly affecting existing compliant systems.
The other side of the coin is that as the official code moves further from a rules based model to a risk based model, the application and liability is put all on the hospital. Here are the three "magic words" in general that control the changes:
- Risk assessment: A plan of action involving all medical and facilities assets equipment to judge how to deal with a breakdown of this equipment.
- Levels of sedation: Minimal, Moderate, Deep or General. These levels determine the criteria for risk, but also the valves, alarms and other parts to accommodate life in case of a shut down. (unchanged from 2012)
- Occupancy: What kind of patients or activities will take place in this space. This term replaces rooms from the old code.
In essence, engineering, construction, inspection and day to day operation is to be overseen by identifying these 3 major factors in some formal plan that will drive them to save lives or minimize injury should any of the building systems fail.
Requirements under NFPA 99-2015 Code
Here are some of the details that will be required under the NFPA 99-2015 code that are different from earlier versions. Cites are from the code as currently, constituted. Individual equipment and building features may require variation.
4.4 - Describes various tests to define non-combustible material that may be used in areas with stored medical gas.
5.1.3.2.12 & 13 - Manifold rooms and indoor gas storage areas must have walls, floors and ceilings that are fire rated for one hour and the doors must be ¾ hour rated. (In addition to being latched and properly signed.)
5.1.3.5.7 - All piped gases will require an auxiliary connection for emergency supply connection.
5.1.3.5.13 - Micro bulk systems cannot be in a room where the total of all compressed gases exceed 20,000 cubic feet. This means “micro bulk” systems can be indoors with the proper construction.
5.1.4.1.6 - Allows other kinds of medical gas valves to be used as long as they are quarter turn to off, have copper extensions, are labeled to easily indicate if the valve is open or closed and allow serviceability should the valve need replacement.
5.1.9.2.3 - Discusses the idea of electronic or radio connections between sensors, alarms and computers as opposed to “wired” connections.
5.1.10.2.1 - Specifies the stainless steel grades of piping that can be used instead of copper tubing for Oxygen connections and fittings.
5.1.10.11.7 - New here is medical gas and vacuum systems with the same contents are allowed to be interconnected with an in-line valve.
5.1.11.4 - Area alarm panel are required to clearly label the “name or chemical symbol of the specific medical gas or system being monitored” and “the area(s) monitored by the alarm panel.”
5.1.14.2.2.5 - In house trained maintenance personnel in addition to general certification (ASSE 6040) must be trained on the equipment in the hospital. Further, the hospital must provide on demand, proof of specific device training and competence.
5.3 - Describes the connections, valves and alarms allowed in Category 3 areas where minimal and moderate sedations take place.
Conclusion
NFPA 99-2012 is still the law today.
While medical gas changes in this proposed 2015 version of the code are easy to understand, it is a reminder that technology and oversight are always evolving. In order to deliver the safest and most compliant service to your patients and organization, it is valuable to stay ahead of regulation. Actual enforcement of these provisions will require adoption by CMS at some future date.
As these rules develop CHT will keep you informed. If you have specific questions about applying current or proposed regulations, please consult your CHT representative.
photo credit: Comparison
