Medical Gas Compliance Blog

As with most healthcare aspects, medical gas systems continue to evolve to provide a safer, more effective patient experience. NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code is no exception, and the 2021 edition has some noteworthy changes and additions with which facility managers should be aware.

This most recent edition was published in October of 2020. While there is no current indication the 2021 edition will be adopted by CMS, some of the updates highlight the importance of qualified individuals managing and maintaining medical gas systems.

As we move into 2021, there continues to be an increased demand for oxygen delivery systems. Oxygen remains a critical resource in any disaster management.  With the COVID-19 pandemic still heavily prevalent, the oxygen delivery infrastructure is nearly collapsing under pressure.

Strategic management of oxygen supplies in this time remains a priority. Hospitals have large supplies of liquid oxygen and a supply of compressed gas oxygen cylinders that allow several days of the reserve, but a large influx of patients from the pandemic is straining these resources.

As a leader in the control, management, and monitoring of medical gas systems, our commitment to the healthcare facility managers' encourages us to stay on top of preventative measures you can take to keep this from happening to your facility's oxygen and medical gas systems.

Patient safety is a critical element of an efficient and effective healthcare facility. 

Every year, the Joint Commission's safety goals are updated to provide the highest standard of care for patients. TJC approves changes to its National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGS) to address the best practices to achieve patient safety.

The solutions, tailored to help hospitals and other healthcare organizations protect their patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. 

At CHT, we understand you want your medical gas systems to be compliant, pass inspections, and are safe for your facility. We provide quick access to compliance documentation when you need it and identify maintenance issues before becoming patient issues.

This article discusses the emerging patient safety issues and what action you can take to address them.

Medical gas equipment can be complex and varied in nature. And difficulty in accurately interpreting NFPA codes can add to the complexity. Flexible connectors are a good example.

They can reference the metallic connectors on central supply sources to mitigate machine vibration. Flexible connectors can also refer to non-metallic hoses that interconnect secondary and clinical equipment to wall inlets and outlets. They may be present in headwalls, manufactured assemblies, or simple drops from ceiling inlets and outlets. These types of hoses can be constructed of different materials, but all should be periodically inspected by the hospital staff to ensure they are not kinked or damaged. Of particular concern are hoses in surgical areas, as they can get bent, stepped on, and pinched by equipment.

In this article, we focus on the flexible connectors that are internal to articulating booms and pendants typically found in OR's, ICU's, ED’s and procedure rooms. The booms are designed for the unique needs of these areas and help eliminate the cords and cables which were once on the floor. Thereby making it easier to maneuver around a patient and equipment. They create an orderly working environment, increase efficiency, and contribute to an overall cleaner environment.

Cutting energy costs and reducing energy consumption are some of the first places healthcare facilities pursue to reduce their environmental impact and enhance sustainability. Healthcare organizations spend over $6.5 billion on energy each year, and that amount is rising to meet patients' needs.

By increasing energy efficiency, hospitals can improve their bottom line, freeing up funds to invest in new technologies and improve patient care.

As healthcare facility managers, you understand that medical gases and vacuum systems provide a safe and cost-effective source of the medical gases you require. Sources that produce the flow of medical gases through the piping networks are essential. This article looks at some of the energy-efficient central supply sources in healthcare facilities.

In the United States, medical devices are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Most medical devices are required to follow specific design control processes and comply with FDA 21 CFR part 820 Quality System Regulations.

As a leader in the control, management, and monitoring of medical gas systems, our commitment to the medical field encourages us to stay on top of design controls in medical devices, product development, and risk management.

Zone valves are an integral component of your medical gas pipeline distribution network. They allow for isolation of specific areas of the system in the event of an emergency, required maintenance, or planned shutdowns related to renovations and modifications.

Incorrect locations, out of date labeling, or potential obstructions could result in disaster if this otherwise static asset is not appropriately managed. It is essential to be mindful of the zone valve requirements and considerations below to ensure  this vital utility system's effective operation.

Given today’s challenging healthcare environment and the demands placed on safety and performance, it is more crucial than ever for healthcare facilities to have control of their medical gas system, as well as the proper compliant documentation to support it.

Schematic drawings or "riser diagrams" provide a visual of the entire medical gas pipeline system, from source supply equipment to patient. A riser diagram can ensure the system is easy to understand and the key components can be quickly identified. This is especially critical during any maintenance system shutdowns.

At CHT we understand you want your medical gas systems to be compliant, pass inspections, and are safe for your facility. In this article, we discuss the importance of gas riser diagrams and the mapping of your medical gas systems.

The past several weeks highlights navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the hyper-realization of the vital importance of the medical gas system, and the effects of increased demand on this critical infrastructure. As a result of pushing these systems to, or even beyond their designed limits, additional risk factors have been realized and should be addressed in the weeks and months ahead. Below are some considerations to keep in mind during these unprecedented times.

While some areas and facilities have already experienced a peak in cases and are, hopefully, on a downward trend, other parts of the country are right in the middle of this crisis. And still, other areas have fortunately experienced little impact. And there is always the potential for a surge to reemerge in the future.

Regardless of an individual facility’s experience, now is the time to identify and evaluate potential risks and how to address them moving forward. While doing so, it is essential to remember that assessing these risks should not be based solely on the possibility of an asset failure, but on the overall impact that may occur when an asset does fail.