--- title: "NFPA 99-2015 Code vs. 2012: A Side by Side Comparison" description: Highlighted changes to NFPA 99-2015 code includes risk assessment, levels of sedation and occupancy. image: https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/blog/sidebysidecomparison.png --- - [**(800) 438-1152**](tel:8663081651) - [**Login**](https://pro.vitaleyez.com/) [![CHT Healthcare](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hs-fs/hub/479873/file-2389205739-png/Images/cht-logo.png?width=196&name=cht-logo.png "CHT Healthcare")](https://www.chthealthcare.com) [![Schedule Discovery Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/479873/b96d36aa-3e9c-41a4-9689-052c59302f8c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/479873/b96d36aa-3e9c-41a4-9689-052c59302f8c) - [About](https://www.chthealthcare.com/about) - Services - [Inspection, Testing & Maintenance](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-inspection-and-testing) - [Vac Wash](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vacuum-system-cleaner) - [Monitoring](https://www.chthealthcare.com/environmental-monitoring) - [Installation](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-installation) - [Training](https://www.chthealthcare.com/asse-6040-24-hour-certification-course) - [Team](https://www.chthealthcare.com/team/administrative) - [Careers](https://www.chthealthcare.com/careers) - [Blog](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.chthealthcare.com/contact) - [![Schedule Discovery Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/479873/b96d36aa-3e9c-41a4-9689-052c59302f8c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/479873/b96d36aa-3e9c-41a4-9689-052c59302f8c) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-inspection-1.png)Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Get Verified Results for your Medical Gas system.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-inspection-and-testing) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-vac.png)VacWash Clean your medical vacuum system to provide optimal pressure.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vacuum-system-cleaner) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-monitor.png)Environmental Monitoring Maintain the health of your employees in your facility.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/environmental-monitoring) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-install.png)Installation Ensure patient safety, reduce risk, and increase your profitability.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-installation) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-train.png)Training ASSE medical gas certification training for your people.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/asse-6040-24-hour-certification-course) - [**(800) 438-1152**](tel:8663081651) - [**Login**](https://pro.vitaleyez.com/) - [**Support**](https://www.chthealthcare.com/support) [![CHT Healthcare](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hs-fs/file-2389205739-png/Images/cht-logo.png?width=196&height=76&name=cht-logo.png "CHT Healthcare")](https://www.chthealthcare.com) - [About](https://www.chthealthcare.com/about) - Services - [Inspection, Testing & Maintenance](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-inspection-and-testing) - [Vac Wash](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vacuum-system-cleaner) - [Monitoring](https://www.chthealthcare.com/environmental-monitoring) - [Installation](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-installation) - [Team](https://www.chthealthcare.com/team/administrative) - [Careers](https://www.chthealthcare.com/careers) - [Blog](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.chthealthcare.com/contact) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-inspection.png)Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Get Verified Results for your Medical Gas system.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-inspection-and-testing) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-vacwash.png)VacWash Clean your medical vacuum system to provide optimal pressure.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vacuum-system-cleaner) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-monitoring.png)Environmental Monitoring Maintain the health of your employees in your facility.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/environmental-monitoring) - [![](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon-intallation.png)Installation Ensure patient safety, reduce risk, and increase your profitability.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-installation) # NFPA 99-2015 Code vs. 2012: A Side by Side Comparison Posted by [Jason Di Marco](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog/author/jason-di-marco) on December 15, 2016 ![Jason Di Marco](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Team/2020/jason-dimarco.jpg) [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![sidebysidecomparison.png](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/blog/sidebysidecomparison.png) 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](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-compliance-services) 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](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hospital-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](https://www.chthealthcare.com/area-alarm-locations/):** 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:](https://www.chthealthcare.com/2012-life-safety-code/)** 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.  **Bonus Content:** Download our [free PDF on Regulatory Immunity](http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/479873/601cfced-1243-4510-bb9c-e543a635e315) to help you achieve Joint Commission Compliance. ### 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](https://www.chthealthcare.com/preventative-maintenance) 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](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vac-wash-system-services) 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.](https://www.chthealthcare.com/talk-to-cht-healthcare) [![Click Here to Download Our Free Regulatory Immunity eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/479873/601cfced-1243-4510-bb9c-e543a635e315.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/479873/601cfced-1243-4510-bb9c-e543a635e315) photo credit: [Comparison](https://www.flickr.com/photos/chadmiller/280175763/) Topics: [Medical Gas Compliance](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog/topic/medical-gas-compliance) Author ![Jason Di Marco](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Team/2020/jason-dimarco.jpg) ### [Jason Di Marco](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog/author/jason-di-marco) President and CEO at Compliant Healthcare Technologies, LLC Jason Di Marco has been intimately involved with helping hospitals protect and improve their medical piped gas systems from CHT's beginnings. He is certified by ASSE, NITC, and NFPA as an inspector and installer and has worked with major institutions from construction to risk assessment planning. ### Subscribe Here! ### About - [About](https://www.chthealthcare.com/about) - [Careers](https://www.chthealthcare.com/careers) - [Blog](https://www.chthealthcare.com/blog) ### Services - [Medical Gas Inspection & Testing and Maintenance](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-inspection-and-testing) - [Medical Vac Wash](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-vacuum-system-cleaner) - [Environmental Monitoring](https://www.chthealthcare.com/environmental-monitoring) - [Medical Gas Installation](https://www.chthealthcare.com/medical-gas-installation) ### Contact - [Contact](https://www.chthealthcare.com/contact) - [Login](https://pro.vitaleyez.com/) ### Location Compliant Healthcare Technologies 6779 Engle Road STE A-B Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 [![linkedin](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon_li-1-1.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/1959331) [![twitter](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon_twitter_x.png)](https://twitter.com/CHTHealthcare) [![facebook](https://www.chthealthcare.com/hubfs/Images/icons/icon_fb-1-1.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Compliant-Healthcare-Technologies-LLC/375330609209299) (800) 438-1152 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/93187285) |  [Cookie Policy](https://www.iubenda.com/privacy-policy/93187285/cookie-policy) |  © 2026 Compliant Healthcare Technologies, LLC. All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jason Di Marco" }, "dateModified" : "June 16, 2021, 7:03:11 PM", "datePublished" : "2016-12-15 12:00:40", "description" : "Highlighted changes to NFPA 99-2015 code includes risk assessment, levels of sedation and occupancy.", "headline" : "NFPA 99-2015 Code vs. 2012: A Side by Side Comparison", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/479873/blog/sidebysidecomparison.png" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/479873/file-2389205739-png/Images/cht-logo.png" }, "name" : "CHT Healthcare" } } ```