An important part of the preventative maintenance program includes regular inspections of the components of the medical gas pipeline system to verify their proper operation. The administrator of the health care facility shall designate one or more qualified operators to manage the security, testing, monitoring, operating, inspecting, maintaining, and recording of the condition and performance of medical gas systems. Maintenance and ongoing verification shall only be performed and recorded by persons qualified for the process. An audit or verification of the health care facility maintenance program must be completed every three years.

The CSA standard identifies specific minimum operating verifications that must be performed.

Scheduled inspections and audits

The frequency of verifications for all sections of the system shall be consistent, and as specified in the CSA Z7396.1 standard.

Daily inspections:

• Each pipeline pressure shall be observed and recorded at least once per day. If the pressure deviation is observed to be greater than ±5% from normal, the system shall be investigated.

6 month inspections:

• Supply systems and control equipment shall be checked at least every six months to determine the following:
  • Smooth transfer between primary, secondary and reserve sources.
  • Pressure regulators shall be observed and tested for droop as well as for creep.
  • The pressure setting of the parallel line pressure regulators shall be alternated and an operating record shall be kept.
  • Pigtails for high-pressure cylinder connections shall be inspected for flexibility, fatigue, damage, and gas compatibility. Non-return (check) valves shall be tested for closure.
  • Manifold valves shall be inspected for external leaks and closurability.
  • Cylinders, including spares and empties, shall be inspected to ensure that they are properly secured.
  • Gauges and displays shall be inspected for accuracy and legibility.
  • Indicator lights shall be inspected and replaced as needed.
  • Pressure relief devices shall be inspected for damage, leakage, and broken seals.
• Zone alarm panels shall be verified and documented for compliance with the audible, visual, and marking requirements, and verified for integrity. Documentation shall include observed defects, and/or where alarm panels are deemed noncompliant.
• Supply system alarm panels shall be verified and documented every six months to ensure that they continue to meet as-installed operating specifications.
• Medical air produced by a compressor-based system shall be analyzed for purity compliance.

12 month inspections:

• Zone alarm panels shall be verified and documented annually applying low-pressure and low vacuum alarm simulations to verify sensor functionality and ensure alarm calibrations.
• Instrument air produced by a compressor-based system shall be analyzed for purity compliance.
• Oxygen produced by a concentrator shall be analyzed for purity compliance.
• The supply systems environment shall be inspected annually to ensure it continues to conform to the installation requirements.
• Terminal units shall be tested for function, wear, mechanical performance, and flow resistance.
• Zone valves shall be leak tested and verified and documented to remain in compliance with the original installation requirements. Additionally, every 5 years zone valves must be checked for internal leakage by using a controlled standing pressure test to confirm tightness of shutoff.

Now complete Self-Test 1 and check your answers.

Self-Test 1