2003-03 Medical Gas Code Changes

In May 2003, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Medical Gas Piping Systems Committee released its seventh draft of the Medical Gas Pipeline Systems Standard for Medical Gases and Vacuum. Although the new CSA code is not YET in effect, it proposes a number of changes that may affect how your facility is run. The following are some of the most significant changes.

Medical Gas Supply

With respect to the medical gas supply, there are at least two new items that warrant consideration. For one, all new medical gas supplies must have a means for connection to a temporary gas supply. This is to facilitate an uninterrupted supply of gas during service to the manifold.  Hospital engineers will appreciate this since, in the past, all work had to be done on the manifold. As a result, entire hospitals would have to be shut down—or each floor needed to be back fed through an outlet or some other port—during maintenance.  This was neither an efficient nor a preferred scenario and likely put the facility at unnecessary risk. 

Vacuum Pumps

The next change is similar in focus. Vacuum systems must now include at least three vacuum pumps.  In the past, vacuum systems were typically sized as two pump systems. A “three pump” requirement prevents the possibility of a hospital not having access to a vacuum during maintenance of a pump. A provision has been made that systems may have only two pumps, provided that there is a means to attach an additional pump for use during maintenance.

Medical Gas System Installers

Further, the proposed code now lists a number of new requirements for medical gas system installers. For one, installers must have documented evidence of their ability to silver braze with nitrogen backing without using flux as issued by the local authority having jurisdiction. Installers must have a quality control procedure in place conforming to Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and will be trained according to these quality control procedures. Installers also must have documented proof that they have been trained in the requirements of this standard, particularly the installation requirements.

As in the past, systems currently in use that do not meet new code requirements may continue to function as always.  However, if any repairs or additions are done, the Medical Gas System—back to and including the nearest zone valve—must be upgraded to meet the newest standard requirements. 

For more information on how the new code requirements may affect your hospital or business, please contact Chad Born at 1 800 665 8566 or email cborn@cantest.com. 

Chad Born manages the Medical Gas Testing and Inspection Department at CANTEST LTD.