Environment of Care (EC) (Critical Access Hospitals / Critical Access Hospitals)
Piped Medical Gas/Vacuum Systems - Maintenance Strategy
Publish | January 01, 0001
What is the requirement for activities and intervals of testing for piped medical gas and vacuum systems?
The Joint Commission standards are not prescriptive with regard to tasks and frequencies for piped medical gas and vacuum systems. In accordance with EC.02.05.09, for each piped medical gas and vacuum system, the source, distribution, inlets/outlets, and the alarms that protect the systems are to be maintained in a safe and reliable condition. These are considered high-risk utility systems. In accordance with EC.02.05.01, the organization is to develop a maintenance strategy based upon manufacturer's recommendation or an alternative equipment maintenance (AEM) strategy. Issues such as system complexity, system age/condition, patient acuity, etc. are to be used to assess maintenance strategies. NFPA 99 (1999 edition) Appendix C can be used as a guide for establishing a maintenance strategy, but appendix material are not requirements unless adopted by a controlling authority. The survey process will evaluate the maintenance strategy assessment process for effectiveness, and validate that it has been properly implemented. [EC.02.05.09]
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