Medical Gases
Fischer Mechanical’s Pipefitters are certified in Medical Gas installation (Certification: ASME IX Brazer & ASSE 6010 Installer N.F.P.A 99-2012). Correctly installing medical gas piping and equipment is a very important process. This is a process that is done in a very meticulously manner. Everyone that works on medical gas piping and equipment always realize the importance of performing the task correctly, due to the high risk involved. Every time a medical gas piping system is installed, many follow-up tests are performed to make sure all pipes are properly installed and are functional.
Types of Medical Gases:
Oxygen:
Oxygen is used by patients needing supplemental oxygen through masks. In hospitals, there is a large storage of liquid oxygen which is evaporated into a concentrated oxygen supply. Oxygen is also stored in high-pressure cylinders.
Medical Air:
Medical Air is a compressed air distributed by a special air compressor, through a dryer which enables the correct dew point, then the Medical Air is distributed to patient care areas. Medical air is also stored in high-pressure cylinders.
Nitrous Oxide:
Nitrous Oxide is used for anesthetic functions during pre-operative procedures. Nitrous Oxide is delivered in high-pressure cylinders and supplied to various surgical suites through medical gas system.
Nitrogen:
Nitrogen is typically used for pneumatic surgical equipment during various procedures. Nitrogen is delivered in high-pressure cylinders.
Instrument Air / Surgical Air:
Instrument air like nitrogen is used to power surgical equipment. Instrument air is generated on-site by special air compressors similar to how medical air is produced. Instrument air is becoming a replacement to Nitrogen.
Carbon Dioxide:
Carbon Dioxide is used for insufflation during surgery. Carbon Dioxide is also used in laser surgeries and certain respiratory disorders.
Medical Vacuum:
Medical Vacuum is used in support of suction equipment and evacuation procedures in hospitals. Medical Vacuum is supplied by vacuum pump system exhausting in the atmosphere.
WAGD / AGSS:
Waste Anaesthetic Gas Disposal (WAGD) or Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging System (AGSS), is used in anaesthetic evacuation procedures in hospitals. Similar to medical vacuum system, but some building code jurisdictions require anaesthetic gases to be scavenged separately. WAGD / AGSS systems are not required to be as powerful as medical vacuum systems.
Medical Gas Mixtures:
Many Medical Gas Mixtures are used for medical applications. Test gases are used to maintain medical equipment and devices. The test gases are also used for calibrating devices used for the delivery of anaesthetic gases. Medical gas mixtures are used for patient diagnostics for lung functions and blood gas analysis. Laboratories growth applications use Medical Gas Mixtures for incubator atmospheres for biological cell culture or tissue growth.
Medical Gases Categories:
Category 1:
Facility system in which failure of such equipment or system is likely to cause injury or death.
[ NFPA 99 4.1.1]
Category 2:
Facility system in which failure of such equipment is likely to cause minor injury to patients or caregivers. [ NFPA 99 4.1.2]
Category 3:
Facility system in which failure of such equipment is not likely to cause injury to patients or caregivers.
[NFPA 99 4.1.3]
Category 4:
Facility system in which failure of such equipment would have no impact on patient care.
[NFPA 99 4.1.4]
