RMGA Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a periodic inspection of a bulk liquid oxygen system, the inspector notices ice formation around the vaporizer coils. What does this most likely indicate?
- Normal operating condition during high-demand periods
- A blockage restricting gas flow through the vaporizer
- Insufficient ambient heat transfer causing inadequate vaporization (Correct answer)
- Condensation from atmospheric humidity only
Correct answer: Insufficient ambient heat transfer causing inadequate vaporization
Ice formation around vaporizer coils indicates insufficient ambient heat transfer, meaning the system cannot vaporize liquid oxygen fast enough to meet demand.
Question 2: According to NFPA 99, how often must zone valve boxes in medical gas piping systems be inspected?
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Annually
NFPA 99 requires zone valve boxes to be inspected annually to verify proper labeling, accessibility, and operability.
Question 3: A medical gas verifier is performing a cross-connection test. Which method is used to confirm that outlets in a zone are connected to the correct gas source?
- Color-code verification of outlet covers only
- Pressure decay testing at each outlet individually
- Purging and testing each outlet with a specific gas analyzer while other zones are shut off (Correct answer)
- Flow rate measurement at the master alarm panel
Correct answer: Purging and testing each outlet with a specific gas analyzer while other zones are shut off
Cross-connection testing requires purging each zone and verifying the correct gas identity at each outlet using a gas-specific analyzer while adjacent zones are isolated.
Question 4: When conducting a pressure relief valve test on a medical compressed air system, what is the primary safety concern?
- Overpressurizing the distribution piping downstream
- Contaminating the medical air supply with atmospheric air during testing (Correct answer)
- Exceeding the pressure relief valve set point and causing seat damage
- Triggering nuisance alarms at the nurse call system
Correct answer: Contaminating the medical air supply with atmospheric air during testing
During relief valve testing, atmospheric contaminants can be drawn into the system if the valve is opened to ambient air without proper isolation.
Question 5: What is the maximum allowable pressure drop across a medical gas zone valve when fully open, per industry standards?
- 1 psig (Correct answer)
- 5 psig
- 10 psig
- 15 psig
Correct answer: 1 psig
A fully open zone valve should produce no more than 1 psig pressure drop to ensure adequate gas flow to medical devices in the zone.
Question 6: During inspection of a medical vacuum system, an RMGA finds that the reserve pump fails to start when the lead pump is shut off. What is the most likely cause?
- The vacuum level is set too high at the control panel
- A failed alternator relay or lead/lag switching mechanism (Correct answer)
- Excessive moisture in the vacuum receiver
- The system is operating within normal parameters
Correct answer: A failed alternator relay or lead/lag switching mechanism
Failure of the reserve pump to start when the lead pump stops typically indicates a faulty alternator relay or lead/lag control mechanism.
Question 7: Which of the following tests must be performed before a new medical gas piping system is placed into service, per NFPA 99?
- Particle count analysis and dew point testing
- Standing pressure test, cross-connection test, and purity test (Correct answer)
- Flow rate test and noise level measurement only
- Visual inspection and label verification only
Correct answer: Standing pressure test, cross-connection test, and purity test
NFPA 99 requires standing pressure testing, cross-connection verification, and gas purity testing before any new medical gas system is approved for patient use.
RMGA Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Procedures 2
During a periodic inspection of a bulk liquid oxygen system, the inspector notices ice formation around the vaporizer coils.
What does this most likely indicate?