RMGA Installation Codes & Standards Compliance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which standard specifically governs the design and installation of waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD) systems?
- NFPA 99 Chapter 5 (Correct answer)
- NIOSH 77-140
- CGA G-7.1
- ASHRAE 170
Correct answer: NFPA 99 Chapter 5
NFPA 99 Chapter 5 (Health Care Facilities Code) contains the requirements for WAGD system design, installation, and performance.
Question 2: According to NFPA 99, what is the required dew point for medical air supplied to patient care areas?
- -40°C (-40°F) at line pressure (Correct answer)
- 4°C (39°F) at atmospheric pressure
- -20°C (-4°F) at atmospheric pressure
- 0°C (32°F) at line pressure
Correct answer: -40°C (-40°F) at line pressure
Medical air must have a dew point of -40°C (-40°F) at line pressure to prevent moisture condensation inside the distribution system.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a DISS (Diameter Index Safety System) connector in medical gas systems?
- To regulate flow to the patient
- To prevent interconnection of equipment intended for different gases at low pressure (Correct answer)
- To provide a quick-disconnect for emergency use
- To filter the gas before it reaches the patient
Correct answer: To prevent interconnection of equipment intended for different gases at low pressure
DISS connectors use diameter and thread differences specific to each gas to prevent accidental cross-connection of low-pressure medical gas equipment.
Question 4: Per NFPA 99, when is a medical gas system required to undergo a comprehensive system verification?
- Every 10 years on a scheduled basis
- Before initial use and after any modifications (Correct answer)
- Only after a reportable incident or failure
- When the facility changes ownership
Correct answer: Before initial use and after any modifications
NFPA 99 mandates comprehensive verification testing before a new system is placed in service and after any modifications to ensure continued compliance.
Question 5: According to NFPA 99, which of the following is a required element of the master alarm system for medical gases?
- Audible and visual alarms at each nurse station
- Audible and visual alarms at two or more locations continuously staffed (Correct answer)
- Text message alerts to the facility administrator
- Audible alarm only at the gas source equipment room
Correct answer: Audible and visual alarms at two or more locations continuously staffed
NFPA 99 requires master alarms to annunciate at a minimum of two continuously staffed locations to ensure someone is always aware of system status.
Question 6: What does CGA C-6 specify regarding the inspection of compressed gas cylinders?
- Cylinders must be visually inspected before each fill
- Cylinders require periodic requalification testing at specified intervals (Correct answer)
- Cylinders must be replaced every 5 years
- Cylinder inspection is only required after visible damage
Correct answer: Cylinders require periodic requalification testing at specified intervals
CGA C-6 specifies the standards for visual inspection of high-pressure cylinders, including periodic requalification at DOT-specified intervals (typically every 5 or 10 years).
Question 7: Under NFPA 99, which party bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring medical gas systems are installed in compliance with the code?
- The installing contractor
- The gas supplier
- The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
- The healthcare facility owner or administrator (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The healthcare facility owner or administrator
NFPA 99 places ultimate responsibility on the healthcare facility owner/administrator to ensure all systems comply with the code and are properly verified before use.
RMGA Installation Codes & Standards Compliance 5
Which standard specifically governs the design and installation of waste anesthetic gas disposal (WAGD) systems?