RMGA Safety Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable pressure drop across a zone valve when fully open in a medical gas distribution system?
- 5 psig
- 2 psig (Correct answer)
- 10 psig
- 1 psig
Correct answer: 2 psig
NFPA 99 permits a maximum pressure drop of 2 psig across a fully open zone valve to ensure adequate gas flow to patient care areas.
Question 2: When storing compressed gas cylinders, full and empty cylinders must be separated and stored how?
- In the same area but with different colored caps
- In separate areas with clear labeling indicating full or empty status (Correct answer)
- Together as long as they are chained to the wall
- Full cylinders must be stored upside down and empty ones upright
Correct answer: In separate areas with clear labeling indicating full or empty status
Full and empty cylinders must be stored in physically separate, clearly labeled areas to prevent accidentally using an empty cylinder in an emergency.
Question 3: Under NFPA 99, a Level 1 medical gas system is defined as one that supports patients who are:
- Ambulatory and not critically ill
- In danger of loss of life if gas supply is interrupted (Correct answer)
- Receiving only supplemental oxygen therapy
- Undergoing elective outpatient procedures
Correct answer: In danger of loss of life if gas supply is interrupted
Level 1 medical gas systems support patients whose lives depend on the continuous supply of medical gases, requiring the highest reliability standards.
Question 4: Which of the following materials is NOT acceptable for use in medical oxygen piping systems per NFPA 99?
- Type K copper tubing
- Type L copper tubing
- Galvanized steel pipe (Correct answer)
- Type ACR copper tubing
Correct answer: Galvanized steel pipe
Galvanized steel pipe is not permitted in medical oxygen systems because zinc coatings can react with oxygen and contaminate the gas supply.
Question 5: An RMGA must ensure that after any repair to a medical gas piping system, which test is performed before returning the system to service?
- Pressure test only
- Purity test only
- Cross-connection test, pressure test, and purity test (Correct answer)
- Visual inspection and pressure test only
Correct answer: Cross-connection test, pressure test, and purity test
NFPA 99 requires cross-connection testing, pressure testing, and gas purity testing before a repaired medical gas system is returned to service.
Question 6: What is the correct method for identifying a suspected cross-connection between two medical gas systems?
- Smell the gas at each outlet
- Pressurize one system and close all others, then test outlets with a gas analyzer (Correct answer)
- Visually trace all piping from source to outlet
- Use a pressure gauge at each outlet to compare readings
Correct answer: Pressurize one system and close all others, then test outlets with a gas analyzer
The cross-connection test involves pressurizing one gas system while keeping all other systems at low or no pressure, then verifying gas identity at each outlet with an analyzer.
Question 7: Which organization must be notified when a medical gas system alarm activates and the source of the alarm cannot be identified within a reasonable timeframe?
- Local fire department only
- The gas supplier only
- The facility safety officer and clinical staff responsible for patient care (Correct answer)
- The state health department immediately
Correct answer: The facility safety officer and clinical staff responsible for patient care
When a medical gas alarm cannot be resolved quickly, the facility safety officer and responsible clinical staff must be notified to assess patient safety implications.
RMGA Safety Standards 4
What is the maximum allowable pressure drop across a zone valve when fully open in a medical gas distribution system?