Needless to say, the design and installation will impact the function and performance of the Medical Gas Pipeline system, so it is of paramount importance that this is conducted at the highest quality standards. The complete responsibility involves design, installation operational guidelines and also verification of the installation. This may sometimes be done by one single agency or different agencies depending on the capability and specialization of the agency. It is normal to follow the rules laid out in the country and follow standards as recommended by these rules. Through the world, the ISO 7396 if the most popular standards which is followed in most countries for the design, installation and verification of piped medical gases andanaesthesia scavenging systems. The HTM 2022 & NFPA standards are the next popular standards which are also followed in some countries.

As stated in NFPA 99 Sec. 4-3.1.9.1, “The medical air compressors shall be designed to prevent the introduction of contaminants or liquid into the pipeline by: (a) Elimination of oil anywhere in the compressor, or (b) Separation of the oil-containing section by an open area to atmosphere, which allows continuous visual inspection of the interconnecting shaft.”There have been cases where non-medical grade compressors have been installed in hospitals which can create oils, water, and toxic oil breakdown products to mix with air.

Water is the most common contaminant found in medical air lines and is perhaps the most insidious of the contaminants found. It can also cause some of the most costly damage to secondary equipment. Water, unlike particulate, can pass through particulate filters and make its way into anaesthesia machines, ventilators, other commonly used secondary equipment, and the patient as well.The presence of water can also provide the medium for bacterial growth. Water located in medical air lines which are subjected to low temperatures can freeze and occlude gas flow. Water can also facilitate the oxidation of the copper piping inside the medical air line. Don’t assume the air compressor being used for your facility is suitable for medical grade air. The possibility of oil contamination has resulted in hydrocarbon monitoring requirements.