Medical gas systems differ from ordinary plumbing, offering vital life-supporting systems that provide oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, and vacuum services to patients. With this in mind, it’s easy to understand that only certified medical gas plumbers should install, modify, or repair these systems.
- First, patient safety relies on precision. A minor installation error, such as a cross-connection, contamination, or poor brazing, can result in significant harm or even death. Certified medical gas plumbers are trained to adhere to specific standards that ensure gases are supplied safely, neatly, and to the proper outlets every time.
- Medical gas systems are highly controlled. NFPA 99 is an example of a code that specifies materials, installation techniques, testing, labeling, and documentation. Certified plumbers are trained to understand and follow these regulations, ensuring healthcare institutions pass inspections and avoid costly shutdowns, penalties, and legal liabilities.
- Specialized training is vital. Medical gas certification requires considerable education, practical experience, and ongoing recertification. Certified specialists understand how to purge lines, braze with nitrogen, test for leaks, verify pressures, and do system verifications, which are all tasks that plumbers without certification are not trained to undertake.
- There’s also the matter of liability and insurance. Work completed by non-certified workers may void warranties, fail inspections, or subject facility owners to legal liability if something goes wrong. Certified medical gas plumbers offer documentation and proof to protect both the facility and its patients.
Contact us today at Pure-Line Plumbing to learn more about our services.