Here’s the Bad News;
Recent NFPA99 editions require those who are maintaining medical air and medical vacuum systems, to be properly qualified and credentialled. These qualifications include an ASSE 6040 certification from an accredited source.
Like an automobile, the technologies surrounding medical air and medical vacuum systems have advanced dramatically. Today’s equipment and components are technically sophisticated and digital, with a number of complicated, state-of-the-art pieces/parts added to protect against failure that might cause human distress, injury or even death.
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) mandates that once a medical gas system is placed in service it becomes the facility’s responsibility to test and document the performance of these vital support systems, and if necessary, facilitate or perform repairs. All hospital personnel that will be maintaining medical gas and source equipment are required to pass a final written examination to qualify as ASSE 6040 Medical Gas Systems Maintenance Personnel.
In addition to knowledge of product maintenance, a Medical Gas Maintenance worker is required to have a general knowledge of the applicable laws, codes, rules, listing agencies, and regulations from the federal, state, and local levels pertaining to medical gas and vacuum systems as well as knowledge of product performance, system and system component testing, documenting and recording, and medical gas terminology.
Medical gas systems and equipment covered in the ASSE Series 6000 Standard include health care facilities within the scope of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code. Medical gas piping systems include vacuum piping. Equipment and systems include high pressure cylinders, cryogenic vessels, color coding, PPE, source equipment such as air compressors, vacuum pumps, WAGD systems and manifolds, gas outlets and vacuum inlets, valves, marking and identification, types of facilities and level designations, alarms, evaluation of proper installation protocols, documentation, shut down procedures and more.
Whew, that sure is a mouthful.
Here’s the Good News;
airandvac.com has been in the business of fabricating, installing, repairing, rebuilding, servicing and maintaining all makes and models of medical air and vacuum systems since 1977 and we are here to help. Our service technicians are ASSE 6040, HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens certified and have strict healthcare documentation through several hospital credentialing agencies including all recommended disease inoculations and background checks. We are members of NFPA, carry a California Contractor’s License and meet/exceed regulations and required insurances. We have tons of references from the finest healthcare facilities in the nation. Credentialing and references can be provided upon request.
There is no need to stress about meeting the new 6040 regulations when there is a reasonable, affordable, effective alternative just an email away. Contact us and we’ll do a free equipment consultation for your facility. We’ll get your maintenance on track so you’ll be prepared for your next inspection.
