We have all heard about the deadly carbon monoxide issues homeowners face as a result of poorly maintained fuel burning appliances; what risks are there in a healthcare facility medical air system?

 

2005 NFPA requires an alarm to activate once the Carbon Monoxide levels exceed 10 PPM (parts per million). The intake, when installed, is required to be located outdoors above roof level, at a minimum distance of 10 feet from any door, window, exhaust, other intake or opening in the building and a minimum distance of 20 feet above the ground.

 

Installing the medical air intake in accordance with NFPA requirements greatly reduces the potential for introducing Carbon Monoxide into the medical air system but does not guarantee it. There are other precautions which need to be taken in order to continuously and effectively monitor CO levels.

 

Under normal circumstances, if the intake is positioned properly, the Carbon Monoxide levels fall within the allowable limits, unless something else is installed within the intake's required minimum distance after the initial installation. Doing so could introduce potentially hazardous air into the intake. The Carbon Monoxide alarm, if calibrated properly, will activate in an attempt to notify staff of the potential risk to patients. When Carbon Monoxide sensors fail, they fail to zero, thereby, making the need for calibration critical. If the CO level should increase beyond the allowable limit during the sensor malfunction, no alarm condition would occur.

 

Calibrating the Carbon Monoxide monitor annually should be part of the preventive maintenance program for the medical air system. Although the NFPA Annex C is not part of the requirements of the NFPA, it states quarterly re-checking of the location of the air intake should be made to ensure that it continues to be a satisfactory source for medical compressed air. It also suggests that an important item required for operation of any medical compressed air supply system is a comprehensive preventive maintenance program. This would include annual calibration of the CO monitor.

 

As always, we should all take proactive steps which help to create a safer environment for patients. Are you doing your part?