Up until January 2008, NFPA 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities code requirement for an installer stated, “Installations shall be made by qualified competent technicians experienced in making such installations.” That is a very vague and questionably enforceable pre-requisite.

 

Currently, the requirement is the same except it now states that “Installers shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ASSE Standard 6010, Professional Qualification Standard for Medical Gas and Vacuum System Installers.”

 

Additionally, medical gas system brazers must be qualified to a different performance specification than the previous requirements, in that a tension test is no longer appropriate and all brazing tests must pass a visual examination followed by sectioning. It seems that a tension test is a poor indicator and virtually anyone could pass it.

 

These credentials apply to the individuals performing the installation and should not be confused with a contractor owner’s credential covering others.

 

Depending on the local jurisdiction, some require the contractor to be a licensed plumber and permits need to be obtained. While we have great respect for our plumbers, there is no formal training or education provided in their four to five year training syllabus on medical gas systems. Some union and open shop installers are trained to the standard and perform quality work.

 

Credentials should always be required in the bid process and verified before a project is started.  

An identification card with expiration dates as well as a log book is required by code. For those that have them, it is a pleasure to “whip” them out when someone requests to see them.

 

Medical gas systems are costly and the facilities deserve to get a complete and safe life safety system for their money, the first time with no delays or lost revenue. The ANSI/ASSE 6010 credential is a must.