Do you know what the differences are between master alarms, area alarms and local alarms? Do you know why these alarms are important and what the NFPA 99 Standards for Healthcare Facilities requirements are?

Master Alarms monitor medical gas source equipment such as medical air systems, medical vacuum systems, distribution manifolds and bulk systems. The alarm signals indicate important information regarding the status of these systems. A minimum of two master alarm panels are required. One master alarm panel shall be located in the office of the onsite individual responsible for maintaining the medical gas and vacuum systems. The second master alarm panel shall be located in an area of continuous observation, such as a security office or switchboard.

Area Alarms monitor all medical gas, medical and surgical vacuum and piped WAGD systems. These alarms are usually located at a nurse's station, or in another location that permits surveillance of the alarm panel. The alarm will sound if the line pressure increases or decreases by 20 percent from the normal line pressure or if the vacuum drops below 12” Hg. Area alarms are required for all vital life support and critical care areas and areas for anesthetizing gas delivery.

Local Alarms monitor the function of the medical air systems, medical and surgical vacuum systems, WAGD systems and instrument air systems. Local alarms are required to be located on or in the control panel for the equipment being monitored, within a monitoring device or on a separate alarm panel.

By:

Jay D’Agostino

NITC 6020 Medical Gas Inspector