There were some changes made from NFPA 99C 2002 to NFPA 99C 2005 regarding locations for central supply systems (manifolds) and the storage of positive pressure gases that people may not be aware of.
Did you know that in 2002 NFPA 99C required locations for central supply systems and the storage of medical gas locations to have racks, chains or other fastenings to individually secure all cylinders, whether connected, unconnected, full or empty, from falling?
As you can imagine, chaining cylinders individually, especially on larger systems was very onerous. Many facilities which were constructed while following the 2002 edition know first hand the incredible task of performing a cylinder change while having to individually unchain and chain each cylinder.
Great News! In the 2005 edition that has been changed. The requirements are now simply to have racks, chains, or other fastenings to secure all cylinders, whether connected, unconnected, full, or empty, from falling.
It is important to secure all cylinders connected, and in storage, since most high pressure gas cylinders contain gases in excess of 2,200 psig. If a cylinder were to fall and rupture, the result would most assuredly be catastrophic.
The intent of the code is not only to hang a chain around all the cylinders so the verifier can say that there is a chain present for the sake of passing the certification of the medical gas system. The chain and chain fastenings should be able to restrain a cylinder of gas if it were to fall over.
Remember, safety first!
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