Recently The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) enacted the 2008 Fire Code which affects all healthcare facilities in the 5 Boroughs that currently have cryogenic (liquid) distribution manifolds for any gas other than oxygen (nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide any other asphyxiating gas).

The new code states that a monitor (an oxygen depletion monitor) must be present with an oxygen sensor equipped with an audible alarm that shall activate when the oxygen concentration drops below 19.5 percent.

A reduction in oxygen concentration would have the following affects on a human:
 
19.5%-20.9%      Normal oxygen concentration in the air we breathe
17%                      Woozy with impaired judgment
14%                      Muscle fatigue
10%                      Nausea and vomiting followed by unconsciousness
6%                        Death within minutes

In addition to the obvious safety risks associated with a reduction in oxygen concentration, there are also violations being issued for facilities that fail to comply with the new code.

Once a violation is issued, compliance is mandatory within 30 days from issuance. Unanswered violations from the FDNY will become criminal violations, which hold the person responsible for the medical gas systems personally liable.

Taking a proactive approach regarding this matter will save money in the long run. The corrective action required to make certain your facility does not receive such a violation is fairly inexpensive and painless. Once a violation order is issued, additional expenses to rectify them could be significant.

If you should require any assistance regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Jay D’Agostino at any time. Jay’s office number is (631) 563-4040 extension 35 and his cell phone number is (516) 315-5516. Jay has been in the medical gas industry since 1992.
 
By:
 
Jay D’Agostino
ASSE 6020 Medical Gas Inspector
ASSE 6030 Medical Gas Systems Verifier
Vice President of Operations