3 steps to implementing the medical air systems – Amico NFPA Triplex SCD Modular Stack Mount User Manual
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6.3 Steps to Implementing the Medical Air Systems
6.3.1 Discovery
1. Should existing equipment be incorporated along with the medical air system, determine the
dimensions, type, capacity and current loading of the existing equipment. Ensure the existing equipment is
compatible with the current standard.
2. Verify the number and type of all occupancies in the facility which will require medical air outlets.
3. Determine the number of ventilators required to be in service at any one time and define their type and
average inlet air requirement.
4.
The intake piping for a medical air compressor system should only be connected to the medical air
compressor system and not used for any other purpose. It should be made of hard-drawn seamless copper,
either ASTM B 819 medical gas tube, ASTM B 88 water tube (Type K, L, or M), or ASTM B 280 ACR tube, which
ensures no contaminants in the form of particulate matter, odor or other gases will be added. This piping is
to be labeled and equipped with intake filters that are located inside the health care facility, close to the
compressor, and are easily accessible for servicing. Examine the location intended for the air intake carefully
as NFPA mandates the intake be located at a minimum of 10 ft. (3 m) from any door or operable window;
20 ft. (6.1 m) above grade, and in a location likely to provide uncontaminated air under any conditions of
wind or weather. The intake opening shall be turned downward and screened. It shall be accessible
to authorized personnel for cleaning, inspection and servicing. If the air intake is near a loading dock or at a
location where vehicles may be present, it must be relocated. It is advisable to place the intake at
a height above any other intake or vent on the same roof (See Figure 1 below). For further details regarding
the rules and regulation in choosing your medical air system location, please refer to the latest edition of the
NFPA specification guide.
Figure 1:
Amico Source Equipment
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