Tips, suggestions, or comments that may be of interest to medical gas installers. Hopefully these shared bits of information will make your next project a little easier:

• Gas-specific demand check fittings are now required for line gauges and pressure/vacuum switches.
• Use plenty of dry, oil-free nitrogen to blow down newly-installed piping prior to having a purity test performed. We have seen too many purity tests fail and require costly re-testing because installers used too little nitrogen.
• Install shut-off valves so that the gauge port is downline of the valve. This makes future testing and system backups much easier to perform.
• Apply labels and direction arrows on all new piping.
• Emergency rooms are considered "Critical Care" areas and require an area alarm.
• Area alarm sensors for life support areas should be placed downline of the zone valve, while sensors for anesthetizing areas should be placed upline of the zone valve.
• Remember to have your plans checked by a credentialed, professional verifier!