Over the last decade the regulatory environment for bulk compressed medical gas (CMG) supply systems at healthcare facilities has evolved, resulting in a demand for more formalised processes to document and certify the training of system technicians.
Many healthcare facility operators, inspectors, and government regulators now require technicians to provide evidence of an applicable third-party certification to perform work on their bulk CMG supply systems. Prior to now, the certification options available to bulk CMG supply system technicians have been limited. However, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) has launched a certification body to address the growing need for personnel certifications in this area. This article examines this exciting development in our industry and discusses the advantages of technician certifications based on respected industry standards.
Bulk CMG supply systems at healthcare facilities are incredibly complex. A typical healthcare facility bulk CMG supply system has a main cryogenic liquid storage tank with vaporizers and regulators to supply gas for patient care. In order to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply to the facility, the system is also equipped with a back-up supply system, which can be another cryogenic liquid tank or high-pressure cylinders. Alarm contacts are in place to notify the healthcare facility personnel of abnormal conditions, such as main tank low level, reserve tank in use, reserve tank low level, reserve tank failure, or other unusual conditions.
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