How does our PM program differ from others?
How is our standard preventative maintenance program different than others?
Primarily, its basis is an annual full system inspection focused on the safe operation of the system from the central source of supply to the point of use at the headwalls. The program is based on guidance defined by accepted medical gas codes and standards such as NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (US) and Health Technical Memorandum 02-01: Medical Gas Pipeline Systems (UK). These are the codes that define the requirements for inspections of system in US and UK hospitals, respectively.
Generally, the first procedure performed is full system leak testing, which is often actually a series of several tests to isolate any leaks. Leak testing can take as little as 20 minutes when no leaks are found, or much longer – and sometimes it induces many words from my mouth that my mom doesn’t approve of while trying to find it. Minor leaks are typically repaired immediately, but sometimes parts need to be replaced. It’s important to remember that leaks are common over time, especially in threaded connections as the piping suffers the normal wear and tear of vibrations and other ambient effects.
Next, the manifold’s operation is tested to ensure it’s supplying the system as designed. For an automatic manifold, we’re ensuring it’s switching over from the in-use cylinder bank to the reserve (full) cylinder bank automatically at the proper set points. And if not, we’re evaluating the reason and making adjustments (if possible). Sometimes this is as simple as adjusting a primary regulator, but occasionally we identify a failed (or failing) component that needs replaced.
As part of this same process, we’re testing that all monitored alarms are actuating at the proper set points by simulating the actual conditions monitored (for instance, low line pressure and low oxygen cylinder contents). And, during this, we’re inspecting gauges and sensors for accuracy. This is generally when you’ll hear us making a lot of noise and moving back and forth between the manifold compartment and the alarm panel inside the medical center, assuring you we’re almost done making so much noise.
And then, we test the delivery pressure and flow at each headwall connection. Adequate pressure and flow, within the designed range, are vital for the proper operation of the various equipment the medical professionals use for oxygen therapy and ventilation.
Once completed, we review all procedures and results with the medical team and answer any questions you might have. If any follow-up is recommended, we’ll discuss this with you.
