scope:

This part of ISO 7396 specifies requirements for design, installation, function, performance, documentation, testing and commissioning of pipeline systems for compressed medical gases, gases for driving surgical tools and vacuum in healthcare facilities to ensure continuous delivery of the correct gas and the provision of vacuum from the pipeline system. It includes requirements for supply systems, pipeline distribution systems, control systems, monitoring and alarm systems and non-interchangeability between components of different gas systems.

This part of ISO 7396 is applicable to:

a) pipeline systems for the following medical gases:

- oxygen;

- nitrous oxide;

- medical air;

- carbon dioxide;

- oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures (see Note 1);

b) pipeline systems for the following gases:

- (*) oxygen-enriched air;

- air for driving surgical tools;

- nitrogen for driving surgical tools;

c) pipeline systems for vacuum.

This part of ISO 7396 also applies to:

- extensions of existing pipeline distribution systems;

- modifications of existing pipeline distribution systems;

- modifications or replacement of supply systems or sources of supply.

NOTE 1 Regional or national regulations can prohibit the distribution of oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures in medical gas pipeline systems.

(*) NOTE 2 EN 14931 ^[23] defines additional or alternative requirements for the specific application, in particular for flows and pressures of compressed air required to pressurize the hyperbaric chambers and to drive other connected services and of oxygen and other treatment gases administered to patients.