scope:

This standard covers the general principles recommended for the installation of nitrous oxide systems on medical or industrial customer premises.

Such systems consist of a central supply, which can be either cylinders connected to a common manifold or bulk liquid containers and the associated equipment and piping required for connecting the central supply to the line supplying the nitrous oxide to the point of use.

The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may authorize the continued use of an existing nitrous oxide system, which is not in strict compliance with the provisions of this standard, where such continued use will not constitute a hazard to life or adjacent property.

This standard does not apply to nitrous oxide manufacturing plants and normally does not apply to distributor bulk stations. However, where distributor bulk stations interface closely with business or facilities unrelated to the handling of nitrous oxide, or where the general public can be exposed to such bulk facilities, the applicable safety provisions of this standard shall be followed.

Additional requirements for nitrous oxide systems are contained in NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, and CSA Z305.1, Nonflammable Medical Gas Piping Systems [3, 4, 5].