scope:

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the minimum performance and safety requirements to be used in the design of anesthesia gas machines for human use in order to enhance safety of the patient and operator. Intermittent-flow machines, which only deliver gas to the breathing system at varying rates in response to the patient's inspiratory efforts, draw-over vaporizers, and dental nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia machines are not covered in this standard.

1.2 This standard supercedes ANSI Z79.8-1979. The sections in ANSI Z79.8-1979 covering Flowmeter-Controlled and Electrically-Heated Vaporizers have been omitted since they are no longer manufactured in the U.S.

1.3 This specification is based in part on actual user experience (see Appendix X1) and on relevant portions of MIL-STD-1472C (see Appendix X2).

1.4 Qualification test procedures to determine compliance with the requirements are also specified. Equivalent qualification test procedures to determine compliance with these requirements may be used. Correlation of paragraph numbering has been maintained between the subsections on requirements and the subsections containing the corresponding test procedures to enable the appropriate test to be easily located (for example, the test for the requirement stated in 5.1.1 is in 5.2.1, the test for the requirement stated in 7.1.4 is in 7.2.4, and so on).

1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This specification is arranged as follows: