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Special Piping and Storage Systems

Special Piping and Storage Systems

This chapter governs the design and installation of piping and storage systems for non-flammable medical gases and nonmedical oxygen systems.

1201 — General

1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design and installation of piping and storage systems for non-flammable medical gas systems and nonmedical oxygen systems. All maintenance and operations of such systems shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code.

1202 — Medical Gases

[F] 1202.1 Nonflammable medical gases. Nonflammable medical gas systems, inhalation anesthetic systems and vacuum piping systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 99C.

Exceptions: This section shall not apply to portable systems or cylinder storage. Vacuum system exhaust terminations shall comply with the International Mechanical Code.

Exceptions:

  • This section shall not apply to portable systems or cylinder storage.
  • Vacuum system exhaust terminations shall comply with the International Mechanical Code.

Worked example

Scenario: A new hospital wing requires a centralized oxygen supply for patient rooms and operating theaters, along with a vacuum piping system.

Explanation: The design and installation of these nonflammable medical gas and vacuum systems must comply with NFPA 99C, as specified by IPC 1202.1.

1203 — Oxygen Systems

[F] 1203.1 Design and installation. Nonmedical oxygen systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 50 and NFPA 51.

Worked example

Scenario: A manufacturing facility needs a bulk oxygen storage and piping system for industrial cutting operations that are not for medical purposes.

Explanation: The design and installation of this nonmedical oxygen system must adhere to the requirements of NFPA 50 and NFPA 51, as mandated by IPC 1203.1.

Frequently asked questions

What types of piping systems are covered by IPC Chapter 12?

This chapter covers piping and storage systems for non-flammable medical gases and nonmedical oxygen systems.

Which standard governs non-flammable medical gas systems?

Non-flammable medical gas systems, inhalation anesthetic systems, and vacuum piping systems must be designed and installed according to NFPA 99C.

Where can I find requirements for nonmedical oxygen systems?

Nonmedical oxygen systems must be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 50 and NFPA 51.

Where verbatim source text is shown, it is reproduced from the code as adopted into law by the jurisdiction, sourced from public.resource.org under the government edicts doctrine (see Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc., 590 U.S. 255 (2020)). This material reflects enacted law and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect local amendments or the most recently adopted edition. Always verify requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.