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Special Piping and Storage Systems

Special Piping and Storage Systems

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

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.

Worked example

Scenario: An architect is designing a new hospital wing and needs to know which code governs the installation of the central oxygen supply lines for patient rooms.

Explanation: This section clarifies that the design and installation of the non-flammable medical gas (oxygen) piping system are governed by the IPC Chapter 12 provisions, which then point to NFPA 99C in Section 1202. Maintenance and operational aspects would fall under 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 designer is specifying materials and pressure testing procedures for a new hospital's nitrous oxide (a nonflammable medical gas) distribution system.

Explanation: Section 1202.1 directs the designer to comply with NFPA 99C for all aspects of designing and installing nonflammable medical gas systems, including material selection, sizing, and testing.

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: An industrial facility is installing a large liquid oxygen storage tank and a piping system to supply cutting torches in a fabrication area.

Explanation: For this nonmedical oxygen system, Section 1203.1 requires the design and installation to adhere to the requirements specified in both NFPA 50 (Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems) and NFPA 51 (Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes).

Frequently asked questions

What types of gas systems are covered by this chapter?

This chapter covers non-flammable medical gas systems and nonmedical oxygen systems.

Where can I find requirements for the maintenance and operation of these special piping systems?

Maintenance and operations of these systems are governed by the International Fire Code.

Which standards apply to nonflammable medical gas systems?

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

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.