2025 GAHFM Technical Education Conference-GAHFM Fall 2025 - Part 3

GAHFM Fall 2025 - Part 3 - Developing a Permit to Work System

Pdf Summary

This document outlines the development of a Permit-to-Work (PTW) system specifically for piped medical gases in healthcare facilities, based on NFPA 99 requirements. The PTW system is mandatory to ensure uninterrupted quality, quantity, and continuity of medical gas and vacuum supply during maintenance, repair, and construction activities.<br /><br />Key components of the PTW system include:<br /><br />1. Communication: Prior to any work requiring service interruption, comprehensive planning, notification, pre-shutdown huddles, execution, testing, restoration, sign-off, and documentation processes must be followed. All relevant stakeholders including engineering, clinical staff, administration, and safety teams must be involved to prevent negative patient impacts.<br /><br />2. Alternative Supply: When service interruptions occur, alternative medical gas supplies such as backfeeding via portable cylinders (H or K size) or cryogenic containers (dewars) must be arranged. The choice depends on shutdown duration, location criticality (e.g., critical care areas), flow rates required, and space availability. Medical vacuum systems are more complicated to backfeed and may require temporary central supply or portable aspirators.<br /><br />3. Qualification Checks: Personnel performing cutting, brazing, installation, maintenance, or repairs must hold appropriate certifications (ASSE 6010, 6020, 6030, 6040) and facility-specific training to ensure work quality and safety.<br /><br />4. Procedures: Detailed procedures for shutdown, alternative supplies, and restoration must be documented, communicated, and strictly observed to minimize risks.<br /><br />5. Safety: Safety precautions including PPE, fire watch, control valve isolation, ventilation, ignition source control, and signage must be rigorously enforced.<br /><br />The document provides practical examples of PTW applications such as outlet repairs (distinguishing front-body vs. back-body leaks), renovation of zone valves, routine preventive maintenance, and installation of new bulk oxygen systems during expansions. It emphasizes thorough preparation by installers, verifiers, and general contractors, along with facility readiness to ensure smooth execution and compliance with NFPA 99.<br /><br />Overall, the PTW system ensures patient safety and regulatory compliance by managing risks during medical gas system work comprehensively and systematically.

Keywords

Permit-to-Work system

piped medical gases

healthcare facilities

NFPA 99 requirements

medical gas supply continuity

alternative medical gas supply

medical vacuum system

certified personnel

safety procedures

patient safety