Job Description
Installation of Medical Gas Systems:
- Install new medical gas pipelines, cylinder manifolds, regulators, alarms, and other associated equipment in healthcare facilities.
- Ensure that all installations meet the required safety standards and comply with codes such as NFPA 99 (National Fire Protection Association) and other local or national regulations.
- Perform pressure testing, leak detection, and commissioning of medical gas systems.
Maintenance and Inspections:
- Conduct routine maintenance on medical gas systems, including checking pressure gauges, gas flow regulators, alarms, and system integrity.
- Inspect and test gas pipelines, cylinders, valves, and distribution systems to ensure they meet operational standards.
- Perform preventative maintenance tasks like replacing filters, checking backup systems, and servicing emergency power systems.
Troubleshooting and Repair:
- Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with medical gas systems, such as low pressure, system failures, or gas leaks.
- Perform repairs on system components, including replacing faulty regulators, alarms, or other parts of the medical gas infrastructure.
- Respond to emergencies such as system malfunctions or gas supply failures, ensuring that the system is quickly restored to operational status.
Testing and Certification:
- Test medical gas systems for compliance with safety standards, including leak detection, pressure tests, and gas purity tests.
- Ensure that medical gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air meet the required purity standards.
- Maintain records of inspections, tests, and repairs for regulatory compliance and future reference.
Compliance with Standards and Regulations:
- Ensure that medical gas systems comply with relevant standards, including NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code), FDA, OSHA, and local building codes.
- Keep up to date with changes in regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Training and Support:
- Provide training to hospital staff on how to use medical gas systems safely and how to respond to alarms or gas failures.
- Educate staff on the proper handling and storage of medical gas cylinders and associated equipment.
- Act as a point of contact for other healthcare professionals when they need assistance with medical gas systems.
Record Keeping and Documentation:
- Maintain accurate records of system inspections, maintenance activities, and repairs for auditing and regulatory purposes.
- Document all incidents, repairs, and tests, ensuring that the facility’s medical gas systems remain in compliance with relevant laws and standards.
Emergency Response:
- Be on-call or available during emergencies involving medical gas systems.
- Respond promptly to any gas supply issues, such as leaks, pressure loss, or alarm failures, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.
Skills
Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of medical gas systems, including pipelines, manifolds, regulators, alarms, and cylinders.
- Knowledge of various medical gases (e.g., oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, and vacuum) and their applications in patient care.
Regulatory Knowledge:
- Familiarity with healthcare standards such as NFPA 99, OSHA, FDA regulations, and other local and national codes that govern medical gas systems.
- Understanding of safety protocols related to medical gases, including handling high-pressure systems and gas cylinder storage.
Problem-Solving:
- Ability to diagnose and resolve issues with medical gas systems quickly and effectively, particularly during emergencies or equipment malfunctions.
- Troubleshoot and repair problems with gas lines, regulators, or alarms in a timely manner to ensure continued operation.
Safety Awareness:
- Awareness of safety hazards associated with medical gases, including flammability risks, pressure hazards, and asphyxiation risks due to improper ventilation or leaks.
- Strong focus on safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lock-out/tag-out procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Attention to Detail:
- Precision in performing inspections, testing, and maintenance to ensure that all systems are operating within specifications.
- Accuracy in documenting work, including maintenance logs, safety checks, and certifications.
Communication Skills:
- Clear communication with medical staff, engineers, and supervisors regarding system status, potential issues, or safety concerns.
- Ability to explain technical information to non-technical personnel, ensuring proper understanding and safe use of medical gas systems.
Physical Stamina and Dexterity:
- The role often requires physical work, such as lifting heavy gas cylinders, working in confined spaces, and performing tasks that require manual dexterity.
- Comfort with working in hospital environments, including potentially dealing with urgent or high-pressure situations.
