Professional Documents
Culture Documents
in ambulance vehicles
Health Technical Memorandum 2022
Supplement 2
ISBN 0-11-322052-9
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About this publication
This Supplement of HTM 2022 sets out the requirements The pipeline installation between cylinder(s) and terminal
for the provision and installation of piped medical gases in units should be made by low-pressure flexible connecting
ambulances. The guidance given in HTM 2022 should assemblies, suitably fixed and secured to the ambulance
generally be followed for these systems, except where vehicle structure.
modified in this Supplement.
The oxygen supply system and associated pipework should
Managers will need to take account of other guidance comply with the appropriate requirements of the Pressure
published by the Departments of Health in order to assess Systems and Gas Containers Regulations, and will need to
the system for technical shortcomings. be commissioned before use and routinely maintained and
tested.
Usually the ambulance vehicle would have a medical gas
pipework installation with oxygen being supplied from To prevent the accumulation of medical gases within the
cylinders to a medical gas terminal unit located beside ambulance, the vehicle should be adequately ventilated.
each paramedic seat. The gas supply from oxygen
cylinders will require pressure regulation to enable a Where it is necessary to store medical gases used in
continuous gas delivery at each terminal unit. It is ambulances, suitable accommodation should be provided.
recommended that if two cylinders are provided, a This is detailed in Appendix 1.
changeover device be used.
Guidance on the transportation, storage and handling of
Nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures may be medical gas cylinders in ambulances, ambulance premises
used, but these are normally supplied by a cylinder. and private vehicles is provided in Appendix 2.
Contents
1
1.0 Scope
1.2 The guidance given should be followed for all new installations, and
for refurbishment or upgrading of existing installations.
Installations in ambulances are 1.3 It is not necessary to apply the guidance retrospectively unless patient
pressure systems, as defined in the or staff safety would be compromised. In this case, the guidance given in this
Pressure Systems and Gas Containers Supplement should be followed.
Regulations, and should comply with
the appropriate requirements. 1.4 Existing installations should be assessed for compliance with this
Supplement. A plan for upgrading the existing system should be prepared,
taking account of the priority for patient safety. Operators of vehicles will
need to carry out a risk assessment to establish the extent of any remedial
action required.
3
2.0 General principles
2.1 Where it is required to install a piped medical gas supply system within
a patient compartment in the vehicle, the guidance contained in this
Supplement and BS5682, where appropriate, should be used.
Provision of gases
2.2 In general it is necessary to install pipework for oxygen only. It is Entonox is a mixture of 50% nitrous
possible that nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide/oxygen mixtures may be used in oxide and 50% oxygen used as a self-
some situations, but in such cases it is more cost-effective to rely on administered analgesic through a
individual cylinders. demand regulator. Entonox is a
registered trade mark of BOC.
2.3 The oxygen supply should comprise a source with a capacity of at
least 2000 litres of gas. This can be achieved either by two size F medical
oxygen cylinders (giving a maximum capacity of 2720 litres) or by using an
RF medical oxygen cylinder with a capacity of 2300 litres.
2.4 Size F cylinders are fitted with a BS341 ¾” BSP bull-nose outlet,
spindle-operated valve incorporating a minimum pressure retention (MPR)
device.
2.7 Terminal units should comply with the latest edition of BS5682.
2.9 Where a detachable pressure regulator is fitted it should incorporate The provision of a line pressure gauge
a gauge showing cylinder pressure. The regulating valve should also is not necessary on a small installation
incorporate a self-closing pressure relief valve, the outlet of which should be (usually less than 5 m). If provided as a
vented to atmosphere and designed to vent at a nominal 7.0 bar. The gauge client option, a line pressure gauge
should be visible to the crew during administration of gas to the patient. could be installed in the pipeline
system (where it would be most visible)
2.10 Each terminal unit should provide for continuous oxygen delivery at a during or after installation. The pipeline
flowrate of 40 litres/minute with a nominal supply pressure at the terminal system design pressure should be in
unit of 3.9 ± 0.14 bar. excess of the pressure regulator relief
valve setting (7.0 bar).
4
2.0 General principles
2.11 Where a pressure regulator is fitted directly to the cylinder, all internal
pipework should only be subjected to the terminal supply pressure of
3.9 ± 0.14 bar.
Pipeline installation
Rigid pipework is susceptible to 2.15 All pipework should be surface-mounted or readily accessible for
fatigue, and low-pressure connecting inspection, adequately and securely clipped to the vehicle walls with an air
assemblies are preferred. gap to minimise noise and vibration. Ideally the pipework should be double-
clipped, that is, clips should be fixed to the vehicle structure independent of
the means of supporting the hose. The use of a nylon “P” clip which
completely contains the hose has, however, proved reliable in use.
2.17 Where “T-pieces” are used to connect hose branches to terminal units,
they should have hose-tail connections in accordance with BS5682.
2.18 All ferrules used in the attachment of hose to hose-tails should meet
the requirements of BS5682. Special-purpose tools should be used to ensure
the integrity of the connection and that the ferrules cannot be removed
without destruction.
5
3.0 Commissioning installations
3.2 Check satisfactory operation of the pressure relief valve, where fitted.
Where pressure relief valves are an integral part of the pressure regulator, tests
should be carried out initially during production testing of the regulator and a
suitable certificate provided. The test should be repeated following major
service or repairs to the regulator.
3.3 After satisfactory completion of leak testing the system should be This flow is not required in use, but is
subjected to a flow test using medical quality compressed air. Each terminal an indication that there are no
unit should be capable of delivering 40 litres/minute. obstructions in the system. No total
flow test is required.
3.4 After satisfactory testing the system should be thoroughly purged
using medical quality compressed air and then flushed with medical quality
oxygen.
3.5 Each system should have a final pressure test carried out by the
manufacturer or installer as appropriate. The system should be certificated by
the manufacturer or installer prior to delivery to the customer, in accordance
with quality assurance procedures. Such certification should include details of
pressure tests carried out.
6
4.0 Routine testing and general safety
Routine testing
4.1 The entire system should be tested in accordance with paragraphs 3.1
and 3.2 above at 12-monthly intervals or following any repair to the system.
4.2 After satisfactory testing, the system should be thoroughly purged with
medical oxygen.
General safety
Cylinder handling
Ventilation
Routine maintenance
4.6 The pipeline installation should be inspected every three months for
evidence of damage, abrasion, leakage at joints, signs of deterioration, and
soiling. Damaged products or pipeline installations should be isolated and
repaired only by authorised personnel. In the event of soiling, pipework
should be cleaned using a detergent and mild disinfectant. Care is needed to
avoid contamination of the pipeline system.
4.7 Terminal units should be inspected every three months for leakage and
any elastomeric components, for example seals and valve seats, should be
replaced every 12 months.
7
5.0 Pressure Systems and Gas Containers Regulations
5.1 The Pressure Systems and Gas Containers Regulations require a written
scheme of inspection to be prepared by a Competent Person, as defined in the
Regulations. To meet the requirements of this, it will generally be sufficient to
record the results of the routine testing and maintenance operations. This
should be carried out and witnessed by an appropriately qualified person in
accordance with the approved quality assurance systems.
8
6.0 Vacuum systems
6.1 There are simple systems on the market for providing vacuum using
the DC vehicle power system. Such systems should be provided with
indication of level of vacuum, and a means of adjustment, with on/off
indication. In common with permanent fixed installations in healthcare
premises, this should be used in association with a suction jar assembly (with
shut-off float switch) and a bacterial filter. When installing such a system, it is
essential to ensure an adequate vehicle battery capacity so that the power
drain does not compromise the engine starting requirements. The system
should be supplied from the auxiliary circuit.
9
Appendix 1 – Accommodation for medical gas
cylinders
1.0 General
1.1 Accommodation for medical gas cylinders (main stores and ready use
stores) should comply with the following design guidelines:
e. fire protection: all cylinder stores should be free from naked flames and
all sources of ignition, and should be designated “no smoking” areas.
Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment should be readily available;
1.1 Further details are given in HTM 2022 ‘Operational management’ and
‘Design considerations’.
General
2.2 The floor and hard standing should be level and constructed of
concrete or other non-combustible, non-porous material. A concrete finish is
preferred and is likely to have a longer life. The floor should be laid to a fall to
prevent the accumulation of water.
2.3 The store should have adequate means of access to facilitate movement
of cylinders on trolleys. The cylinder bays should be arranged to allow trolleys
to be safely manoeuvred and cylinders to be loaded and unloaded.
2.4 Separate, clearly identified bays should be provided for full and empty
cylinders.
2.5 Separate areas for different gases should be provided, but it is not
necessary to construct a physical barrier unless it is convenient to do so.
Adequate means of securing large cylinders to prevent falling should be
10
Appendix 1 – Accommodation for medical gas cylinders
2.7 If the travel distance from the access doors to any part of the store
exceeds 15 m, additional emergency exits should be provided. The advice of
the local fire safety officer should be sought.
Hazchem/warning signs
2.8 Safety warning signs and notices should be used where appropriate
and posted in prominent positions. They should be sited and designed in
accordance with the requirements of SI 341 ‘Health and Safety (Signs and
Signals) Regulations’, BS 5378 ‘Safety Signs and Colours’ Parts 1 and 3,
BS 5499 ‘Fire Safety Signs, Notices and Graphic Symbols’ Part 1, and the
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Location
2.9 Cylinder stores should be located at ground level, not underground for
example in a basement.
2.11 No parking should be permitted within the delivery and storage area,
other than for loading and unloading cylinders.
2.12 The location of the cylinder store should be marked clearly on the site
plan for ease of identification in the event of an emergency.
11
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
1.0 General
1.1 Cylinders can be heavy and bulky and should therefore be handled with
care only by personnel who have been trained in cylinder handling and who
understand the potential hazards.
1.3 Cylinders should not be lifted by their caps or valves unless specifically
designed for that purpose.
1.5 Cylinders and valves should be kept free from oil and grease. Cylinders
should not be marked with chalk, crayon, paint or other materials, nor by the
application of adhesive tapes etc. A tie-on label indicating the content state
may be attached to the cylinder.
1.6 Smoking and naked lights should be prohibited in the vicinity of all
cylinders.
1.8 Safety devices, including pressure relief devices, valves and connections,
should not be altered or by-passed.
1.12 Cylinders used for industrial purposes should not be used for medicinal
applications and should not be stored in the same store as medical gases
cylinders. Similarly, medical gases should not be used for non-medical
applications.
1.14 Cylinder valves should always be closed after use and when cylinders
are empty. Keys for this purpose should be readily available. Any gas trapped
within the regulator/equipment should be safely vented to atmosphere and the
equipment valves re-closed.
12
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
1.15 Cylinder trolleys should comply with BS2718. Where different types of
conveyance are used to transport several cylinders together, they should be
clean, the cylinder supporting surfaces should be free from grease and oil, and
they should be reserved for the transportation of medical gas cylinders.
2.0 Decanting
a. the cylinder should be checked for the name of the gas and the
cylinder label;
b. the tamper-evident seal should be removed and any plastic outlet cap
removed from the outlet and left fitted to the valve for re-fitting after
use;
h. prior to opening the cylinder valve, ensure the equipment flow control
valves are closed;
k. when the cylinder is not being used the cylinder valve should be closed;
13
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
5.1 The inlet fittings on regulators and equipment used for connection to
medical gas cylinders should be in accordance with BS341 and/or ISO 407.
Administration equipment
6.1 Only approved leak detectors should be used for detecting leaks.
a. close the cylinder valve and vent any gas through the equipment.
Carefully tighten the connecting nut. If the leak persists, turn off the
14
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
cylinder valve, vent any gas safely to atmosphere and detach the
equipment from the cylinder;
Equipment should be subject to 6.6 Defective pressure reducing regulators, gauges and equipment may be
planned preventative maintenance. hazardous in use. A system should be established to ensure that defective
items are withdrawn from use and repaired or condemned as necessary.
Defective equipment should be
notified in accordance with the defect 6.7 No attempt should be made to repair, alter or modify any cylinder or
reporting system. its valve.
15
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
7.5 Further guidance can be obtained from the fire prevention officer, the
fire safety officer and the local fire brigade depot.
7.7 Oil and grease in the presence of high-pressure oxygen and nitrous
oxide are liable to spontaneous combustion and should not be used as a
lubricant on any gas cylinder or equipment. In particular the cylinder valve,
couplings, regulators, tools, hands and clothing should be kept free from these
substances.
8.4 Incidents have occurred resulting in ignition within the cylinder valve or
regulator which has been attributable to friction generated by particulate
matter such as dust or dirt within the system when the cylinder valve is
opened. Cylinders should only be used if they are fitted with a tamper-evident
seal and outlet protector to prevent ingress of foreign material.
16
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
General
11.1 There are no specific regulations covering the carriage of medical gases
in small cylinders. There are, however, regulations covering the transport of
other gases, and the requirements of these regulations should generally be
followed where applicable.
It is not recommended that cylinders 11.2 The guidance given here is also applicable to health professionals who
of nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide be need to transport medical gas cylinders (medical oxygen and Entonox
transported horizontally; these are not cylinders) in private vehicles, including, for example, midwives or pharmacists.
generally carried in ambulances.
11.3 It is safe to carry medical gas cylinders in vehicles provided proper care
is taken. This applies to both full and empty cylinders.
11.6 The driver should be aware of the properties of the gases which are
being transported – this information is available on the Medical Gas Data
sheets provided by the gas supplier.
11.7 The cylinder should be checked for the correct product label and for
any visible signs of damage prior to loading.
11.9 The vehicle should have good ventilation – if necessary the windows
should be opened.
17
Appendix 2 – Cylinder handling
11.15 Cylinders containing liquefied gases (including nitrous oxide) should not
be left in a vehicle subject to extremes of temperature in summer, and should
be kept out of direct sunlight.
11.16 The TREM card should always be carried in the vehicle, together with
the Medical Gas Data sheets, whether or not cylinders are being transported.
The vehicle should be provided with a convenient means of storing the TREM
card.
Figure 1 Typical Transport Emergency Card, reproduced by kind permission of BOC gases
18
References
SI 1039: 1978 (NI 9) Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order. HMSO 1978.
SI 341: 1996 Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations. HMSO 1996.
SI 2169: 1989 Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations. HMSO 1989.
British Standards
BS 341 Transportable gas container valves.
BS 1780: 1985 (1992) Specification for bourdon tube pressure and vacuum gauges.
BS 4322: 1968 (1994) Recommendations for buffering hospital vehicles such as trolleys.
BS 5682: 1984 (1992) Specification for terminal units, hose assemblies and their connectors for use with
medical gas pipeline systems.
ISO 407: 1991 Small medical gas cylinders – Pin-index yoke-type valve connections.
Other publications
Health service guidelines: Reporting adverse incidents and reactions, and defective products relating to
medical and non-medical equipment and supplies, food, buildings and plant, and medicinal products
(HSG(93)13). NHS Management Executive 1993.
(Given below are details of all Health Technical Component Data Base (HTMs 54 to 80)
Memoranda available from The Stationery Office. HTMs 54.1 User manual, 1993.
marked (*) are currently being revised, those marked (†) 55 Windows, 1989.
are out of print. Some HTMs in preparation at the time of 56 Partitions, 1989.
publication of this HTM are also listed.) 57 Internal glazing, 1995.
58 Internal doorsets, 1989.
1 Anti static precautions: rubber, plastics and fabrics† 59 Ironmongery†
2 Anti static precautions: flooring in anaesthetising 60 Ceilings, 1989.
areas (and data processing rooms), 1977. 61 Flooring, 1995.
3 – 62 Demountable storage systems, 1989.
4 – 63 Fitted storage systems, 1989.
2005 Building management systems, 1996. 64 Sanitary assemblies, 1995.
6 Protection of condensate systems: filming amines† 65 Health signs*
2007 Electrical services: supply and distribution, 1993. 66 Cubicle curtain track, 1989.
8 – 67 Laboratory fitting-out system, 1993.
2009 Pneumatic air tube transport systems, 1995. 68 Ducts and panel assemblies, 1993.
2010 Sterilizers, 1994, 1995. 69 Protection, 1993.
2011 Emergency electrical services, 1993. 70 Fixings, 1993.
12 to 13 – 71 Materials management modular system*
2014 Abatement of electrical interference, 1993. 72 to 80 –
2015 Bedhead services, 1994, 1995.
16 –
Firecode
17 Health building engineering installations:
commissioning and associated activities, 1978.
81 Firecode: fire precautions in new hospitals, 1996.
18 Facsimile telegraphy: possible applications in DGHs†
82 Firecode: alarm and detection systems, 1996.
19 Facsimile telegraphy: the transmission of pathology
83 Fire safety in healthcare premises: general fire
reports within a hospital – a case study†
precautions, 1994.
2020 Electrical safety code for low voltage systems, 1993.
85 Firecode: fire precautions in existing hospitals, 1994.
2021 Electrical safety code for high voltage systems, 1993,
86 Firecode: fire risk assessment in hospitals, 1994.
1994.
87 Firecode: textiles and furniture, 1993.
2022 Medical gas pipeline systems, 1994.
88 Fire safety in health care premises: guide to fire
2023 Access and accommodation for engineering
precautions in NHS housing in the community for
services, 1995.
mentally handicapped/ill people, 1986.
2024 Lifts, 1995.
In Scotland, refer to Firecode in Scotland
2025 Ventilation in healthcare premises, 1994.
26 Commissioning of oil, gas and dual fired boilers:
Health Technical Memoranda published by The Stationery
with notes on design, operation and maintenance†
Office can be purchased from SO bookshops in London
2027 Hot and cold water supply, storage and mains
(post orders to PO Box 276, SW8 5DT), Edinburgh, Belfast,
services, 1995.
Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol, or through
28 to 29 –
good booksellers. The Stationery Office provide a copy
2030 Washer-disinfectors, 1995.
service for publications which are out of print; and a
2031 Steam supply for sterilization*
standing order service.
32 to 34 –
2035 Mains signalling, 1996.
Enquiries about Health Technical Memoranda (but not
36 to 39 –
orders) should be addressed to: NHS Estates, Department
2040 The control of legionellae in healthcare premises –
of Health, Publications Unit, 1 Trevelyan Square, Boar
a code of practice, 1993.
Lane, Leeds LS1 6AE.
41 to 44 –
2045 Acoustics, 1996.
In Scotland, enquiries about this HTM should be made to
46 to 49 –
the NHS in Scotland, Healthcare Engineering and
2050 Risk management in the NHS estate, 1994.
Environment Unit, University of Strathclyde, Room 8.51,
51 to 54 –
Graham Hills Building, 50 George Street, Glasgow
2055 Telecommunications (telephone exchanges), 1994.
G1 1QE.
20
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21