How often should audible and visual alarm indicators be tested for maintenance?

Audible and visual alarm indicators are critical components of medical gas systems, as they provide essential alerts to staff about the operational status of the system, including any potential hazards or failures. The NFPA 99 standard emphasizes the importance of maintaining these alarms to ensure they function correctly and reliably when needed.

Periodically testing the alarms allows healthcare facilities to assess their effectiveness, ensure that staff are familiar with alarm sounds and indications, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. This "periodic" testing can be defined by the healthcare facility's policies, taking into consideration the manufacturer's recommendations and any regulatory requirements that apply. It reflects a proactive approach to maintenance, ensuring high standards of safety and compliance while allowing flexibility for organizations to tailor their testing schedules based on their specific needs and risk assessments.

Choosing this maintenance frequency over a more rigid schedule, like monthly or annually, acknowledges the dynamic nature of healthcare environments where alarms may not always be actively tested. A periodic testing schedule can effectively balance the need for regular checks while adapting to practical operational considerations.