In medical gas operations, which condition must be met for a system to be classified as Category 4?

A system is classified as Category 4 in medical gas operations due to its minimal impact on patient care. This classification pertains to systems that are designed for low-risk operations, where the failure or malfunction of the medical gas system would not significantly compromise patient safety or treatment outcomes.

Category 4 systems are often associated with applications where the gases involved do not directly support life-sustaining treatments, meaning that while they are important, their failure would not lead to immediate harm. This standard reflects the overall goal of the NFPA 99 to establish safety measures in healthcare facilities, ensuring that systems are evaluated according to the level of risk they present to patient care.

By recognizing this classification, healthcare facilities can focus their maintenance, oversight, and operational practices based on the potential consequences to patient health, allowing resources to be allocated more effectively where they are most needed.