What is required for all medical air systems in relation to carbon monoxide levels?

All medical air systems must incorporate a continuous alarm system to ensure safe operation and protect patient safety. This requirement is crucial because carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can have serious effects on health, particularly in a medical environment where patients may already be vulnerable. The continuous monitoring system allows for real-time detection of carbon monoxide levels, enabling immediate action to be taken in the event that unsafe levels are detected.

Implementing such a system ensures that any incursion of carbon monoxide into the medical air supply is swiftly identified, thereby minimizing exposure risks to patients and staff. This proactive approach aligns with health and safety protocols intended to maintain a safe environment in healthcare settings.

While monitoring by staff could be beneficial, relying solely on human observation is not sufficient, as it does not offer the same immediacy and efficiency as an automated system. Immediate evacuation is a response measure rather than a preventive one, and isolation from patient areas has its own risks and logistics that do not address the monitoring needed for safety. Thus, a continuous alarm system is the most effective method for managing carbon monoxide risks in medical air systems.