What is the maximum spacing for supports of vertical risers for all medical gas piping?

The maximum spacing for supports of vertical risers for all medical gas piping is established to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the piping system. Vertical risers, which carry medical gases through a facility, must be adequately supported to prevent sagging and stress on the joints and connections, which can lead to leaks or failures.

The standard of 15 feet is implemented based on guidelines that consider weight, the material properties of the piping, and the operational environment. This distance strikes a balance between providing enough support to absorb pipe movement, thermal expansion, and contraction, which can occur due to temperature changes in medical gas systems.

By adhering to this maximum spacing of 15 feet, facilities can ensure that their medical gas piping is both secure and compliant with safety regulations, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents associated with the handling of medical gases. This is particularly important since medical gases are critical to patient care and facility operations.