Which alarm is specifically designed to provide oversight of Category 1 and Category 2 medical gas systems?

The area alarm is specifically designed to provide oversight of Category 1 and Category 2 medical gas systems because it monitors the status of medical gas delivery systems within a specific area, such as a hospital wing or a surgical suite. This type of alarm is essential for ensuring the safety and readiness of medical gases, alerting staff if there are any malfunctions or issues that could compromise patient care. By covering specific zones where medical gas systems are in operation, area alarms help maintain compliance with safety standards outlined in NFPA 99, which emphasizes the importance of monitoring these critical systems to protect patients and healthcare personnel.

In contrast, master alarms typically oversee multiple areas or entire systems, local alarms focus on immediate, localized issues, and supply alarms specifically alert users about the status of gas supply levels rather than the overall operation of the gas systems in various areas. While all these alarms serve important functions, the area alarm's role is unique in managing and monitoring the conditions of medical gas systems in distinct locations.