NFPA99, Health Care Facilities, require that movable surgical columns that contain medical gas piping or outlets be periodically inspected for leaks, flow at outlets and all hoses visually checked for cracks or wear points. All defects must be corrected by qualified technicians and the corrections documented.
MTA has been providing this service since 2012. We offer several different options for facilities having booms that are required to be inspected.
WHAT IS A BOOM?
Nearly every hospital with 1 or more operating rooms and many other facilities (surgery centers, free standing ER’s, etc.) have “booms,” more correctly called “surgical booms” or “movable surgical columns. These assemblies incorporate medical gas outlets, electrical components, communication, and data terminals. Booms can also incorporate tool holders and accessory baskets. They increase safety and enhance efficiency by routing hoses and cords away from the patient or surgical field.
Adjusting booms may chafe hoses creating leaks or squeezing a medical gas hose shutting off the flow of medical gas or suction.
MTA’s Boom Inspection Service
- Leak testing is done by bubble testing on pressure hoses and fittings and by ultrasonic on vacuum hoses and fittings.
- All DISS and threaded connections are exposed and individually leak tested.
- All hoses are examined entire length for age cracks, wear areas from rubbing on structure during movement.
- All hoses are inspected for kinking at pinch points at all boom positions.
- Optional repairs at time of testing.
- Optional complete hose replacement at time of testing.
MTA’s Boom Evaluation Service
- Leak test is timed pressure-drop test.
- Limited disassembly.
- Hoses are not examined entire length.
- No internal joints are bubble tested.
Repairs at time of testing but generally more difficult to do
ALL MTA Boom Services Include:
- All outlets are tested for function, flow, and leakage.
- Booms are operated to mechanical limits and observed for operation and function.
- Brakes are tested for function.
- Nitrogen (and other gas) control panels are tested for operation and internal leaks.
Whats Next?
Contact your MTA facility advisor. He can explain all the options and give you a quote.
If your Licensing Authority or AHJ has issued a deficiency notice due to lack of Boom Inspection, once MTA has scheduled inspections in your facility, the Licensing Authority will generally grant an extension before any sanctions are levied.
