The Authoritative Source for Plumbing, Hydronics, Fire Protection and PVF
 

Code Update

2006 Uniform Plumbing Code Changes - Medical Gas, Firefighter Breathing Air & Grease Interceptor Systems

By Ron George, CIPE, CPD

President, Ron George Design & Consulting Services

This month we continue the coverage of the code changes from the 2003 to 2006 edition of the UPC, which is developed by IAPMO.

The code changes covered below are a summary of the cumulative analysis combined with some of the reasoning and testimony given by the proponents and opponents during their testimony at the code hearings. The code text that was removed is shown with a strikethrough and the code text that is new is shown with an underline. An explanation of the reasoning or analysis that was given by the proponent and discussed during the code change hearings is shown in italics following the code change. Following some of the code sections and reason statements there are a few of my comments that address the code change.  

This month we continue with the changes to Chapter 13--Medical Gas and we cover the new Appendix “F” which is titled, “Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment Systems,” and we discuss the moving of interceptor requirements from Appendix “H” to Chapter 10.

The medical gas changes were brought into the plumbing code to update the code to correlate with the changes from NFPA 99-2002 to NFPA 99-2005 and from NFPA 99C-2002 to NFPA 99C-2005 for health care facilities medical gas and vacuum systems.

Chapter 13--Medical Gas (continued from Plumbing Engineer, Sept. 2007, pg. 20)

Section 1319.6

132019.6 While being brazed, joints shall be continuously purged with oil-free, dry nitrogen NF to prevent the formation of copper oxide on the inside surfaces of the joint. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.1)

The source of the purge gas shall be monitored, and the installer shall be audibly alerted when the source content is low. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.2)

The purge gas flow rate shall not produce a positive pressure in the piping system. [Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.3]

The purge gas flow rate shall be controlled by the use of a pressure regulator and flow meter or combination thereof. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.4)

Pressure regulators alone shall not be used to control purge gas flow rates. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.5)

To ensure that all ambient air has been removed from the pipeline prior to brazing, an oxygen analyzer shall be used to verify the effectiveness of the purge. The oxygen analyzer shall read below 1% oxygen concentration before brazing is to begin. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.6).

During and after installation, openings in the piping system shall be kept sealed to maintain a nitrogen atmosphere within the piping to prevent debris or other contaminants from entering the system. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.6)

While a joint is being brazed, a discharge opening shall be provided on the opposite side of the joint from where the purge gas is being introduced. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.7)

The flow of purge gas shall be maintained until the joint is cool to the touch. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.8)

After the joint has cooled, the purge discharge opening shall be sealed to prevent contamination of the inside of the tube and maintain the nitrogen atmosphere within the piping system. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.9)

The final connection of new piping to an existing, in-use pipeline shall be permitted to be made without the use of a nitrogen purge. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.10)

After a final connection in a positive pressure medical gas pipeline is made without a nitrogen purge, an outlet in the immediate downstream zone of the affected portions of both the new and existing in-use piping shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 99: 5.1.12.3.9, Final Tie-In Test. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.11)

When using the autogenous orbital welding process, joints shall be continuously purged inside and outside with inert gas(es) in accordance with the qualified welding procedure. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.10.5.5.12)

Section 1320.5

132120.5 Main Valve. A shutoff valve shall be provided in the main supply line inside of the building, when the source shutoff valve is not accessible from within the building. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.4.5) except where one or more of the following conditions exists:

  1. The source and source valve are located inside the building served.
  2. The source system is physically mounted to the wall of the building served and the pipelined enters the building in the immediate vicinity of the source valve. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.4.5)

Section 1320.5.3

1321.5.4 A main line valve shall not be required where the source shutoff valve is accessible from within the building. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.4.5.4)

Section 1323.1

1324 .1 Piping shall be labeled by stenciling or adhesive markers that identify the medical gas, support gas, or vacuum system and include: (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.11.1.1)

  1. The name of the gas/vacuum system or the chemical symbol per NFPA 99 Table 5.1.11.
  2. The gas or vacuum system color code per NFPA 99 Table 5.1.11.
  3. Where positive-pressure gas piping systems operate at pressures other than the standard gauge in NFPA 99 5.1.11, the pipe labeling shall include the operating pressure in addition to the name of the gas. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.11.1.1)

Pipe labels shall show the name of the gas/vacuum system or the chemical symbol. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.11.1.2)

Pipe labels shall be located as follows:

  1. At intervals of not more than 20 ft. (6100 mm).
  2. At least once in or above every room.
  3. On both sides of walls or partitions penetrated by the piping.
  4. At least once in every story height traversed by risers (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.11.1.2)

Section 1324.0

132524.0 Alarms. All master, area, and local alarm systems used for medical gas and vacuum systems shall include the following:

  1. Separate visual indicators for each condition monitored, except as permitted for local alarms that are displayed on master alarm panels.
  2. Visual indicators that remain in alarm until the situation that has caused the alarm is resolved.
  3. A cancelable audible indication of each alarm condition that produces a sound with a minimum level of 80 dBA at 3 ft. (920 mm).
  4. A means to visually identify a lamp or LED failure.
  5. Visual and audible indication that the wiring to an alarm initiating device is disconnected.
  6. Labeling of each indicator, indicating the condition monitored.
  7. Labeling of each alarm panel for its area of surveillance. [NFPA 99 5.1.9.1(1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7)]
  8. Re-initiation of the audible signal if another alarm condition occurs while the audible alarm is silenced.
  9. Power for master and area alarms from the life safety branch of the emergency electrical system as described in Chapter 4, Electrical Systems.
  10. Power for local alarms, dew point sensors, and carbon monoxide sensors permitted to be from the same essential electrical branch as is used to power the air compressor system.
  11. Wiring from switches or sensors that is supervised or protected as required by Section 517.30(C)(3) of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, for emergency system circuits.
  12. Assurance by the responsible authority of the facility that the labeling of alarms, where room numbers or designations are used, is accurate and up-to-date.
  13. Provisions for automatic restart after a power loss of 10 seconds (e.g., during generator startup) with giving false signals or requiring manual reset. [Source: NFPA 9 9 5.1.9.1(1),(3),(4),(5),(6),(7)]

Section 1325.1

132625.1 Medical air compressors shall be sufficient to serve the peak calculated demand with the largest single compressor out of service. In no case shall there be fewer than two compressors. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.11.2)

Medical air compressor systems shall consist of the following:

  1. Components complying with NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.4 through NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.10, arranged per NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.11.
  2. An automatic means to prevent backflow from all on-cycle compressors through all off-cycle compressors.
  3. A manual shutoff valve to isolate each compressor from the centrally piped system and from other compressors for maintenance or repair without loss of pressure in the system.
  4. Intake filter-mufflers of the dry type.
  5. Pressure relief valves set at 50% above line pressure.
  6. Piping between the compressor and the source shutoff valve compatible with oxygen that does not contribute to contaminant levels and is cleaned for oxygen use. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.3.2)
  7. Except as defined in NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.3.2(1) through NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.3.2(6), materials and devices used between the medical air intake and the medical air source valve shall be permitted to be of any design or construction appropriate for the service, as determined by the manufacturer. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.3.2)

Section 1325.3

132625.3 Compressor intake piping shall be of materials approved for vacuum piping under 1317.10 that will not add contaminants in the form of particulate matter, odor, or other gases. [NFPA 99 hard-drawn seamless copper, and one of the following:

  1. ASTM B 819, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for medical Gas Systems, medical gas tube.
  2. ASTM B 88, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, water tube (Type K or L).
  3. ASTM B 280, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tubing for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Field Service, 280ACR tube. [Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.13.4]

The compressor air intake shall be located outdoors above roof level, at a minimum distance of 3050 mm 10 feet (10 ft 3,050 mm) from any door, window, exhaust, other intake, or opening in the building and a minimum distance of 20 ft. (6100 mm) above the ground. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.13.2)

If an air source equal to or better than outside air (e.g., air already filtered for use in operating room ventilating systems) is available, it shall be permitted to be used for the medical air compressors with the following provisions:

  1. This alternate source of supply air shall be available on a continuous 24-hour-per day, 7-day-per-week basis.
  2. Ventilating systems having fans with motors or drive belts located in the air stream shall not be used as a source of medical air intake. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.13.3)

Air intakes for separate compressors shall be permitted to be joined together to one common intake where the following conditions are met:

  1. The common intake is sized to minimize back pressure in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  2. Each compressor can be isolated by manual or check valve, blind flange, or tube cap to prevent open inlet piping when compressors are removed from service and consequent backflow of room air into the other compressor(s). (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.13.5)

Section 1325.5

132625.5 Medical air receivers shall be provided with proper a three-valves bypass to allow permit service to the receiver the flow of compressed air to enter and exit out of separator receive ports during normal operation and allow the receiver to be bypassed during service, without shutting down the medical air system. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.5.11.4)

Section 1326.1

132726.1 Medical-surgical vacuum sources shall consist of the following:

  1. Two or more vacuum pumps sufficient to serve the peak calculated demand with the largest single vacuum pump out of service.
  2. An automatic means to prevent backflow from any on-cycle vacuum pumps through any off-cycle vacuum pumps.
  3. A shutoff valve or other isolation means to isolate each vacuum pump from the centrally piped system and other vacuum pumps for maintenance or repair without loss of vacuum in the system. [NFPA 99 5.1.3.6.1.2(1), (2), (3)]
  4. A vacuum receiver.
  5. Piping between the vacuum pump(s), discharge(s), receiver(s), and the vacuum source shutoff valve shall be in accordance with NFPA 99.1.10.2, except that stainless, galvanized, or black steel pipe shall be permitted to be used.
  6. Except as defined in NFPA 99 5.1.3.6.1.2(1) through NFPA 99 5.1.3.6.1.2(5), materials and devices used between the medical vacuum exhaust and the medical vacuum source shall be permitted to be of any design or construction appropriate for the service, as determined by the manufacturer. [Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.6.1.2(1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(6)]

Section 1326.3

1327.4 1326.3 Receivers for vacuum shall meet the following requirements:

  1. Be made of ferrous and/or non-ferrous materials.
  2. Comply with Section VIII, Unfired Pressure Vessels, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
  3. Be capable of withstanding a gauge pressure of 60 psi (415 kPa) and 760 mm 29.9 in. (29.9 in.760 mm) gauge HgV.
  4. Be equipped with a manual drain.
  5. Be of a capacity based on the technology of the pumps. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.3.6.3)

Section 1327.8.1

132927.8.1 The source of test gas shall be disconnected and the system tested shall be reduced to atmospheric pressure. The cross-connection test referenced in NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.4 shall be repeated for each installed medical gas and vacuum piping system. Each additional piping system shall then be tested in accordance with 1329.9. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.4.1, 5.1.12.2.4.5)

Section 1327.9.1

132927.9.1 After the piping system is filled with test gas, the supply valve and all outlets shall be closed and the source of test gas disconnected. Test shall be conducted after the final installation of station outlet valve bodies, face plates, and other distribution system components (e.g., pressure alarm devices, pressure indicators, line pressure relief valves, manufactured assemblies, hose, etc.).

The source valve shall be closed during this test. 

The piping system shall be subjected to a 24-hour standing pressure test using oilfree, dry nitrogen NF remain leak-free for 24 hours. When making the standing pressure test, the only allowable pressure changes during the 24-hour test period shall be those caused by variations in the ambient temperature around the piping system. [Source: NFPA 99 4- 3.4.1.2(e)1]

Test pressures shall be 20% above the normal system operation line pressure. 

Leaks, if any, shall be located, repaired (if permitted), or replaced (if required), and retested. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.6.1-5.1.12.2.6.6)

At the conclusion of the tests, there shall be no change in the test pressure other than that attributed to changes of ambient temperature. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.6.5)

Section 1327.11

132927.11 Standing Pressure Test - Piped Vacuum Systems. After successful completion of the initial pressure tests under Section 13297.10, vacuum distribution piping shall be subjected to a standing vacuum test. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7)

Tests shall be conducted after installation of all components of the vacuum system. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.1)

The piping systems shall be subjected to a 24-hour standing vacuum test. (NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.2)

Test pressure shall be not less than 12 in. 300 mm (300 mm 12 in.) gauge HgV and full vacuum. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.3)

During the test, the source of test vacuum shall be disconnected from the piping system. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.4)

At the conclusion of the test, there shall be no change in the vacuum other than that attributed to changes of ambient temperature, as permitted in the following: (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.5)

Test vacuum changes due to expansion or contraction shall be permitted to be determined by means of the following pressure temperature relationship:

  1. The calculated final absolute pressure equals the initial absolute pressure times the final absolute temperature, divided by the initial absolute temperature.
  2. Absolute pressure is the gauge pressure reading plus 14.7 psi (101.4 kPa).
  3. Absolute temperature is the temperature reading plus 460 F (238 C).
  4. The final allowable gauge pressure reading equals the final allowable absolute pressure minus a gauge pressure of 14.7 psi (101.4 kPa). [NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.6] Leaks, if any, shall be located, repaired (if permitted) or replaced (if required), and retested. (Source: NFPA 99 5.1.12.2.7.7)

Comments: Chapter 13 code changes are an extract and update from NFPA 99-2002 to NFPA 99-2005 and from NFPA 99C-2002 to NFPA 99C-2005 for healthcare facilities and gas and vacuum systems.

Section 1501.1

1501.1 Applicability. All piping penetrations of required fire-resistance-rated walls, partitions, floors, floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling assemblies, or shaft enclosures shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 5000, NFPA Building Code, the Building Code, and this chapter. The penetration must meet any additional requirements for protection of the penetration in the building code adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Table 14-1

Table 14-1 Includes Mandatory referenced standards updated in accordance with the recommendation of the Technical Committee and listed by the promulgating agencies.

Reason: The intent of this code change is to reference the Building Code that the jurisdiction has adopted for the requirements of penetrating fire-resistance rated assemblies.

Section 1502.1

1502.1 Plans and specifications shall indicate with sufficient detail how penetrations of fire-resistance rated assemblies shall be firestopped prior to obtaining design approval. by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Reason: This code change deletes unnecessary language.

Section 1505.0

1505.0 Combustible Piping Installations.

Reason: The additional heading provides the user with location and specifications as to combustible piping installations for ease of use.

Section 1505.2

1505.2 When penetrating a fire-resistance-rated wall, partition, floor, floor-ceiling assembly, roof-ceiling assembly, or shaft enclosure, the fire resistance rating of the assembly shall be restored to its original rating. with a material or product tested to standard(s) referenced in Chapter 14 and at an independent testing agency acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Reason:This code change deleted ambiguous and unenforceable language and requires the fire resistance assembly to be restored to its original rating.

Section 1506.2

1506.2 When penetrating a fire-resistance-rated wall, partition, floor, floor-ceiling assembly, roof-ceiling assembly, or shaft enclosure, the fire resistance rating of the assembly shall be restored to its original rating. with a material or product tested to standard(s) referenced in Section 1506.3 and at an independent testing agency acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Exceptions

  1. Concrete, mortar, or grout may be used to fill the annular spaces around cast iron, copper, or steel piping that penetrates concrete or masonry fire-resistant-rated assemblies. The nominal diameter of the penetrating item should not exceed 6 in. (15.2 cm), and the opening size should not exceed 144 in.2 (929 cm2). The thickness of concrete, mortar, or grout should be the full thickness of the assembly or the thickness necessary to provide a fire resistance rating not less than the required fire resistance rating of the assembly penetrated, or
  2. The material used to fill the annular space shall prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste for the time period equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the assembly when tested to standard(s) referenced in Section 1506.3.

Reason: This code change deleted ambiguous and unenforceable language and requires the fire resistance assembly to be restored to its original rating.

Section 1507.1

1507.1 General. Prior to being concealed, piping penetrations shall be inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction to verify compliance with the fire-resistance rating prescribed in the Building Code. , NFPA 5000, NFPA Building Code.

Reason: The intent of this code change is to reference the Building Code that the jurisdiction has adopted for requirements of piping penetrations.

Appendix “F”

Firefighter Breathing Air Replenishment Systems ...

Reason: This appendix provides for breathing air replenishment systems, also known as firefighter air systems as an important safety concern and benefit to firefighters that are required to work within a high-rise building. It increases firefighter safety by providing firefighters with a safe and reliable source of breathing air within close proximity of the emergency.  This system will allow firefighters to be prepared to attack a high rise fire in a much shorter period of time.

Comment: This is a new appendix with definitions, installation requirements, material, component, alarm requirements and other minimum requirements for the installation of firefighter breathing air replenishment systems. Firefighter breathing air systems have been added to local codes of several large cities as local amendments to the model codes. These systems are necessary because of the waste of valuable time and manpower to carry spare breathing air bottles up to a fire floor in a large high rise building fire incident. The concept is to provide a high pressure breathing air piping systems for refilling or replenishing firefighter breathing air tanks at intervals along a stairway in a high rise building this eliminates the need for many firefighters to carry air bottles up flights of stairs. This system makes sense just like adding a fire riser and hose eliminated the need to carry buckets of water to the fire this system will eliminate the need to carry air tanks to the fire.

Appendix “H” Grease Interceptors

Comment: The recommended design and construction requirements for grease interceptors in Appendix H of the 2003 UPC are now covered in Chapter 10 of the 2006 UPC.

This concludes the coverage of the changes to the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code. 

Ron George specializes in plumbing, piping, fire protection and hvac design. He also provides plumbing/mechanical code and product standard consulting services and forensic investigations of mechanical system failures.