Managing life safety compliance is a complex, multi-faceted task. It requires knowledge in multiple codes, utilization of the proper code editions, and determination of which requirements are applicable to your building. This blog post will break down the requirements around oxygen signage.
The Healthcare Facilities Code® (NFPA 99) contains most of the requirements related to oxygen systems, storage and signage. CMS has adopted the 2012 edition of NFPA 99. Oxygen signage requirements fall into two categories: signage for oxygen storage and signage when oxygen is in use.
When oxygen cylinders or containers are stored within an enclosure, a precautionary sign is required on the door or gate that is readable from a distance of five feet away. The signage must include the following wording:
This requirement is intended to apply to rooms and enclosures where multiple cylinders are being stored. It is not necessary to place signage everywhere an oxygen cylinder is located in a building. For example, cylinders available for emergency use on carts, at nurse stations, and staged in small quantities are not subject to oxygen storage signage requirements.
The signage requirements that apply when oxygen is being utilized in the building depend on the facility’s smoking policy. A facility that prohibits smoking is only required to provide precautionary signage at the building’s major entry points. However, a facility that allows smoking must provide precautionary signage wherever supplemental oxygen is in use, including the aisles and walkways leading to such areas. In all cases, the signage must be readable from a distance of five feet away. The annex section of NFPA 99 suggests signage be no smaller than 8 X 11 inches and include the following wording and symbol:
Finally, if liquid oxygen is used in the building and transfilling occurs – where liquid oxygen is transferred from a base reservoir container to portable liquid oxygen containers – signage must be posted at the transfilling location indicating that transfilling is occurring and smoking is not permitted in the immediate area.
The detailed requirements for oxygen signage can be found in Chapter 11 (Gas Equipment) of NFPA 99. NFPA provides a
free viewer where you can access codes and standards on their website. Hardcopy and user-friendly on-line subscriptions are also available for a fee at
www.nfpa.org.
AHCA is always available to support members with life safety compliance questions. Inquiries can be emailed to
emergencyprep@ahca.org.