Gas in Elevator Cars

  • Tuesday, February 04, 2020 1:53 PM
    Message # 8725505

    Here's a fun question and my response was "no use portables" but I'm curious what others might have to say:


    From the architect: "We have a client that is asking the following question.  Is it possible to, in the event of an emergency, to have oxygen and vac outlets available on each of the new transport elevators?  There are 3-4 new patient transport elevators that we are working on.  Have you ever heard of med gas outlets (Ox and Vac) within an elevator cab?  We are prohibited to run med gas piping through an elevator shaft but this would place an independent system in/on the cab (either way seems wrong).  Let me know if you’ve seen/heard of this and if you believe this can be done."


  • Wednesday, February 05, 2020 10:02 AM
    Reply # 8728543 on 8725505

    Not only is this wrong and a safety issue – codes/standards, possible tampering with outlet/inlets by passengers, damage from tall wheeled devices, movable 02 hose in elevator shaft - but is completely unnecessary.


    When transporting a patient requiring oxygen, the standard clinical practice is to place an E cylinder in the stretcher cylinder holder. When no holder is present on a bed or stretcher, we would position the cylinder horizontally between the patient’s legs. On a stretcher, the lower patient strap would secure the cylinder. Never lost a cylinder – can’t say the same for a patient :-) 


    In the few instances when suction may be needed in transport, a small battery powered portable suction machine is again placed between the patient’s legs, unless the bed is equipped with a transport rack to hold it.


    Do miss hanging out with all of you at the annual meeting but keeping quite busy with volunteer work and other passions.

    George Scott

  • Wednesday, February 05, 2020 10:52 AM
    Reply # 8728691 on 8725505

    Good to hear from you George miss you.

    We’ve had this request and the same as George statement it is not a wise thing to do.

  • Wednesday, February 05, 2020 12:47 PM
    Reply # 8728839 on 8725505
    Al Moon (Administrator)

    WELL GEORGE SCOTT IS RIGHT ( OMG AGAIN )


    But the code is king / Please see below:



    5.1.10.11.3  Location of Piping.

    5.1.10.11.3.1  Piping risers shall be permitted to be installed in pipe shafts if protected from physical damage, effects of excessive heat, corrosion, or contact with oil.

    5.1.10.11.3.2  Piping shall not be installed in kitchens, elevator shafts, elevator machine rooms, areas with open flames, electrical service equipment over 600 volts, and areas prohibited under NFPA 70National Electrical Code, except for the following locations:


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