If it terminates as a "station outlet," then I would ask the engineer to reference the code supporting his exception.

NFPA 99, 2012 explicitly defines instrument air as a medical support gas.

3.3.84 Instrument Air. For the purposes of this code, instrument air is air intended for the powering of medical devices unrelated to human respiration (e.g., surgical tools, ceiling arms). Medical air and instrument air are distinct systems for mutually exclusive applications. Instrument air is a medical support gas that falls under the general requirements for medical gases.

 

Furthermore, NFPA 99, 2012 is explicit that the requirements apply to all medical gases and medical support gases.

5.1.1.2* Where the terms medical gas or medical support gas occur, the provisions shall apply to all piped systems for oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, instrument air, and mixtures thereof. Wherever the name of a specific gas service occurs, the provision shall apply only to that gas.

So, the use point in question would require a zone valve compliant with 5.1.4.8 through 5.1.4.8.8:

5.1.4.8 Zone Valves. All station outlets/inlets shall be supplied through a zone valve as follows:

In regards to his first point, I would ask if he considers this a "special installation?"

5.1.4.8.7.1 All gas delivery columns, hose reels, ceiling tracks, control panels, pendants, booms, or other special installations shall be located downstream of the zone valve.

As for his second point, my opinion is that he's misinterpreting the code.  5.1.4.8 is explicit that all outlets (regardless of area) must be controlled by a zone valve. 

My interpretation is that 5.1.4.8.7 is not the requirement for the zone valve itself (that's 5.1.4.8), rather it's the requirement for the location ("immediately outside" and "readily accessible") of the zone valves controlling these areas.

I agree with you both. It requires a zone valve box. At times, we have the hard job of providing patient and public safety. When the surgeon cannot run his tools in the middle of brain or heart surgery, because the clear room staff had an accident with the Nitrogen or IA system and their was no fast way the shutdown that area. The News Print will be bad.

Al Moon wrote:

I agree with you both. It requires a zone valve box. At times, we have the hard job of providing patient and public safety. When the surgeon cannot run his tools in the middle of brain or heart surgery, because the clear room staff had an accident with the Nitrogen or IA system and their was no fast way the shutdown that area. The News Print will be bad.

I usually like to avoid that bad news print!