NFPA 99, “Health Care Facilities Code,” is being released as the new 2012 Edition as of mid-October of this year. This new revision reflects a new safety environment which is driven by the risk that a procedure poses to patients and staff, not the location where it is conducted. Even the title has been changed (from “Standard for Health Care Facilities” to “Health Care Facilities Code”) to emphasize that it has been rewritten to make performance criteria for health care facilities more enforceable and adoptable.
One of the most notable differences is the inclusion of material in the new Code that was formerly found in NFPA-99C, “Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems” (now withdrawn).
As well as the new risk-based framework of the code, NFPA 99 contains new chapters on security, fire protection, and information technology. Chapter 5 on gas and vacuum systems has been completely updated, including additional maintenance requirements. And operating rooms are considered a wet location unless a risk assessment of the area determines otherwise.
A new Handbook for the NFPA 99 2012 Edition is also being issued. In addition, NFPA has also developed a new “Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems Installation Handbook” tailored for installers, designers, inspectors and verifiers. It’s a new tool to provide specialized knowledge about these critical systems.
All NFPA documents can be purchased from Document Center Inc., including preordering for these new Codes and Handbooks. Use our website, www.document-center.com, or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). Our expert staff can assist you with all your standards requirements and questions.