ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000-2021, Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase. The 2021 edition of ASSE Series 6000 parallels the medical gas-related requirements of NFPA 99-2021, Health Care Facilities Code.

ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000-2021 addresses minimum requirements for medical gas systems installers, inspectors, verifiers, maintenance personnel, instructors, and designers. The series is a nationally recognized personnel standard with several of its standards and certifications required within NFPA 99, including ASSE 6010 for Medical Gas Systems Installers, ASSE 6020 for Medical Gas Systems Inspectors, ASSE 6030 for Medical Gas Systems Verifiers, ASSE 6035 for Bulk Medical Gas/Cryogenic Fluid Central Supply Systems Verifiers, and ASSE 6040 for Medical Gas Systems Maintenance Personnel. Certification to these standards may also be adopted as requirements by local authorities having jurisdiction, health-care facilities, or employers.

Changes in the 2021 revision include updates to terms and equipment now referenced in NFPA 99, the inclusion of a third-party certification definition, and the addition of the new ASSE 6060, Medical Gas Systems Designer standard. ASSE 6060 addresses the qualifications and requisite knowledge needed to design medical gas and vacuum systems, and applies to individuals who design medical gas systems, new or existing, including the layout, sizing and selection of equipment and piping, location of medical gas outlet/vacuum inlets, and assessment of existing systems for resizing or replacement.

“The completion and publication of ASSE Series 6000-2021 now allows companies and organizations to develop training and examination programs for an ASSE 6060 Medical Gas Systems Designer Certification,” said Brianne N. Hall, senior mechanical engineer at Fishbeck and ASSE 6000 Working Group member. “As with other medical gas systems personnel, the designer should be able — and perhaps expected — to demonstrate their knowledge of medical gas systems through obtaining a certification to a consensus-based standard. That’s where the ASSE 6060 comes in. I extend my deepest gratitude to volunteers and staff for their participation and support in the development of the ASSE 6060 standard and certification.”

The ASSE Series 6000, initially developed in 1997, was driven by the need to ensure proper training for the individuals installing critical, life-saving medical gas systems. This series is continuously expanding to incorporate new personnel qualifications and certifications to fit the varying responsibilities of those working with medical gas and vacuum systems. ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000 standards will continue to change through revision – not only to coincide with updates to NFPA 99, but also because the medical gas industry continually responds to the experience gained in the field through the use of these standards.

To purchase ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000-2021, please visit the ASSE International Webstore at www.assewebstore.com. For questions regarding the 2021 edition, contact Terry Burger, ASSE Senior Director of Standards Development, at terry.burger@asse-plumbing.org.

ASSE International is an ANSI-accredited standards developer and product certification body composed of members representing all disciplines of the plumbing and mechanical industries. ASSE’s product performance standards, professional qualifications standards, professional certification and product listing programs aim to improve the performance and safety of plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about ASSE International at http://www.asse-plumbing.org/.