NFPA-99 Practice Exam

How many hours must a medical air compressor system operate normally before an air quality test can be performed?

1. 4

2. 8

3. 12

4. 32

The correct answer is: 12

A medical air compressor system must operate normally for 12 hours before an air quality test can be performed. This requirement is established to ensure that the system has stabilized and is functioning under typical operational conditions. After the initial running period, the characteristics of the compressed air can be more accurately assessed, reflecting any potential contaminants or quality issues that may arise during regular use. Testing too soon, before the compressor has reached a steady state, may yield misleading results that do not represent the system's performance under its expected operational load. The 12-hour guideline helps to promote compliance with safety standards while ensuring that the medical air quality is maintained at acceptable levels for patient care.