NFPA-99 Practice Exam

What should a medical gas master alarm panel indicate when communication with an alarm initiating device is lost?

1. Only an audible alarm

2. Only a visual alarm

3. Both audible and visual alarms

4. No alarm is necessary

The correct answer is: Both audible and visual alarms

When communication with an alarm initiating device is lost, the medical gas master alarm panel is designed to ensure safety and alert personnel by indicating both an audible and visual alarm. This dual-alert system is crucial because it caters to different scenarios and settings within a healthcare facility. An audible alarm draws immediate attention to the issue, allowing staff to respond quickly, particularly in high-activity environments where visual cues might be missed. The visual alarm serves as an additional layer of notification that can alert personnel who may not currently be in the vicinity of the audible signal or who might be engaged in other tasks. The combination of these alarms enhances the response time to potential hazards associated with medical gas systems, thus ensuring that patient safety and compliance with standards are maintained. These protocols are typically dictated by safety regulations and guidelines, which prioritize thorough alert systems in healthcare environments.