NFPA-99 Practice Exam

Under what condition are instrument air reserve header cylinders allowed to be stored with the instrument air compressor?

1. The mechanical equipment room does not contain a boiler.

2. The medical air compressors are in the same room.

3. The only motor-driven machinery in the room is for instrument air equipment.

4. The room is secured with lockable doors.

The correct answer is: The only motor-driven machinery in the room is for instrument air equipment.

The correct choice indicates that instrument air reserve header cylinders can be stored with the instrument air compressor when the only motor-driven machinery in the room is related to instrument air equipment. This condition is significant because it helps ensure safety and compliance with relevant codes and standards, such as those outlined in NFPA-99. When a space houses only equipment designed for instrument air, it minimizes the risk associated with potential interactions or hazards from other types of machinery. This containment helps manage the overall environmental and operational safety, as instrument air systems may operate under different requirements compared to other machinery. Ensuring that only specific types of equipment are present allows for better maintenance practices, more straightforward emergency response plans, and an overall safer operational environment. Appropriate separation and management of different types of equipment are critical in healthcare settings where even minor mistakes can lead to larger safety hazards. Conditions involving the presence of other types of equipment, like boilers or medical air compressors, could introduce factors that complicate safety protocols or lead to potential hazards that could compromise the integrity of the instrument air system.