Certification That Saves Lives: Why Medical Gas Inspection Credentials Matter in Texas
By Kevin Robinson, BOAT Vice President, Town of Little Elm
In our line of work as building officials and inspectors, public safety is always at the core of what we do. Whether we’re reviewing structural integrity, fire code compliance, or energy efficiency, we know every detail matters. But when it comes to medical gas systems, the margin for error shrinks to zero.
These systems deliver life-saving oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, and medical air every single day in hospitals, dental offices, surgical centers, and emergency rooms across Texas. If we, as inspectors, are not certified and trained to understand these systems, we can’t properly ensure they are safe.
The High-Stakes Nature of Medical Gas Systems
Medical gas systems are unlike any other building system. They don’t just serve comfort or convenience; they serve human lives.
- Incorrect installation or inspection can result in patient injury or death.
- Improper pressure or gas mixtures can cause explosions, contamination, or oxygen deprivation.
- Reversed piping can cause medical staff to unknowingly administer the wrong gas.
These are not scare tactics, they’re documented realities. And as Texas grows, so does the number of medical facilities being constructed, expanded, and renovated. That means more opportunities for risk and a greater need for qualified inspection.
The Law in Texas: Certification Isn’t Optional
Texas, through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) and the adoption of NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code, requires that medical gas systems be inspected by individuals who hold valid certification through the TSBPE.
This certification ensures that inspectors:
- Understand the unique design and function of medical gas systems
- Know how to spot improper installations or noncompliant materials
- Can correctly interpret test results for leaks, pressure, and purity
- Are familiar with the documentation and verification protocols required by NFPA 99
If you’re not certified, you’re not legally qualified to inspect these systems—and your jurisdiction may be exposed to liability.
Why BOAT Members Should Lead the Way
As Vice President of the Building Officials Association of Texas, I’ve seen firsthand how our members lead the state in professionalism, education, and code enforcement. But we must continue to raise the bar when it comes to specialized systems like medical gas.
Getting certified isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about:
- Protecting patients in critical care environments
- Supporting healthcare professionals who rely on these systems
- Ensuring our jurisdictions are protected from oversight-related liability
- Advancing our careers and expertise as inspectors and officials
BOAT and Ongoing Certification Support
BOAT is committed to providing the resources and opportunities our members need to maintain the highest standards. That includes:
- Hosting Medical gas courses required by the TSBPE
- Connecting members with accredited trainers
- Advocating for stronger medical gas compliance and awareness across Texas
If you’re not yet certified or your team isn’t, now is the time to get ahead of it.
Final Word: Inspection Isn’t Just a Job, It’s a Trust
When we inspect a medical gas system, we’re signing off on a system that could support a newborn in the NICU, a firefighter with smoke inhalation, or a senior undergoing surgery. That’s a heavy responsibility and one we should never take lightly.
Certification gives us the tools, knowledge, and authority to meet that responsibility head-on.
Let’s keep Texas safe. Let’s lead by example.