Instrument air sources with a standby header shall be alarmed at which locations?

In the context of medical gas systems, having alarm systems in place is crucial for monitoring the functionality and safety of the instrument air sources. When there is a standby header, it is essential to have alarms at both the compressor site and all master panels. This multi-point monitoring ensures that any potential issues can be identified and addressed quickly.

The compressor site is where the air is generated, and having an alarm there allows for immediate awareness of any problems directly affecting the compressor's operation. This is critical for maintaining an uninterrupted supply of medical air, as failure at this source could have significant implications for patient care.

Additionally, having alarms at all master panels enhances the overall safety and monitoring capability. Master panels serve as central control points where operators can manage and oversee the medical gas system. By alarming these panels, it provides a system-wide alert mechanism, allowing personnel to respond swiftly regardless of their location within the facility.

Therefore, this dual-level alarm approach is essential for both immediate response at the source and broader oversight throughout the system, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational reliability in medical environments.