How often do medical gas cylinders need to be hydrostatically retested?

Medical gas cylinders are required to undergo hydrostatic retesting every five years to ensure their safety and integrity. This testing process involves filling the cylinder with water and subjecting it to high pressure to detect any leaks or weaknesses in the structure. The five-year interval is established to account for the potential degradation of the cylinder material due to factors such as corrosion or metal fatigue. By adhering to this schedule, medical facilities can maintain compliance with safety regulations, reduce the risk of cylinder failures, and ensure the reliability of medical gas delivery systems.

Understanding the importance of these retesting intervals is crucial for maintaining safety standards in medical environments, where the reliability of gases like oxygen and nitrous oxide is vital for patient care.