Explanation
BACKGROUND:
Due to the minimal volume of permit activity related to nonflammable medical gas systems, as well as the high cost of employee training and certification for this specialized function, the most cost effective approach for both applicants and the Department of Building and Zoning Services is to allow the State of Ohio to resume the centralized permitting and inspection of these specialized systems as it currently does for many other areas and jurisdictions.
To that end, this code change will repeal existing Section 4113.83 of the Columbus City Codes, in order to remove local jurisdictional authority for the permitting and inspection of nonflammable medical gas systems, thus allowing the State of Ohio to resume permitting and inspecting these systems. The state Department of Commerce is aware of this change and is working with the Department of Building and Zoning Services to coordinate this transfer as smoothly as possible.
This code change was reviewed at the April 29, 2014, monthly meeting of the Columbus Building Commission and was approved and recommended for adoption by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To repeal existing Section 4113.83 of the Columbus City Codes in order to remove local jurisdictional authority for the permitting and inspection of nonflammable medical gas systems, thus allowing the State of Ohio to resume permitting and inspecting these systems.
Body
WHEREAS, there is minimal volume of permit activity related to nonflammable medical gas systems, as well as a high cost of employee training and certification for this specialized function; and
WHEREAS, the most cost effective approach for both applicants and the Department of Building and Zoning Services is to allow the State of Ohio to resume the centralized permitting and inspection of these specialized systems as it currently does for many other areas and jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the state Department of Commerce is aware of this change and is working with the Department of Building and Zoning Services to coordinate this transfer as smoothly as possible; and
WHEREAS, this code change was reviewed at the April 29, 2014, monthly meeting of the Columbus Building Commission and was approved and recommended for adoption by City Council; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That existing section 4113.83 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed.
4113.83 Nonflammable medical gas system.
(A) No person shall alter, construct, install, and/or repair any nonflammable medical gas system, inhalation anesthetic system, and vacuum piping system defined by the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapters 4101:3 - 4101:13 - "Ohio Plumbing Code" (OPC) within the city without first obtaining a medical gas system permit from the department to perform such work. No owner, or person having charge of any property within the city, shall cause or allow any such work to be performed on such premises without a medical gas system permit having been first obtained therefore and the prescribed fee having been paid. Any person or company performing permitted work on a regulated system shall be appropriately certified and provide proof of such certification upon request at time of inspection.
(B) Definitions:
(1) A medical gas system is the complete system to convey medical gases for direct patient application from central supply systems (bulk tanks, manifolds, and medical compressors), with pressure and operating controls, alarm warning systems, related components, and piping networks extending to station outlet valves at patient use points.
(2) A medical vacuum system is a system consisting of central-vacuum producing equipment with pressure and operating controls, shutoff valves, alarm-warning systems, gauges, and a network of piping extending to and terminating with suitable station inlets at locations where patient suction may be required.
(C)Medical gas system permit fees shall be calculated according to the fee schedule and shall be paid before commencing work.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.