Category 1 medical-surgical vacuum sources must consist of a minimum of how many vacuum pumps?

Category 1 medical-surgical vacuum sources are critical components for healthcare facilities, tasked with ensuring reliable suction for various surgical and medical procedures. The requirement for a minimum of two vacuum pumps is principally designed for redundancy and reliability in patient care.

Having two pumps ensures that if one pump fails, the second can continue to operate, maintaining the necessary environment for safe surgical and medical practices. This redundancy is crucial in a medical setting, where continuity of care can impact patient outcomes significantly.

The standards emphasize that the vacuum source must remain operational, and the dual pump system provides back-up capability. This is vital because unexpected failures can occur, and healthcare facilities need to be prepared for emergencies where suction is necessary. Thus, the requirement for two vacuum pumps aligns with the overall objective of maintaining a safe and reliable medical gas system.