In portions of the system that handle oxygen at pressures greater than 350 psi, the interconnecting hose shall not contain what type of materials?

In medical gas systems, particularly in sections dealing with oxygen at pressures exceeding 350 psi, it is crucial to avoid using polymeric materials in the interconnecting hoses. Polymeric materials can be prone to degradation over time when exposed to high pressures and concentrations of oxygen, potentially leading to failure or hazardous leaks.

Oxygen can react with certain polymers, making them less durable and increasing the risk of an incident, especially within the high-pressure environments typically found in medical gas systems. In contrast, materials like metal are often used in these applications due to their robustness and resistance to oxygen degradation, while rubber and textiles, although less preferred, can be specified depending on the application and standards.

Thus, the avoidance of polymeric materials is a vital aspect of ensuring safety and reliability in medical gas systems, particularly when handling high-pressure oxygen.