Knowledge Hub
Hose Information
Everything you need to know about our BS Coloured HP medical gas hoses — DISS-to-DISS and DISS-to-probe assemblies — covering standards, colour coding, safety, use, maintenance and technical data.
BS Coloured HP hose — product construction
ESD anti-static inner core
Dissipates static charge for safer gas delivery.
Antimicrobial outer skin
Inhibits surface microbial growth on the hose.
Non-Phthalate PVC — DEHP free
No plasticisers of concern in the hose material.
REACH compliant — SVHC free
No substances of very high concern.
Hoses manufactured to BS EN 5359:2014 + A1:2017 and BS EN ISO 18082:2014 + A1:2017. All hoses are colour coded according to British Standard and have gas-specific fittings crimped to each end. Where the fittings are probes, NIST, DISS or terminals, the products comply with BS 5682:2015, BS EN ISO 18082, CGA V-5:2008 and BS EN ISO 9170-1:2008 respectively.
Note: the hose material is phthalate-free PVC and is antimicrobial.
Colour coding
White
Oxygen
Blue
Nitrous Oxide
Black*
Medical Air
Yellow
Vacuum
Blue/White*†
Entonox®
Grey
Carbon Dioxide
* Assemblies also have white sleeving (other sleeves match hose colour). † Longitudinal coloured stripes. Hose assemblies are marked with manufacturing details of the actual hose and carry the date of assembly, serial number and additional product information.
Safety — prevention of fire & explosion
- Ensure that hoses are not allowed near any heat or ignition source — this is especially important where the product supports oxygen service.
- Hose assemblies MUST NOT come into contact with any oil or grease, for the same reason.
- When not in use, hose assemblies should be stored in a clean and dry environment within a temperature range of −10 to 40°C.
Instructions for use
- On removal from packaging, ensure that there is no damage to the assembly.
- Connect the hose fitting to the appropriate device or gas outlet/inlet. As indicated, the fittings are gas specific and should only be connected to the correct source.
- It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the correct assembly is used for the purpose intended. Only persons with adequate training should use the hose assemblies, noting the large number of possible variants of hose and fittings available.
Servicing & preventative maintenance
- Hose assemblies should be regularly inspected, cleaned and stored. Inspect the condition of the hose tubing itself for any damage, as well as any damage to probes, ferrules, outlets and terminal units. A regular inspection is recommended as part of a maintenance programme. If the hose assembly is attached to a mobile device such as a ventilator, where it could be dragged around, check it prior to use.
- It is recommended that the hose assembly is inspected and pressure tested by a Service Engineer on an annual basis as part of a maintenance programme.
- Fully qualified technicians/engineers only should carry out servicing. For service enquiries and information, please contact our sales office. NEVER USE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. If in doubt, do not use the assembly and obtain a replacement.
- Preventative maintenance ensures the safety of the patient and user. Each assembly carries a 5 year manufacturer's warranty. It is recommended that the full hose section of an assembly be replaced after 5 years service (in line with MDA/2003/007); this has the potential to extend operating life of the full assembly up to 20 years with regular servicing (depending on equipment type).
Cleaning
- Clean the hose assemblies on external surfaces only, using a solution of lukewarm water and a mild detergent/disinfectant (read the manufacturer's instructions) and a cleaning cloth. DO NOT autoclave.
- Dry immediately with a dry cloth.
- It is recommended that the assemblies are cleaned on a regular basis as part of a PPM programme.
- Avoid cleaning fluid entering any assembly orifices, i.e. probes, outlets etc.
- DO NOT use any oil based cleaning fluids (note: soaps can be oil based).
- Reference: MHRA Device Bulletin DB2006 (05); Managing Medical Devices; November 2006.
Technical data
- The gas hose assemblies are intended to operate at 4 bar (though they meet the specification to operate up to 56 bar @ 23°C) and are capable of delivering a flow of 40+ LPM (highest range Oxylitre Flowmeter gauge reading is 15 LPM).
- Vacuum: ≤ 60 kPa.
- Spare parts will depend on the particular hose assembly variant — please contact our sales office.
- Fittings are permanently crimped on.
- Ensure that all connections are tightened and free of leaks prior to use. Use only an Oxygen-safe leak detector when testing for leaks.
MR conditional
- A spatial field gradient of 93.2 T/m (= 9320 G/cm) has been determined to give rise to a 45º deflection angle (extrapolated) based on measurements made in a 3T MRI scanner, according to ASTM F2052-15.
End of life & disposal
The unit can be returned to the manufacturer for disposal (with a decontamination certificate), alternatively dispose of responsibly via your local protocol.
Need a specific hose length, fitting combination, or a service enquiry? We make assemblies to order.