Austin, Texas — The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) has adopted a rule recognizing ASSE 6010, a professional qualifications standard for medical gas systems personnel. This decision expands qualification opportunities for medical gas piping installation and ensures the highest standards are upheld for the safety of healthcare facilities and patients. This rule will go into effect July 26.
The ASSE 6010 standard establishes uniform and comprehensive minimum requirements for medical gas installers, based on the trusted guidelines of NFPA 99. By requiring certification to this standard, the TSBPE ensures that medical gas systems in Texas are installed and serviced by competent and qualified individuals. This recognition highlights the TSBPE’s commitment to upholding public safety and promoting excellence in the plumbing industry.
“We are thrilled that the Texas State Plumbing Board has accepted the ASSE 6010 standard,” said Joe Cooper, training director for Local Union No. 286 and president of the Central Texas ASSE chapter. “This decision represents a significant milestone in enhancing workforce development and ensuring the highest level of expertise in medical gas systems installations within the state.”
The acceptance of the ASSE 6010 standard not only provides an additional pathway for licensed individuals to become certified to work on medical gas systems, but also promotes increased workforce development in Texas. Nearly 85,000 individuals across the nation hold this certification. This new rule allows certified and licensed professionals from out of state to contribute their expertise to healthcare facilities within Texas, opening doors for qualified professionals to make a valuable impact on healthcare infrastructure in the state.
ASSE International is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developer and product certification body that represents all disciplines of the plumbing and mechanical industries. Our mission is to continually improve the performance, reliability, and safety of plumbing and mechanical systems. ASSE’s product performance standards, professional qualifications standards, professional certification and product listing programs are developed in the interest of public health and safety. ASSE’s motto, “Prevention Rather Than Cure,” has guided the organization for more than 100 years.
Learn more about ASSE International at http://www.asse-plumbing.org.
IAPMO
IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code®,the most widely recognized code of practice used by the plumbing industry worldwide; Uniform Mechanical Code®; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code®; and Uniform Solar Energy, Hydronics and Geothermal Code™ — the only plumbing, mechanical, solar energy and swimming pool codes designated by ANSI as American National Standards — and the Water Efficiency Standard (WE-Stand)™. IAPMO works with government, contractors, labor force, and manufacturers to produce product standards, technical manuals, personnel certification/educational programs and additional resources in order to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry in protecting public health and safety.
Last modified: July 24, 2023