Pipeline systems
Low-pressure hose assembly
ISO 5359:2014, the ISO standard for low-pressure medical gas hose assemblies, covers hose assemblies for gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air and carbon dioxide at pressures up to 1,400 kPa, and for vacuum systems at not more than 60 kPa absolute; it does not specify the dimensions or allocation of their gas-specific connectors.
The iso.org abstract also lists helium, xenon, specified mixtures, oxygen-enriched air and air and nitrogen for driving surgical tools. It does not specify requirements for coaxial hoses used to supply and remove air for driving surgical tools, nor the intended uses of hose assemblies. The 2014 edition, with Amendment 1 of 2017, was last confirmed in 2020, and ISO expects ISO/DIS 5359 to replace it within the coming months.
Under HTM 02-01 (2026), the NHS England guidance, flexible medical gas hoses should be avoided unless movement is needed between the terminal unit and the fixed pipeline, as in medical supply units. Hoses should be connected with NIST connectors at both ends, be labelled with the manufacturer's details, date of manufacture and replacement date, and be replaced every five years, unless environmental conditions dictate sooner replacement or the manufacturers' recommendations change; in movable systems, all hoses should be BS EN ISO 5359 compliant. See how often hoses should be replaced.
Sources
- ISO 5359:2014, Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment, Low-pressure hose assemblies for use with medical gases (iso.org abstract and status)
- NHS England, HTM 02-01 (2026) Part A, paragraphs 3.24, 3.39, 3.40, 3.45 and 3.47
Ultra Controlo figures come from its technical datasheets. Third-party facts were read at the source on the date shown.