Power When It Counts

By David L. Stymiest, P.E., CHFM, FASHE (on FacilitiesNet.com)

Hospital maintenance and engineering departments must have programs in place to monitor and test their facilities’ emergency power systems. With the recent release of the Sentinel Event Alert 37, the bar is higher for all health care organizations accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Before the alert, the recordkeeping for many hospitals’ testing programs consisted mainly of generator loading and operating parameters, test times, and verification of transfer switch operation. Now managers must consider other issues, including test-related interactions with HVAC, vertical-transportation, and clinical systems and equipment.

Read entire article here: Power When It Counts

Position of Power: Using an EPMS to Provide Electricity Savings, Reliability and Other Benefits

By Jason V. D’Antona, P.E., and David L. Stymiest, P.E., CHFM, SASHE, CEM (in Health Facilities Management)

Electrical Power Management Systems (EPMS) are quickly becoming commonplace in today’s health care facilities.

Microprocessor-based technology has become widely integrated into electrical distribution equipment, enabling easy connection into a facility EPMS. Moreover, nearly all new electrical distribution components can be prewired for EPMS at minimal cost.

But, despite the availability of this new equipment, implementing an effective EPMS can be a challenging task that requires strong collaboration between the facility manager, design team and system vendor. In the end, however, the effort will be worth it.

Read entire article here: Position of Power