By David L. Stymiest, P.E., CHFM, FASHE (at ASHE 45th Annual Conference, July 2008)
ABSTRACT
Managing hospital electrical shutdowns is more important than ever in light of increasing concern about the impact electrical power outages can have on hospital operations. Electrical distribution equipment requires regular repair or maintenance, yet often this critical work is deferred because it is too difficult for the hospital facility director to get clinical permission to turn off the power. If equipment is not regularly shut down for maintenance, unexpected failures will be more probable, and then it is too late to train the clinicians in this aspect of the Environment of Care. This management monograph demonstrates the credible need, plans, communicates, trains clinicians, and provides guidance for conducting safe, effective building-wide or multiple building electrical shutdowns, based on specific case studies and lessons learned at other hospitals. It also discusses the interrelationships between proactive shutdown management and emergency management concepts.
INTRODUCTION
Emergency Management is not just a paper exercise. New regulations require an all-hazards approach, including preparing for power outages. Many hospitals still do not maintain their electrical power systems because they will not turn them off. Why the dichotomy? Why does our unwillingness to deal with this necessity put our patients at increased risk while we plan for a result we are unwittingly helping to bring about?
An electrical "shutdown" as described here is a pre-planned and scheduled partial or full electrical distribution system outage necessary to satisfy the needs for electrical equipment modification, replacement, upgrade, maintenance, and/or repairs; support staff training and clinical unit training. Shutdowns can meet needs in all of these areas that may not be met any other way.
Read entire article here: Taking Care of Business
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