Compliance News: Labeling Utility System Controls

By Robert Trotter, CBO, CFM


Accurate labeling of utility system controls is essential during routine and emergency shutdown situations. Hospitals are required by The Joint Commission 2010 Hospital Accreditation Standards for the Environment of Care to manage risks associated with its utility systems. EC.02.05.01 Elements of Performance 1 through 13 describe the specific requirements. In regard to the electrical utility, hospitals should pay particular attention to labeling of electrical panelboards as required by EC.02.05.01 EP 8, “The hospital labels utility system controls to facilitate partial or complete emergency shutdowns.”

While The Joint Commission has recently been finding these deficiencies under the Environment of Care Standard it is possible the same finding could be noted under the Life Safety Standard relative to building services. For additional information refer to the 1999 edition of NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code Article 384-13, “All panelboard circuits and circuit modifications shall be legibly identified as to purpose or use on a circuit directory located on the face or inside of the panel doors.”