Safety

Four-hour generator test should be on the books now

Hospital Safety Connection, July 3, 2007

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As of this past Sunday, most hospitals needed to have tested their emergency generators for at least four consecutive hours to meet Joint Commission requirements.

A provision under EC.7.40 (testing, inspecting, and maintaining emergency power systems) requires the four-hour test every 36 months. July 1 was the cut-off date for having the first test completed.

Below are some further requirements associated with this new test:

  • You must conduct the four-hour tests under dynamic or static loads that are at least 30% of the generator's nameplate rating
  • If the four-hour test fails, you must carry out interim measures to compensate for the lack of back-up power until the hospital completes repairs
  • Following these repairs, you must successfully retest the generator using the standard's provisions



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