HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations made during the survey of the facility while accompanied by the hospital's Director Plant Ops, Safety Manager, Director Architecture & Constr., Chief of Quality, and Exec. Dir. Physician Svcs. it was observed that the facility failed to comply with the requirements put forth in NFPA 110, 2002 in regards to the following:
1. An array of 3 large generators installed in recent years are only a few feet across an aisle from an array of large electrical switchgear - also installed in recent years. This arrangement is not in compliance with NFPA 110:

NFPA 110, 2002: 7.2.1. "The EPS shall be installed in a separate room for Level I installations ..."

NFPA 110, 2002: 7.2.2. ..... Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) equipment shall not be installed in the same room where the normal electrical service equipment is installed."

2. In addition, this path, or aisle (located with generators down one side, and electrical switchgear on the other side) serves as the required "service access" for both generators and switchgear. This creates an "unsafe" work environment for service personnel (possible OSHA violations) due to exposing electrically charged or powered switchgear to potential hazards within room housing the generators which are very close by.

3. Along with the requirement for the EPSS equipment to be in separate room from the normal electrical service equipment (Re: K-500-1 above) there is also a requirement for the room containing the EPSS equipment to be separated by 2 hour fire-rated wall construction.
NFPA 110, 2002: 7.2.1.1. "The room shall have a minimum 2-hour fire rating or be located in an adequate enclosure located outside the building capable of resisting the entrance of snow or rain at a maximum wind velocity required by local codes."