HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, it was determined the hospital has in use within a patient care area relocatable power taps.

Findings include:

1. During a tour of the hospital operating rooms on 04/26/11 at approximately 2:17 p.m., electrical power strips having multiple electrical outlets (Relocatable Power Tap) were observed to be in use in OR #1 and OR #2.

Reference:
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Directory XBYS Guide info: Relocatable Power Taps Used and Installation. Relocatable power taps have not been investigated and are not intended for use with general patient care areas or critical patient care areas of health care facilities as defined in Article 517 of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."
NFPA 70 National Electric Code 2002 Edition
Article 517 Health Care Facilities
517.2 Definitions
Patient Care Area. Any portion of a health care facility wherein patients are intended to be examined or treated. Areas of a health care facility in which patient care is administered are classified as general care areas or critical care areas, either of which may be classified as a wet location. The governing body of the facility designates these areas in accordance with the type of patient care anticipated and with the following definitions of the area classification.
FPN: Business offices, corridors, lounges, day rooms, dining rooms, or similar areas typically are not classified as patient care areas.
General Care Areas. Patient bedrooms, examining rooms, treatment rooms, clinics, and similar areas in which it is intended that the patient will come in contact with ordinary appliances such as a nurse call system, electrical beds, examining lamps, telephone, and entertainment devices. In such areas, it may also be intended that patients be connected to electromedical devices (such as heating pads, electrocardiographs, drainage pumps, monitors, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, intravenous lines, etc.).