It is of vital importance to perform maintenance on hospital isolation panels to ensure their proper functioning and prevent potential safety hazards. In this article, you will find the factors that should be taken into account for the optimal operation of isolation panels.

Maintenance of isolation panels should ensure the proper functioning of the entire system and the biomedical equipment that relies on it. This helps prevent serious damage that could jeopardize the lives of patients and medical personnel.

The primary factor for the maintenance of isolation panels is the training of personnel, ensuring that regular maintenance of the isolation panels is being carried out. While this can aid in prevention, it is also necessary to engage an external company with expertise in the installation and maintenance of these equipment.

Other important factors to consider when performing maintenance on hospital isolation panels include:

Regular cleaning:

Isolation panels must be cleaned regularly to remove the accumulation of dirt, dust, and germs. A mild and non-abrasive cleaning agent should be used to avoid damaging the panel components. It’s important to follow the cleaning guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

  • Visual inspection:

Conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of physical damage, such as loose cables, damaged connectors, or worn panels. Also, check that indicator lights are functioning properly. Any issues identified should be addressed immediately to prevent panel failures.

  • NFPA99 operational tests:

Periodic tests are recommended to ensure that all functions of the isolation panel are operating correctly. This may include on/off tests, adjusting lighting intensity, checking alarms, monitoring voltage stability, and measuring impedance.

  • Calibration:

Some isolation panels may require regular calibration to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to learn about recommended calibration procedures and the frequency at which they should be performed.

Personnel training:

Ensure that personnel responsible for using and maintaining isolation panels are properly trained. Provide guidance on the correct use of the equipment, cleaning procedures, and operational testing. This will help ensure that maintenance tasks are carried out correctly and safely.

Recording and documentation:

Keep a record of all maintenance activities performed on isolation panels, including cleaning dates, inspections, tests, and calibrations. Maintain a record of identified issues and corrective actions taken. This will facilitate tracking and scheduling future maintenance.

When is maintenance of isolation panels necessary?

Isolation panels have a wiring circuit that leads to contacts where medical devices are connected. Maintenance is necessary in the following cases:

  • Before initial operation.
  • When there is evidence of damage and after any repair or when the remote alarm of the isolation panel is activated.
  • At intervals not exceeding one year according to NFPA99.
  • A record of each maintenance should be kept in logs for ongoing control.

In Colombia, maintenance of isolation panels must adhere to the standards and regulations established by the Ministry of Labor and other relevant occupational health and safety authorities:

Electrical safety standards:

Isolation panels are subject to electrical safety standards established by the NTC2050 standard in Colombia. This standard sets technical requirements and safety measures for the installation and use of these electrical equipment.

Preventive maintenance:

Regular preventive maintenance of isolation panels is recommended to ensure their proper operation and to prevent possible failures. This may include visual inspections, functional tests, cleaning, and connection verification.

Training and competence:

Those responsible for maintaining isolation panels must have the appropriate training and knowledge of electrical safety procedures. It should be ensured that they are familiar with the maintenance procedures recommended by the panel manufacturer.

Documentation:

Maintaining up-to-date records of all maintenance activities carried out on isolation panels is important. This includes records of inspections, tests, repairs, and any other interventions.

Compliance with international standards:

In addition to Colombian standards, international standards, such as NFPA99, are relevant and establish general requirements for low-voltage isolated panels. It should be verified if there are additional requirements based on international standards adopted by Colombia.

Finally, it is the responsibility of the hospital or medical center administration to implement and maintain a program of regular testing for isolation panels. At IASS ENGINEERING, we raise awareness to ensure optimal maintenance of these equipment and prevent serious damage. CONTACT US!