In an operating room where isolated power systems are used, electrical safety is of great importance to ensure the well-being of patients and medical personnel.

Although isolated power systems in hospitals are generally highly secure, the possibility of first-failure electrical incidents or alarms cannot be ruled out.

Hence the importance of knowing how to respond assertively to these emergencies without jeopardizing the lives of those involved. Keep in mind the following points:

  • Stay calm and activate the emergency protocol:

In the event of a first-failure electrical incident or alarm with the isolated power system, the most important thing is to remain calm and immediately activate the emergency protocol established in the hospital or healthcare center. Follow these steps:

  • Notify the medical and nursing staff.
  • Activate the internal alarm.
  • Communicate with the electrical maintenance team.

After this, you can proceed with your procedure and do not allow maintenance personnel access while a patient is in the area. The inherent feature of the isolation panel is to protect the patient while the procedure or care is being completed. Do not disconnect equipment or change the room’s configuration; leave it as it was at the end of the procedure or care.

Once the care and/or patient transfer are completed, perform the following tests:

Here, it is important to keep the following points in mind:

  • Disconnecting equipment: Disconnect, one by one, all electrical devices connected to the isolated power system in the room. This may include lamps, monitors, fans, among others. Keep the rest of the equipment running until the alarm fades. If the fault disappears when disconnecting a particular device, send it for review. If the fault persists, proceed to check the distribution circuits one by one until the faulty branch is identified.
  • Verify backup power supply: If the operating room is equipped with elements such as a generator and/or UPS, verify that they are functioning correctly and that essential equipment is connected to them. If there is no backup supply, take necessary measures to ensure the continuity of vital power for the patient.
  • Report and document the incident:

Notify the hospital management and the relevant department about the incident, take note of the data logger from the isolation monitor, and verify the date and time of the alarm occurrence. The actions taken are essential for maintaining an accurate record of events, allowing for subsequent evaluation to enhance electrical safety.

It is essential to have an isolation monitor for hospitals with the capacity to store incident records, including the date and time of the event. It should be certified under UL1022 and UL1047 standards, with proven certification and not just references or similarities.

UL Laboratories has been involved in the safety study and certification of electrical equipment worldwide since 1894, making its competence and recognition in the sector unparalleled.

At IASS INGENIERÍA, we strive to provide isolated power systems for hospitals and certified UL1047 isolation panels. We have the experience, knowledge, and willingness to advise you on your project and train your staff. Contact us!