The importance of receptacle testing cannot be overstated. This is to verify the safety, reliability, validity, and efficiency of equipment in the surgical facility. QUAD A standards require a biomedical technician to annually inspect all equipment, including electrical outlets, breaker/fuse boxes, emergency lights, and power supplies. Inspections minimize the hazards of fire or equipment failure during a power outage. Hazards often occur when outlets are overloaded, or equipment is plugged into the wrong type of receptacle.
Biomedical technicians are trained and certified professionals responsible for inspecting outlets and breakers. However, in cases where they are not able to perform these tasks, a qualified individual, such as a hospital or building maintenance engineer or an electrician, should be brought in. It is also the responsibility of the staff to conduct a daily survey of extension cord use, ensuring they are not overloaded and have the potential to get wet. Also, staff need to check that critical patient care equipment is plugged into receptacles connected to the backup generator.
QUAD A Standard 4-E-1 A biomedical technician annually inspects all equipment (including electrical outlets, breaker/fuse boxes, emergency lights and power supplies) and reports in writing that the equipment is safe and operating according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Stickers may be placed on individual equipment; however, written records must be maintained. All equipment is on a maintenance schedule with records kept for a minimum of at least three (3) years.
Receptacle testing in patient areas | Health Facilities Management
Since 1980, QUAD A (a non-profit, physician-founded and led global accreditation organization) has worked with thousands of healthcare facilities to standardize and improve the quality of healthcare they provide – believing that patient safety should always come first.