Healthcare facility operators have a duty of care to their patients and staff that includes confirming their health facility's backup power systems are ready to go if the power grid goes down. Because codes are constantly evolving and regulations ever-changing, it is important to review these every year to confirm regulatory compliance.

Failing to remain compliant with regulations can result in hefty fines, or worse, could endanger the health andF safety of your patients and staff. Among the codes that govern backup power in health facilities, the following are some you want to pay close attention to as you examine your systems. While there are many facets of each code, the following are key points healthcare facilities should know:

NFPA 110 - This governs run time requirements for emergency power systems which vary based on Type 1 and Type 2 systems. NFPA 110 also governs controls, accessory systems, and supervisory equipment required for reliable operation. This includes the performance requirements of both automatic and manual transfer switches. For use in health facilities, transfer switches must be specifically rated for emergency service.

NFPA 70 - NFPA 70 requires that health facilities backup power systems have sufficient fuel to operate for a minimum of two hours at full operational capacity. This is tied closely to NFPA 99 which requires that health facilities backup power systems have functional alarms that notify operators when fuel tanks drop below levels required to operate the generator for a minimum of 4 hours.

NFPA 101 - This requires that all emergency power generation systems supply sufficient electrical power to operate all lights and exit signs for a minimum of 1.5 hours after power loss.

NFPA 99 - This outlines the specific testing requirements for emergency power generation systems installed within healthcare facilities. Further, to ensure compliance with NFPA 99, many healthcare facilities have adopted Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) control systems that provide real-time monitoring and remote access to power generation systems. This helps with the prompt identification of problems as they emerge, which in turn enhances system reliability and capability.

Are Your Systems Compliant?

At Gen-Tech Power Generation Systems, our EGSA certified technicians and regulatory experts can inspect your systems and verify that your health facility's backup power generation systems are fully operational and code compliant. We will perform a thorough examination of your power generator, fuel storage, and more.

In addition to NFPA codes, there are also emissions requirements from the EPA, safety requirements from OSHA, local building codes, and other regulatory requirements to consider. Our teams can help you sift through these to ensure that your system, whether new or old, complies with the necessary codes and regulations.

We invite you to contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Systems at (800) 625-8324 to schedule an inspection of your health facility's backup power systems. From load bank testing to regulatory review, our team is ready to go to work for you!