The Issue of Biomedical Safety

Since the workstations developed for the patients of Mott hospital are located within the Patient Care Vicinity, we have addressed the issue of biomedical safety for these devices.

Jahan Azizi, Clinical Engineer of Biomedical, and Joe Stchur, Director of Facilities, provided information about NFPA 99. This regulation requires no high voltage device be placed in the Patient Care Vicinity that leaks 500, or more, microamperes. The following explains the restrictions and risks.

Patient Care Vicinity

• A space used for examination and treatment of patients extending 6’ beyond the normal bed, chair, table, treadmill, etc.
• The space extends vertically 7’ 6” above the floor
• UMHS recognizes this as any location wherein patients are intended to be examined or treated.
• This does not include business offices, corridors, lounges, day rooms, dining rooms, etc.

High voltage devices

• Any facility-owned appliances that are used in the patient care vicinity and are likely to contact the patient should be measured
• Leakage must be less that 500 microamperes
• To Biomedical this includes workstations, monitors, laptops, etc.
• In these areas they recommend Isolation Transformers which convert high voltage, at a distance, providing low voltage to the actual appliance.

The following items have been implemented for the Mott project:

• Flat Panel displays with Isolation Transformers (110v to 14v)
• Workstations installed at a distance from the patient area