Hospital Backup Power Performs During Outage

Hospital Power Failure Doesn't Compromise Patient Safety

On Sunday, July 28, 2019, WDAM Channel posted a story about power loss at a hospital located in Mississippi. Forest General Hospital is located in Hattiesburgh, MS. The hospital lost power for a couple of hours and continued operations on backup power. 

Power was restored by 5:30 pm the same day. At that time, a Mississippi Power spokesman said they were working on the root issue that caused the loss of power. The backup generator and plan for the loss of power worked flawlessly. As with all hospitals, surgery rooms cannot have an unannounced power interruption.

This hospital is the first in Mississippi to use the Inari Medical ClotTriever Device. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein (usually legs). The clots can dislodge and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. Go to Forest General Hospital for more information. The backup generator system and plan for the event of power failure contributed to the overall patient safety during the outage.

Difference Between Emergency Generator & Backup Generator/Plan

The terms emergency generator and backup generator are swapped with one another. While there is no absolute in terminology, if one explores the complete system, it can aid in assigning the correct term for your application.

Emergency generators supply power to emergency circuits in the event of a utility power failure. These generators can commonly be found in hotels, production facilities, theaters, and a host of other buildings that interface with the public body. They provide power to elevators, emergency lighting, and other safety-related circuits. 

A backup generator and plan for a utility power failure is primary for buildings with critical power requirements. Some of the equipment in this type of configuration could be:

• Backup Generator(s) - Multiple generators can be operated in parallel supplying power to desired circuits
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - These are battery banks designed to supply power while generators start-up and prepare to assume the load
• Switching/Distribution & Controls - Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), paralleling panels, distribution panels are a few common pieces of equipment

Backup Power Relies on Maintenance & Testing

The maintenance staff was trained on the proper steps to take when the power failed. The remaining staff is trained and aware of procedures for loss of primary power. They all work together to ensure a safe transition when primary power is lost. This is one of the links in the backup power chain.

Updating the system as the facility capabilities grows ensures that when power fails, all needed critical circuits have power. All generators with diesel and Natural Gas (NG) fueled powered engines require maintenance. Manufacturers of each piece of equipment associated with backup power configuration publish tasks to be performed at regular intervals.

Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections and tasks are common to the critical power world. Performing these tasks ensures generator and equipment performance when needed. Starting the generator is part of many checks. While this checks the running capability of the generator, it does not test the ability to accept a load and operate to design specifications.

A generator load test places the generator under varying loads for a pre-determined amount of time. Power to the building is not interrupted during this test. The engine is operated at full capability during full load demand. The alternator (generator end) is also tested through the load range. When the generator passes this test, the facilities engineer can be assured of backup power during a failure.

In the unlikely event that a generator failure is experienced, skilled technicians with the latest tools are needed to rapidly troubleshoot and repair the problem. Generator Source is the sister company of Generator Source, and is responsible generator maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting. Our services are available nationwide. For more information, go to Generator Source. Low hour pre-owned generators offer a savings in purchase. All pre-owned generators must pass a 31-point inspection prior to sales. Go to Inventory to view these generators.
 

Diesel Blog Team | 8/19/2019 10:14:47 AM | 0 comments