Surgical Center in Paramus, N.J., was cited for not having a yearly fuel
and load test for its generator.
"It was a real 'wow' moment. This was never brought up during the
past 5 surveys I went through," says Mary McIntyre, RN, BSN, CRCST,
Saddle River Valley's director of nursing and operations. When the sur-
veyor asked how often the facility tested the diesel fuel in the engine
of its generator, Ms. McIntyre said they didn't. Turns out, you need to
test or "polish" the fuel yearly to make sure it's pure diesel and hasn't
damaged the generator.
Load-testing? The facility wasn't doing that either. Ms. McIntyre not
only dug deep into the National Fire Protection Association's guide-
lines, but also reached out to her generator company for guidance. The
generator needed load-testing at a minimum of 30% of capacity.
"If your fuel is watered down and your generator cannot provide
power at full load, then your facility isn't as safe as it should be," says
Ms. McIntyre. "Yes, the entire process was time-consuming, but how-
ever annoying it was at the time, it really did improve the safety of our
patients."
OSM
Meeting the accreditation needs
of healthcare organizations
since 1945. Certifying quality in
specialty programs.
RECOGNIZING
EXCELLENCE.
Joint Replacement Certification for
partial and total hip and knee programs
including those seeking designation as
a Blue Distinction Center.
Stroke Certification for "stroke ready"
emergency departments to
comprehensive neurological services.
Compounding Pharmacy Certification
for non-sterile, sterile, and hazardous
compounding.
Wound Care Certification for treatment
of chronic wounds, including HBOT.
Lithotripsy Certification for mobile and
onsite services.
READY TO LEARN
MORE?
Visit www.hfap.org,
email us at
info@hfap.org or
call 312. 920.7383.