Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: dahualin, Location: Illinois
Asked on: Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:08 am EDT
Question: We have a laser eye center project with 5 exam rooms and one laser surgery center. The client told us that the facility will just be used as a refractive surgery center. It is not a critical care area. So that no emergency power is needed for the facility.I looked at NFPA 99 and NEC 517 about patient care areas including critical care areas and general care areas. I believe the exam rooms are general care areas and laser surgery center is a critical care area. The client said the laser surgery room is not a critical care area. Ok, let's assume it is a general care area. Now it comes to another gray area. The NEC 517.18 (A)(B) talk about patient bed location needs one branch circuit on emergency power. But it has been argued that the one for patient in exam rooms is not a bed in hospital so that they don't need any emergency power.Any comments and opinions are welcome. Thanks.
General Care Areas
Exam rooms in a laser eye center are typically considered general care areas, as they are intended for routine examinations and procedures that do not pose immediate life-threatening risks.
Critical Care Areas
The laser surgery center, where refractive surgeries are performed, may be considered a critical care area, as these procedures involve precision equipment and the potential for complications. However, the client has specifically stated that it is not a critical care area.
Emergency Power
NFPA 99 requires emergency power only for critical care areas. Since the laser surgery center is not considered a critical care area according to the client, emergency power is not required by NFPA 99.
NEC 517.18 (A)(B)
NEC 517.18 (A)(B) applies to patient bed locations in critical care areas. Since the exam rooms are not critical care areas, this requirement does not apply to them.
Conclusion
Based on the information provided, it is reasonable to conclude that: Exam rooms are general care areas. The laser surgery center may be considered a critical care area, but the client has stated it is not.* Emergency power is not required for the facility, including the laser surgery center, as it is not a critical care area.
Best Practices
While emergency power is not required for this facility, it is always advisable to consider the potential risks and benefits of providing it. In the event of an extended power outage, the ability to maintain essential services, such as lighting, ventilation, and communication, can greatly improve patient safety and staff efficiency. Flag for review