RCD Protecion is hospital

[TJC1]

Hi people.

Picked up a little job to move and rewire some lights, sockets and data points in a hospital. The room was used before as a casualty operating room. And is being converted into a low level operating room.

The whole install is in metal conduit, metal trunking and singles.

How ever there is no RCD protection on any of the sockets at the moment, which some circuits supply reception, waiting rooms, offices etc.


It was tested only 5 years ago and is due a ECR this month, however, we need to supply a minor works cert to sign the job off.

Can anyone direct me to regs regarding RCD protections. Because there is '' Life Saving '' equipment is used on the circuit, I would not like an RCD to be on the circuit.

Thankyou

 

[Darkwood]

If we are taking about standard 'Essential' sockets to be installed then the use of the rcd is at the discretion of the project manager who after discussions with senior medical staff that will be in charge of the room, can make informed decisions about the need for a rcd or not. The design of the circuit can allow for no rcd to be installed if required.

As for been a non compliance and not picked up on the last EICR, the only issue I would have with the installation would be the fact that the same circuit is also suppling other non medical areas

If your refering to the BS7671 here, the 3rd ammendment has addressed this issue and you cannot just leave the sockets unprotected under an instructed person anymore, a documented risk assessment is required to be done although having an instructed person in loop may be part of the risk assessment.

 

[martinh287]

Valid point and one which I had failed to recognise.

The risk assessment should show a comprehensive PAT regime and training for the end user as well as with the design of the circuit. This could allow for no rcd if it is decided not to have the rcd protection.

OP requires further consolation with the client and a copy of the risk assessment before he can go any further I feel

 

[UNG]

I've not done any hospital work for a good few years but when I did it would be normal to check for any HTM's for guidance

The HTM's you need to look at are 06-01, 06-02 and possibly 06-03

Not read them myself but I think they will answer your question