Common-nfpa-code-violations4

                         Common NFPA Code Violations In Hospitals

9) Violation: Using the room when the Line Isolation Monitor is defective. 

Code: NFPA 99 6.3.2.6.3.1 Each isolated power system shall be provided with an approved, continually operating line isolation monitor that indicates possible leakage or fault currents from either isolated conductor to ground.  

Solution: If the Line Isolation Monitor is in alarm or is not operating per NFPA 99 6.3.2.6.3.2, the room must be shut down until the LIM is replaced and tested per NFPA 99 6.3.3.3.2. If the LIM goes into an alarm during a procedure, once the procedure is completed and the patient is out of the room, the room is to be shut down until the problem is repaired. See “What To Do In Case Of Alarm” on our web page.  

10) Violation: Using old Ground Detectors in Isolated Power Panels today. For many years the old Ground Detector was grandfathered in and allowed to be used. It was installed when the use of flammable gases was used inside of the operating rooms. NFPA 99 E6.6.2.1 2005 addition says: Hospitals complying with NFPA 56A, standard for the Use of Inhalation Anesthetics, prior to 1970 shall not be required to change ground fault detectors to a line isolation monitor. However, that was taken out of the code books in the 2012 edition of NFPA 99. Since 2012 to meet code, all Ground Detectors were to be changed over to Line Isolation Monitors.  

Code: NFPA 99 6.3.2.2.8.2 (1) Special protection for wet procedure locations shall be provided by a power distribution system that inherently limits the possible ground-fault current due to a first fault to a low value, without interrupting the power supply. (This is an isolated power system) NFPA 99 
6.3.2.9.3 Line Isolation Monitor, 6.3.2.9.3.1 In addition to usual control and protective devices, each isolated power system shall be provided with an approved, continually operating line isolation monitor that indicates possible leakage or fault currents from either isolated conductor to ground.
  
1. 6.3.2.9.3.2 says the Line Isolation Monitor shall have a threshold value of 5.0 mA and not under 3.7 mA 

2. 6.3.2.9.3.4 says an ammeter (LIM meter) connected to indicate the total hazard current of the system. 

Solution: Change all Ground Detectors over to Line Isolation Monitors to meet the present code. The LIM has a digital meter displaying the Hazard Current. The old Ground Detectors had to trip at 2 mA , and today a LIM has a threshold trip of 5 mA and not at 3.7 mA, this cuts down nuisance alarms. The old Ground Detector measured an imbalance between each leg which is not an accurate reading of the Hazard Current.  

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