JCAHO Essential Education Information on Environment of Care - Utilities Management
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We rely on many utility systems to support us while we perform our work duties. 

Utility Systems include:

  • Electrical

  • Water

  • Sewage

  • Medical Gases

  • Communications (i.e., telephones, patient's call systems)

Each Manager must analyze his or her work area to identify the unit/department specific response in the event of a utility system failure.  Contingencies must be developed to allow operations to continue or be modified while waiting for service to be restored. 

 All Staff Members are responsible for learning and following job and task specific procedures for safe clinical operations in the event of a utility loss.

For example:

  • Electrical System - Are there emergency back-up lights in your area? If not, are there flashlights and batteries available?

  • Medical Gases - Does your work area keep portable oxygenn tanks in case the wall system goes down?

  • Patient’s Call System - What do you do if your call bell system goes down? Do you have a way for patients to let you know they need assistance?

     In the event of a Utility System failure, call *50 or your satellite site administrator and institute back-up plans.

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