* EC: Clarifications and Expectations: How to Plan for Emergency Utility System Disruptions EC.02.05.01, EPs 8–13 and 16 (PDF/QV) [REF: EOC, SFT] EC News, August 2015, Vol 18, #8, Pg 6 JCe1501_B6

EC.02.05.01 was cited in more than half of all hospitals surveyed in 2014 and is the first standard being addressed with additional compliance resources in the new TJC/ASHE Physical Environment Portal.  Improved compliance for EPs 1-7 of this standard were previously explored in the September C&E column of last year (See also below). This article picks up the support process by delving into EPs 8-13 and 16.
Re: EP 8 – Utility system controls must be labeled to facilitate accurate shutdown and in such a manner that is easily understood by those in engineering and maintenance.
Re: EP 9 – Written procedures for responding to utility emergencies/disruptions should be available in multiple places including the Emergency Operations Plan/manual.
Re: EP 10 – There should be identified steps for shutting off a faulty utility but these need to be proceeded by timely notification to appropriate staff
Re: EP 11 – There should be contingency plans for clinical services that might be needed/critical during a utility system disruption
Re: EP 12 – Mechanisms for obtaining emergency repairs (and/or temporary replacements) should be in place
Re: EP 13 – When utility failures occur, stick to the plans (e.g., EOP, contingency plans) instead of “winging it”
Re: EP 16 – Utility systems should be accurately mapped.
Tip: Collect parts 1 and 2 of the articles explicating compliance for these very
frequently cited requirements and use them to guide your next FSA review of this standard.
See also: Clarifications and Expectations: Revised Equipment Maintenance Standards for Hospitals The Joint Commission explains enhanced requirements[®] [REF: 2014, CMS, EOC, SFT] EC News, September 2014, Vol 17, #9, Pg 1