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Checklist for Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals or Data Centers
Bianca ODonnell • June 11, 2024
Checklist for Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals or Data Centers
Preparing for potential storm blackouts is crucial for maintaining operations in hospitals and data centers. Use this checklist to identify the necessary generators, portable HVAC units, and other essential supplies.
1. Assessment of Power Needs
- Evaluate Total Power Load:
- Calculate the total wattage/kw needed to run critical systems (medical equipment, servers, lighting, HVAC, etc.).
- Identify non-essential systems that can be powered down during a blackout.
- Backup Generator Requirements:
- Determine the total kilowatts (kW) required.
- Consider redundancy (N+1 or N+2 configuration).
- Formula: Total kW=(Total Load in kW)×(Redundancy Factor)\text{Total kW} = (\text{Total Load in kW}) \times (\text{Redundancy Factor})Total kW=(Total Load in kW)×(Redundancy Factor)
- Example: For a total load of 2000 kW with N+1 redundancy: 2000×2=4000kW2000 \times 2 = 4000 \text{kW}2000×2=4000kW
- Number of Generators Needed:
- Based on generator capacity (e.g., 1000 kW per generator).
- Formula: Number of Generators=Total kWGenerator Capacity in kW\text{Number of Generators} = \frac{\text{Total kW}}{\text{Generator Capacity in kW}}Number of Generators=Generator Capacity in kWTotal kW
- Example: 4000kW1000kW/generator=4Generators \frac{4000 \text{kW}}{1000 \text{kW/generator}} = 4 \text{Generators}1000kW/generator4000kW=4Generators
2. Assessment of Cooling Needs
- Calculate Cooling Load:
- Assess BTU/hr requirements for cooling essential areas.
- Convert BTU/hr to Tons (1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/hr).
- Formula: Total Tons=Total BTU/hr12,000\text{Total Tons} = \frac{\text{Total BTU/hr}}{12,000}Total Tons=12,000Total BTU/hr
- Example: For 1,200,000 BTU/hr: 1,200,00012,000=100Tons \frac{1,200,000}{12,000} = 100 \text{Tons}12,0001,200,000=100Tons
- Determine Portable HVAC Units Needed:
- Based on unit capacity (e.g., 10 Tons per unit).
- Formula: Number of Units=Total TonsUnit Capacity in Tons\text{Number of Units} = \frac{\text{Total Tons}}{\text{Unit Capacity in Tons}}Number of Units=Unit Capacity in TonsTotal Tons
- Example: 100Tons10Tons/unit=10Units \frac{100 \text{Tons}}{10 \text{Tons/unit}} = 10 \text{Units}10Tons/unit100Tons=10Units
- Identify Placement and Distribution:
- Map out critical areas requiring cooling.
- Ensure even distribution to avoid hot spots.
3. Additional Supplies and Considerations
- Fuel Storage:
- Estimate fuel consumption rate for generators.
- Secure sufficient fuel storage for at least 72 hours of continuous operation.
- Establish fuel resupply contracts.
- Electrical Distribution:
- Verify existing electrical infrastructure can support additional load.
- Procure necessary switchgear, transfer switches, and cables.
- Ventilation and Exhaust Systems:
- Ensure proper ventilation for generator exhaust.
- Check compliance with local regulations.
- Portable Sanitation Facilities:
- Assess the number of portable toilets and handwashing stations needed for staff and visitors.
- Arrange regular servicing and waste removal.
- Emergency Lighting:
- Install battery-operated or generator-powered emergency lighting.
- Communication Systems:
- Ensure backup communication systems (satellite phones, two-way radios).
- Establish a communication plan for staff and emergency responders.
- Safety and Compliance:
- Ensure all equipment complies with safety regulations and standards.
- Conduct regular drills and training sessions for staff.
4. Implementation and Testing
- Installation and Commissioning:
- Schedule professional installation of generators and HVAC units.
- Conduct thorough testing and commissioning of all equipment.
- Regular Maintenance and Inspections:
- Set up a maintenance schedule for generators and HVAC units.
- Perform regular inspections to ensure operational readiness.
- Review and Update Plan:
- Periodically review and update your emergency preparedness plan.
- Incorporate lessons learned from drills and actual events.
By following this checklist, hospitals and data centers can ensure they have the necessary power and cooling solutions in place to maintain operations during storm-related blackouts, safeguarding both equipment and patient/staff well-being.
If the prospect of preparing for the upcoming storm season seems daunting, rest assured that such a reaction is completely normal. The volume of information to digest and the preparations to undertake can indeed be substantial. However, it’s worth noting that one can never be too prepared for a storm season that recurs annually. We highly recommend establishing a relationship with a reputable company that provides on-site service technicians. These professionals can visit your facility, assess your specific needs, and provide a detailed quote. This proactive approach ensures that you are well-prepared for the storm season with all the necessary equipment, such as generators and portable A/C units, strategically positioned on-site. By entrusting this aspect of storm season preparation to experts, you can free up your time and energy to concentrate on other critical operations within your data center or hospital. This approach not only enhances your preparedness but also promotes peace of mind as the storm season approaches.
Backup power is not just about having a generator; it’s about having a well-thought-out contingency plan. The best plans are flexible, reliable solutions that keep you prepared for any emergency without the need for on-site storage or maintenance. Here are the key benefits of opting for standby equipment: Cost Efficiency Avoid the high upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining on-site power equipment. With standby solutions, you only pay for what you need, when you need it. Re duced Maintenance Responsibility On-site power generation requires regular servicing and fuel management to remain operational. With our standby solutions, AMP takes care of equipment maintenance, ensuring you always have reliable power when it matters most. Flexibility and Scalability Power needs vary depending on the situation. Standby solutions allow you to scale up or down without being locked into a single piece of equipment. AMP’s wide range of generators and power distribution options ensures you’re always covered. Minimized Environmental Impact On-site equipment often sits idle for extended periods, consuming resources and taking up space. Standby equipment reduces unnecessary environmental impact by delivering power only when required. Eliminates On-Site Hazards Permanent equipment can pose safety risks, including fuel storage hazards and emissions. By opting for standby equipment, you reduce these risks while staying compliant with safety regulations. Why Standby Equipment Matters When backup power becomes a legal requirement, such as in nursing homes or facilities regulated under state or federal laws, having a robust plan is critical. For instance: Healthcare Facilities : Following the tragic loss of life during Hurricane Irma in 2017, laws now mandate that nursing homes and large assisted living facilities in Florida must maintain backup power for air conditioning systems. Standby solutions ensure these facilities meet regulatory standards without the burden of owning and maintaining on-site generators. Fuel Stations: Florida and Louisiana require gas stations on evacuation routes to maintain operational capability during outages. Standby generators offer these businesses the flexibility to meet these legal requirements while avoiding the costs of permanent installations. High-Rise Buildings: Buildings exceeding a certain height are often required to have emergency power systems to operate elevators, fire alarms, and emergency lighting during outages. The International Building Code (IBC) specifies these requirements. Public Assembly Venues: Facilities such as theaters, sports arenas, and convention centers, which accommodate large gatherings, are typically mandated to have standby power for emergency lighting and fire protection systems to ensure safe evacuation if needed. Data Centers: While not universally mandated, many jurisdictions require data centers to have backup power to prevent data loss and maintain critical operations, given the essential services they provide. Water and Sewage Treatment Plants: To prevent environmental hazards and maintain public health standards, these facilities are often required to have standby generators to ensure continuous operation during power interruptions. Emergency Services Facilities: Police stations, fire departments, and emergency operation centers must have reliable backup power to remain fully functional during crises. It's important to note that specific requirements can vary based on local building codes, state regulations, and the nature of the facility. Consulting with local authorities and reviewing applicable codes is essential to ensure compliance. The AMP Advantage With AMP, you get more than just equipment; you get a partner dedicated to keeping your operations running smoothly. Our multiple contingency plans include: Standby Equipment Delivery: Rapid deployment . On-Site Service Technicians : Our highly skilled technicians are ready to provide on-site installation, service and repairs, ensuring your equipment functions optimally when it’s needed most. Fuel Management: Ensuring you have access to secure fuel storage and consistent supply during emergencies. Compliance Support: Expert advice to ensure your operations meet all state and federal backup power regulations. Be Prepared with AMP Natural disasters and power outages don’t wait for convenient times. Having a reliable backup power solution can save lives, maintain operations, and provide peace of mind. With AMP, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re investing in a contingency plan that works. Contact us today to learn more about our standby power solutions and how we can help you stay prepared for the unexpected
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