Do you know what CSA Z32 testing is for? Do you have this requirement in a specification and aren’t sure what it means, wDo you know what CSA Z32 testing is for? Do you have this requirement in a specification and aren’t sure what it means, where it applies, what its purpose is, or who can help? Let us help.
What is the purpose of CSA Z32?
CSA Z32 – Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities applies to essential electrical systems and electrical installations in patient care areas of health care facilities. It helps to protect patients and staff by addressing electrical shock hazards associated with critical electrical systems as well as other aspects of electrical safety, such as fires and interference with proper operation.
FACILITIES REQUIRED TO MEET CSA Z32:
According to the Alberta Building Code STANDATA CEC-24 “Canadian Electrical Code, Section 24 – Patient Care Areas”: “Section 24 rules are to be applied to health care facilities beyond the traditional hospital locations including but not limited to dental clinics, physician’s offices, and chiropractic clinics. Contractors should reference CAN/CSA-Z32 and consult with the facility practitioners, or the licensing body to determine the different patient care areas in a facility when these areas have not been designated by an engineer” CSA Z-32 refers to the following areas as “patient care areas”: “… (a) basic care area: a patient care area where body contact between a patient and medical electrical equipment is neither frequent nor usual. Examples include (i) patient examination rooms; (ii) patient rooms in a long-term care facility; and (iii) patient rooms in general, specialty, and rehabilitation hospitals where body contact between a patient and medical electrical equipment is neither frequent nor usual; (b) intermediate care area: a patient care area where body contact between a patient and medical electrical equipment is frequent or normal. Examples include (i) wards and treatment and examination rooms in general, specialty, and rehabilitation hospitals; (ii) renal dialysis units; (iii) areas for non-invasive electrodiagnosis (ECG, EEG, EMG); (iv) patient preparation areas; (v) physiotherapy departments; (vi) ultrasound suites; (vii) dental clinics; (viii) chiropractic clinics; (ix) physicians’ offices; and (x) patient bedrooms; and (c) critical care area: a patient care area where the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia routinely occur in connection with the examination or treatment of patients, or where cardiac contact between a patient and medical electrical equipment is frequent or normal. Examples include (i) angiographic laboratories; (ii) cardiac catheterization laboratories; (iii) cardiac care units; (iv) emergency trauma units; (v) intensive care units; (vi) intensive care neonatal units; (vii) operating rooms; and (viii) burn units.”
If your facility falls under any of the above-noted uses, Z32 design and testing are likely required.
Who can help me perform these tests?
Westcan Power Services can help. CSA Z32 tests must be performed by trained and qualified technicians that can analyze the results of the testing with a clear understanding of their meaning. Westcan has numerous properly trained staff who are ready to help.
Westcan Power Services offers Z32 design and testing. Our experienced team is on call to support this requirement within your practice. Contact Westcan at (587) 534-0549, or our toll-free number (877) 832-0697 to discuss your needs now.