Gimme a break…or a spare circuit breaker

By Steve MacArthur, Hospital Safety Consultant

One of the more common findings (as it were) over the past few years has been the condition in which a circuit breaker is in the “on” position and it is either not labeled or labeled as a “spare.” It would seem that the codified guidance in this regard is sufficiently “gray” to push our friends in Chicago to issue an official interpretation. In olden times, this information would be shared either in Perspectives, the FAQs or the standards manual(s) and I can’t seem to find mention of it anywhere other than from ASHE. Perhaps it’s nothing (from a process standpoint, this is going to be a pain in the butt; from a practical standpoint, how many circuit breakers do you have?) but, like the ubiquitous “loaded” sprinkler head, there always seems to be one breaker that’s not going in the right direction. And I suppose if a surveyor is willing to put in the time to find it, all you can do is thank them…

At any rate, I did want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for keeping things together (both figuratively and literally) over the past months. I know these have been among the most trying times imaginable and we’re certainly going to be “in it” for a while longer, but you folks have done what needed doing and are still doing everything you can do to keep everyone safe and your facilities operational. I am proud to be associated with such a fine bunch of folks. We’ve got this!

Until next time, be well and stay safe!

About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a safety consultant with The Greeley Company in Danvers, Mass. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is contributing editor for Healthcare Safety Leader. Contact Steve at stevemacsafetyspace@gmail.com.