FGI 2022 presents some new challenges with providing Mobile Imaging and Procedure Room Units in North Carolina, in regard to approval with DHSR. Two specific changes should be noted: Class II Units and Vehicular Protection requirements.
Class II Imaging Units (Cath/EP)
- Two Sources of Power – Two different services of power are required at the mobile power pedestal: normal power and emergency power. This power cannot be split once after it goes into the unit, both sources must be separate connections at the pedestal. The use of an onboard generator is not allowed; connection to the main hospital generator is required.
- Piped Medical Gasses and Vacuum – The use of mobile/bottle gasses or portable vacuum pump is not allowed. Hard connections for Oxygen, Vacuum, Nitrogen, etc. are required.
- Plumbing – A fully plumbed sink with hot and cold water and connections to sewer are required for Class II imaging. Frost and freeze protection is required from the building to the unit.
Vehicular Protection
- Barriers – The unit must be protected from any adjacent traffic by barriers approved for impact. Water filled plastic barriers are not allowed. Permanent fencing or bollards that meet the impact requirements are required.
- Drop off – One of the challenges with the vehicular protection is coordinating with delivery and drop off. The barriers must protect the unit but must also be easily removed for delivery and replaced once the unit is ready for use.
- Bollard Types – Steel drop in bollards can be approved for multiple vehicular type, however they are heavy and cumbersome to move. Steel collapsing bollards are easier to deploy, but are costly when impact ratings are required. Fold down bollards present an issues with ability to “drive-over” during delivery and often meet impact rating requirements.
- Barrier Types – Water filled barriers are not approved by DHSR. Concrete barriers provide the most protection, but require a forklift or lull to relocate.