Square D Services by Schneider Electric has announced the launch of its HealthPower Infrastructure Program. Designed specifically to improve the operational performance of healthcare facilities, the program leverages state-of-the-art engineering and field service capabilities to help hospitals reduce risks to patient and employee safety associated with their electrical infrastructure, as well as to increase their operational efficiency.

Today, there are many factors impacting the reliability of the electrical system in healthcare settings. From 2002 to 2008, over 513 major disruptions to the electrical grid left more than 83 million customers without power. “In an environment where a power outage could have life or death implications, avoiding electrical disruptions is essential,” said Keith Stager, U.S. Healthcare Segment Manager, Schneider Electric. “For this reason, we have developed a thorough solution to identify deficiencies, and prioritize corrective actions that can help facility managers to assure their hospitals have the safe, reliable electricity required to consistently deliver the best patient care possible. This program also helps hospitals comply with a wide range of regulations.

The HealthPower Infrastructure Program, custom designed specifically for each facility, is built on four main foundational areas:

• Risk Assessment: A systematic evaluation and analysis of the electrical infrastructure to help facility managers identify risks and translate to potential impact on hospital operations
• Policy Development: Development of detailed policies, procedures and maintenance activities for a hospital’s entire electrical system
• Maintenance and Testing: Comprehensive maintenance and testing for all electrical distribution equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, to help ensure safety and reliability Regulatory Compliance: Proactive management of all facility electrical system documentation and reporting necessary for meeting compliance requirements of regulatory agencies such as the Joint Commission, OSHA and NFPA.

Through the HealthPower Infrastructure Program, electrical system failure risks are reduced, minimizing potential disruptions to patient care. The HealthPower Program also helps a healthcare facility to assure its compliance with multiple elements of NFPA 70E, NFPA 99, and Environment of Care and Life Safety requirements of The Joint Commission. Additionally, the HealthPower Program serves to significantly increase a medical system’s overall operational efficiency and reliability-reducing long-term maintenance costs and exposure to unplanned expenditures.

The HealthPower Infrastructure Program is currently available in the United States. For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.us/go/healthpower.