Emergency Preparedness

Appendix H. 8– HVAC Failure

Kern Medical Emergency Preparedness

HVAC FAILURE RESPONSE POLICY It is the policy of the Kern Medical that in the event of a failure or malfunction of all or part of the HVAC system the following steps and procedures will be taken. The impact on patient care will be evaluated and appropriate actions taken. PROCEDURE  Air Conditioning: Check to ascertain if chillers are operating. Check the unit for the following: 1. Control panel 8. If the Engineering Department personnel are unable to identify the problem, contact the Director of Facilities Management or his/her designee to call in outside contractors. 9. Notify House Supervisor and Administration.  Heating: Check boilers to ascertain if they are operating properly. Check the boilers for the following: 1. Operation of fuel supply valves 2. Malfunctions on the boiler control panel 3. Boiler water level 4. If boiler is operating properly, temperatures in the heat exchangers shall be checked. If the temperatures are not within range, check the temperature controls and correct. 5. Check operation of hot water circulating pump. 6. If system failure is due to boiler failure, refer to policy on Boiler Failure. 7. If system failure is due to failure of the hot water circulating pumps or heat exchangers, do the necessary repairs. If Facilities Management Department personnel are unable to identify problem or solve problem contact the Director of Facilities Management or his/her designee for instructions. 8. Notify House Supervisor and Administration.  Ventilation: Check supply and exhaust fans to assure that they are functioning properly. Check system for the following: 1. Electrical failure 2. Mechanical failure 2. Electrical problem 3. Mechanical failure 4. Air restriction in cooling tower 5. Water flow in cooling tower 6. Operation of chill water circulating pumps 7. Operation of condenser water pump

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