FGI 2022 provides some new challenges with providing Mobile Imaging and Procedure Room Units in North Carolina for approval with DHSR. Two specific challenges apply to Class II Units and Vehicular Protection requirements.
Class II Imaging Units (Cath/EP)
- Two Sources of Power – Two different services of power at required at the service pedestal. This includes normal power and emergency power. This power cannot be split once it goes into the unit and use of a onboard generator is not allowed. Connection to the main hospital generator is required.
- Piped Medical Gasses and Vacuum – The use of mobile/bottle gasses is not allowed and 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 by any adjacent traffic by barriers approved for impact. Water filled plastic barriers are not allowed. Permanent fencing or bollards that meets 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 typically do not have approval ratings. Fold down bollards present an issues with ability to “drive-over” during delivery.
- Barrier Types – Water filled barriers are not approved by DHSR. Concrete barriers provide the most protection, but require a forklift or lull to relocate.