Wireless Connectivity in Healthcare Facilities
Scott D. Thompson
President
Oberon, Inc.
Task Group Member TIA-1179
Healthcare Facility Cabling Standard
Senior Member, IEEE
January 16th, 2013
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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Oberon manufactures ceiling and wall mounted Telecommunications Enclosures (TEs) for wireless LAN
access points, DAS equipment, multimedia equipment
and other networking components
Wireless Access Point & DAS
Equipment Enclosures
Workspace Telecom & Multimedia
Equipment Enclosures
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
Healthcare Wi-Fi and DAS
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Hospitals were “early adopters” of wireless networking
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In hospitals, wireless networking is mission critical, serving
point of care (bedside) applications, mobile workstations on
carts, EHR, mobile asset tracking, RFID, telemetry, voice
over Wi-Fi, nurse call, etc.
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Some of these applications may conflict for available
spectrum
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Hospitals have special requirements
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Reducing the risk of infection
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedures
Strict adherence to codes and standards (NEC and TIA)
Physical Security
Aesthetics
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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Reducing the Risk of Infection
It is desirable to eliminate gaps and mouse-holes in ceiling tiles
• Reduce the spread of dust and spores
• Maintain desired differential pressure relationships
• Preserve the fire rating integrity of the ceiling system
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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Reducing the Risk of Infection
“Poke thru” antenna
Avoid the following:
• “Poke through” antennas
• Damaging ceiling tiles
• Mounting APs and antennas
above ceiling tiles
Cracked
ceiling tile
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
• In Healthcare, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires that hospitals
establish procedures for mitigating the spread of infectious
disease and contaminants.
• ICRA procedures limit access to the space above suspended
ceilings (where dust and spores have accumulated)
• “Infection Control Requirements (ICR) could have a serious
impact on the times and conditions for cabling installation,
moves, adds and changes, as well as restrictions on moving
ceiling tiles…….””
• Contractors performing work in violation of ICRA procedures will
be precluded from future bidding
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Infection Control
Lifting or removing ceiling tiles requires
the installer to:
• Use Negative Air Pressure Enclosure
(NAPE), or “tent off” the work area
• Use a HEPA air filter
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
Infection Control
Oberon model 1059-00
Ceiling enclosures can help to:
• Eliminate gaps and mouse-holes in the ceiling
• Simplify ICRA procedure compliance
• Simplify maintenance
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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Code Compliance
- Hospitals are strict adherents to building safety codes and
telecommunications standards
- 2012 NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code
- Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) will require strict NFPA 70
N.E.C® compliance and UL listing of installed components
- Use products designed to satisfy National Electric Code (NEC)
paragraphs 300.22 and 300.23 for installation in the above ceiling
space (plenum) space
- Use suitably UL listed products
- Burn ratings of ceiling systems should not be compromised
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
Other requirements which
may apply in hospitals
• Mandated Coverage –some jurisdictions have
enacted ordinances that include provisions for
radio coverage of public safety signals within the
building as a condition of occupancy
• HIPAA - Protection of confidential patient
information
• Patient Safety Standards applied to psychiatric
inpatient units
• Aesthetics
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
In a hospital, who is involved
in the cabling and wireless
design?
• Telecom/datacom infrastructure- cabling and
wireless personnel
• Plant Services or Facilities Personnel
• Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator
or Infection Preventionist- in Quality Control or
Patient Services Department
• Public Safety / In-building Comm Coordinator
• Bio-Medical personnel
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
Wireless in Hospitals
• The enclosure should be listed for use
in the above ceiling space
• Back box should not have holes, to
prevent the spread of dust and spores
Oberon model 1057-00
• A fire blocking foam should be provided
to seal up the cable ingress hole
• Access point should be accessible
without lifting ceiling tiles
Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks
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www.oberonwireless.com
sdt@oberonwireless.com
Visit Oberon at the BICSI Winter Conference, Booth 634!
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Oberon Webinar: Cabling and Infrastructure for Enterprise Wireless Networks