EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM (EPPS)

Physical Plant prepared the following information to assist in understanding our Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) on all campuses. This may also assist various units in the preparation and implementation of their emergency plans, and development of their administrative control procedures.

The campuses’ electrical service is tied to the public utility system through feeders, which are large cables that provide power to the campuses. In addition, there are several designated emergency generators servicing different parts of the campuses. These generators are primarily dedicated to Life Safety.

What is the purpose of the Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS)?
The primary purpose of the EPSS is to provide emergency power for the following categories:

* Life Safety
* Life Support System
* Minimal Essential
* Equipment

Examples of each category are:

Life Safety:
Provides emergency power to evacuate the building during an emergency. EPSS shall supply power to fire alarm systems, exit signs, corridors, and stairway lighting.

Emergency lighting is not installed in all locations but is primarily installed in corridors and selected areas, i.e. (operating rooms, labor & delivery, emergency department, etc).

Life Support Systems:
Provides power for fixed equipment, selected receptacles and special power circuits serving the following areas and functions related to patient care: critical care units, general care beds, (one receptacle/patient bedroom), infant nurseries, emergency rooms treatment areas, intensive care units, postoperative recovery room, x-ray rooms, pathology labs., blood banks, etc. All emergency power receptacles are identified by a distinctive color (red) to be readily recognizable.

Essential Equipment:
Medical vacuum (suction), medical air, sump pumps, kitchen hoods, and HVAC equipment that provide services for operating rooms, labor & delivery rooms, recovery, intensive care, nurseries, selected elevators in each building, and specialized equipment.

What are the responsibilities of the departments and/or units?
Each department should have their emergency operation and evacuation plans with procedures for the assigned coordinator to implement those plans. Departments that do not have these plans and need assistance in development and implementation should contact Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Services (EOHSS). University Hospital (UH) and University Behavioral HealthCare (UBHC) should contact the Environment of Care Coordinator for advice and assistance.

Do I have emergency power?
Areas that do not have emergency power, including laboratory and research areas, will not have back up power during an electrical interruption. You will have Life Safety emergency egress power, allowing you to exit the building.

If not, may I submit a request for EPSS?
Depending on which building you are in. Any additional emergency power loads other than existing loads will cause an overload on the EPSS. Presently, the EPSS in most buildings have reached maximum capacity. However, any unit or department that requires emergency power needs to submit a written request to Physical Plant. The Physical Plant Department will send a questionnaire to that unit’s Building Administrator, and will evaluate the request according to the guidelines and standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This request will be considered with the future upgrade of the EPSS.

Is there any plan to increase the capacity of the EPSS?
Yes. Physical Plant is currently having the existing EPSS reviewed and recommendations will be submitted by an independent consultant. Any new installation must fall into one of the three categories: Life Safety, Life Support System, and Minimal Essential Equipment.