USACE / NAVFAC / AFCESA / NASA UFGS-27 52 23.00 20 (April 2006)
------------------------------
Preparing Activity: NAVFAC Replacing without change
UFGS-16725N (August 2003)
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated January 2009
SECTION 27 52 23.00 20
NURSE CALL SYSTEM
04/06
NOTE: This guide specification covers the requirements for nurse call systems
in medical treatment facilities.
Edit this guide specification for project specific requirements by adding, deleting,
or revising text. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert
appropriate information.
Remove information and requirements not required in respective project, whether
or not brackets are present.
Comments and suggestions on this guide specification are welcome and should
be directed to the technical proponent of the specification. A listing of technical
proponents, including their organization designation and telephone number, is
on the Internet.
Recommended changes to a UFGS should be submitted as a Criteria Change Request
(CCR).
NOTE: The facility communications requirements will dictate the type system
to be installed and the location of nurse call equipment. The designer should
review the applicable standards, and develop a good understanding of the different
systems available, and their limitations. In developing the project specification,
bear two thoughts in mind: keep it simple; keep it generic. Where services
are specified "as indicated," coordinate with the drawings. In development
of the drawings, use the same nomenclature for an item of equipment as it appears
in the specification. Electrical service to the nurse call system is required
to be connected to the emergency power system. Verify environmental and servicing
requirements for system components.
NOTE: The following information shall be shown on the project drawings:
1. Mounting method and height for all equipment.
2. Single line diagram to describe the relationship and quantities of materials.
3. Capacity of the equipment, along with other electrical ratings.
4. Conduit requirements.
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 REFERENCES
NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the publications cited in the text of
the guide specification. The publications are referred to in the text by basic
designation only and listed in this paragraph by organization, designation,
date, and title.
Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature when you add a RID outside
of the Section's Reference Article to automatically place the reference in the
Reference Article. Also use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
to update the issue dates.
References not used in the text will automatically be deleted from this section
of the project specification when you choose to reconcile references in the
publish print process.
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are
referred to within the text by the basic designation only.
[INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (IEEE)IEEE Std 602(2007) Recommended Practice for Electric Systems in Health Care Facilities - White Book][NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)NFPA 70(2007; AMD 1 2008) National Electrical Code - 2008 Edition][UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)UL 1069(2007; Rev thru Nov 2008) Standard for Safety Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment]1.2 DEFINITIONS
The principles and definitions of terms used herein shall be as set forth in IEEE Std 602, along with UL 1069
, but provisions of this section shall govern.
1.3 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Nurse call system, with subsystems as indicated, shall primarily provide means for a patient to signal the nursing
staff that assistance is needed. Additionally, nurse call system shall provide means for communications between
staff members to serve administrative as well as emergency signaling requirements.
1.3.1 Visual Nurse Call Subsystem (VS)
NOTE: The use of visual systems in military facilities is limited. Verify
user requirements, via the AIC/EIC.
Hardwired system which shall provide audible signaling and visual annunciation of emergency or code calls, utilizing
light and tone signals. Type and location of equipment shall be as indicated.
1.3.2 Audio-Visual Nurse Call Subsystem (AVS)
NOTE: Audio-visual systems are primarily used in medical inpatient treatment
areas. Hardwired systems are permitted in facilities with limited bed space.
Microprocessor-controlled systems generally allow more system flexibility and
are normally used when program-controlled features are desired. Verify user
requirements, via the AIC/EIC.
[Hardwired] [Microprocessor-controlled] system which shall provide audible signaling and visual annunciation
of patient and staff calls, as well as audio communications. Type and location of equipment shall be as indicated.
[1.3.3 Centralized Nurse Call Subsystem (CS)
NOTE: Centralized systems allow calls from different nurse call systems to
be answered from another location. AVS microprocessor-controlled systems operating
in slave or master mode are permitted as centralized systems so long as the
combined systems occupy the same floor. Some type of staff locator feature
may be desirable with centralized systems. The user may prefer radio or beeper
equipment in lieu of staff locator stations. Verify user requirements, via the
AIC/EIC.
Consist of microprocessor-controlled audio-visual subsystems with the capability of each AVS to operate independently
or in a slave/master mode, selectively. Type and location of equipment shall be as indicated.
][1.3.4 Central Processor Controlled Subsystem (CPCS)
NOTE: The CPCS is the more sophisticated nurse call system which can provide
information storage and retrieval capabilities which may be useful for drug,
dietary, or other patient data. Printers are usually included with these systems.
Do not specify CPCS equipment unless directed by the AIC/EIC. The text of this
article (if used) must be developed to suit the particular project.
]1.4 SUBMITTALS
NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL
PROCEDURES and edit the following list to reflect only the submittals required
for the project. Submittals should be kept to the minimum required for adequate
quality control.
A “G” following a submittal item indicates that the submittal requires Government
approval. Some submittals are already marked with a “G”. Only delete an existing
“G” if the submittal item is not complex and can be reviewed through the Contractor’s
Quality Control system. Only add a “G” if the submittal is sufficiently important
or complex in context of the project.
For submittals requiring Government approval on Army projects, a code of up
to three characters within the submittal tags may be used following the "G"
designation to indicate the approving authority. Codes for Army projects using
the Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for Architect-Engineer; "DO"
for District Office (Engineering Division or other organization in the District
Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for Resident Office; and "PO" for Project
Office. Codes following the "G" typically are not used for Navy, Air Force,
and NASA projects.
Choose the first bracketed item for Navy, Air Force and NASA projects, or choose
the second bracketed item for Army projects.
Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation
are [for Contractor Quality Control approval.][for information only. When used, a designation following the
"G" designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government.] The following shall
be submitted in accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:
NOTE: The listings in the following subparagraphs may be incomplete, or may
contain optional equipment which is not required for the project. Modify these
listings to agree with products actually specified.
SD-02 Shop Drawings
Visual nurse call subsystem
Audio-visual nurse call subsystem
[Centralized nurse call subsystem]
[Central processor controlled subsystem]
Submit installation wiring diagrams for each subsystem. Identify equipment that includes
manufacturer's cabinets or backboxes as part of the equipment. Show details and minimum enclosure
requirements as recommended by manufacturer if enclosure is not furnished with equipment. Show
minimum size conduit as recommended by the manufacturer for use with each wire/cable shown.
SD-03 Product Data
Master station annunciator
Staff station
Toilet emergency station
Shower station
Code call station
Patient bed station
Patient station cordsets
Duty station
Corridor/zone lights
Nurse assist station
Psychiatric room entrance station
Equipment panel
[Standby power supply]
Master control station
[Staff locator station]
[Central processor unit]
Wire/cable
Submit for each type and style of equipment.
SD-07 Certificates
Visual nurse call subsystem
Audio-visual nurse call subsystem
[Centralized nurse call subsystem]
[Central processor controlled subsystem]
SD-08 Manufacturer's Instructions
Qualifications of service facility
Manufacturer recommendations for protection of stored equipment
Manufacturer recommendations for protection of equipment from supply-line transients
SD-10 Operation and Maintenance Data
Nurse call systems, Data Package 5
Submit in accordance with Section 01 78 23 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DATA.
SD-11 Closeout Submittals
Operating manuals
1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
1.5.1 Regulatory Requirements
Nurse call systems and equipment shall conform to UL 1069 and meet requirements of the specified application.
1.5.2 Manufacturer Standard
Equipment shall be standard products of the same manufacturer, shall be the latest design by the manufacturer,
and shall have been designed by the manufacturer to operate as a complete system for the intended use.
1.5.3 Service Facility
NOTE: Generally, the 4-hour response time shown bracketed should be suitable
for most projects. Consult with the AIC/EIC on projects at remote locations.
Equipment shall be supplemented by a factory authorized service organization, reasonably convenient to the site,
which will provide service at the site within [4] [_____] hours after service is requested.
1.5.4 Subsystem Equipment Requirements
Individual items of equipment employed to make up each subsystem shall conform to UL 1069. The UL label or listing
will be acceptable as evidence of compliance.
1.6 STORAGE AND PROTECTION
Protect stored equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
1.7 SUPPLY-LINE TRANSIENTS
Protect equipment from supply-line transients as likely to be subjected in service from a commercial utility
ac power system. Protection shall be integral to equipment or installed as an accessory item in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations.
1.8 MAINTENANCE
1.8.1 Data Package 5
Submit operation and maintenance data in accordance with Section 01 78 23 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DATA.
1.8.2 Operating Manuals
Contents of each manual shall conform to the requirements for "Instructions and Installation Drawings" of UL 1069
. Submit three manuals for each different type subsystem. Label one manual for use at each control unit or
master station, and label two manuals for engineering and maintenance use. Submit manuals for the following subsystems:
a. Visual nurse call subsystem
b. Audio-visual nurse call subsystem
[c. Centralized nurse call subsystem]
[d. Central processor controlled subsystem]
PART 2 PRODUCTS
NOTE: Users of this guide specification are cautioned as follows:
1. Where a reference standard description of an item of equipment is suitable
for the intended purpose, then a simple statement for the item to comply to
that standard is used, without further description.
2. Where a reference standard contains optional performance characteristics
that may be specified, then those optional characteristics are included as either
options or required features as designated, but the basic functions or item
characteristics are not repeated in the guide.
3. References listed below were used in the guide development. Listings are
in priority sequence, and shall remain in the same priority status regardless
of the issue date in effect.
(a) Design Manual (DM 33.02), "Naval Regional Medical Center Design and Construction
Criteria"
(b) Design Manual (AF Regulation 88-50), "Criteria for Design and Construction
of Air Force Health Facilities"
(c) Design Manual (DM 33.03), "Medical Clinics and Dental Clinics - Design
and Construction Criteria"
(d) NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code"
(e) UL 1069, "Standard for Safety, Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment"
(f) IEEE Std 602, "Recommended Practice for Electric Systems in Health Care
Facilities"
(g) Unspecified Manufacturer Catalog Data
2.1 NURSE CALL EQUIPMENT
Equipment functions and operational characteristics shall conform to IEEE Std 602, UL 1069, and other requirements
specified herein. ANSI and UL requirements are not repeated herein.
2.1.1 Master Station Annunciator (VS)
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] call annunciator panel providing audible and visual indication for up to [_____]
emergency [and Code call] stations. [Two call priority levels shall be possible: emergency calls and code calls.]
Panel shall contain indicators for call-placed annunciation, a system call placement indicator, and a combination
solid-state tone generator with sound transducer with a distinct difference in signal rates for each priority
signal level.
2.1.2 Nurse Assist Station
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] station for originating an emergency call at the medical treatment area indicated.
Station shall be a red combination call and reset button, with a call origination/assurance indicator. An easily
recognizable inscription or label shall be included on the faceplate to indicate that the station is intended
for "staff use only."
2.1.3 Toilet Emergency Station
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] emergency call station, with a red combination call and reset button, and call
origination/assurance indicator. White nomenclature and nurse symbol shall appear on the call button for easy
recognition.
2.1.4 Shower Station
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] emergency call station, with a red combination call and reset button, with
pull cord and call origination/assurance indicator. White nomenclature and nurse symbol shall appear on the
call button for easy recognition. Additionally, pull cord operating instructions shall appear in red on faceplate
for easy recognition.
2.1.5 Duty Station (VS)
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] remote call receiving station, with solid state tone signal circuitry for receipt
of emergency and code calls.
2.1.6 Code Call Station
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] station for originating a code call at the medical treatment area indicated.
The station shall be a [blue] [red] combination call and reset button, with a call origination/assurance indicator.
An easily recognizable inscription or label shall be included on the faceplate to indicate that the station is
intended for "staff use only."
2.1.7 Corridor/Zone Lights
[Wall] [Ceiling] [Surface] mounted, with colored lens or bulbs as indicated.
2.1.8 Patient Bed Station (AVS)
NOTE: The call selector switch is not needed with a microprocessor-controlled
system. Call priority level programming is not applicable in hardwired systems.
[[Wall] [Panel] recessed] [Surface mounted] station for patient/staff communications. Stations shall be for
single patient use only, with privacy mode, [and call selector switch] [and calling priority levels which can
be programmed at the Master Control station] in addition to the standard AVS features. A receptacle on the station
shall accept a cordset with a single prong plug [or multi-purpose controls as indicated].
2.1.9 Patient Station Cordsets (AVS)
NOTE: Consult with the user to determine the type and quantity of units required.
A cordset, pendant control, shall be provided at each patient bed station, with the required operational capabilities
as indicated. Additional cordsets of the quantity listed below shall be furnished to allow user flexibility.
Cordset Type Quantity
Standard Call Button [_____]
Pressure Pad Call Button [_____]
Multipurpose Control Unit [_____]
2.1.10 Staff Station (AVS)
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] station, with privacy mode in addition to the standard AVS features.
2.1.11 Duty Station (AVS)
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] station, with standard AVS features.
2.1.12 Psychiatric Room Entrance Station (AVS)
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] corridor switch for use with special treatment areas, as indicated.
2.1.13 Psychiatric Patient Bed Station (AVS)
NOTE: Consult with the user to determine if either a radio system or a nurse
assist button will be required.
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] tamperproof station, with facilities for normal and emergency call origination,
and accommodations to selectively control call origination capabilities.
2.1.14 Master Control Station
[Wall recessed] [Desk top] master station annunciator and control station, for handling up to [_____] calling
stations, with the following performance features:
a. Basic Operating Requirements (AVS): Station shall provide standard audio-visual call registration
and response features for use with associated patient, staff, and duty stations. Additionally,
station shall provide for visual registration for other calling stations. Separate distinguishable
tones shall be provided to identify the priority status of incoming calls.
NOTE: At the text below, discuss the standard dome light colors and flashing
schemes with the user. If the standard is not adequate, modify to suit the
project. Notify the AIC/EIC of any variance from the standard.
b. Call Priorities (AVS): Station shall be equipped to handle standard types of priority level
calls as listed below:
Priority
Call Type Level Dome Light Indication
Code Blue 1 Flashing Blue
Code Call 1 Flashing Red
Nurse Assist 2 Flashing White, Steady Green
Emergency 3 Flashing White
Patient--Priority 3 Flashing White
Patient--Personal Attention 4 Steady White
Patient--Normal Call 4 Steady White
[Nurse Service Flashing Green]
[Aide Service Flashing Amber]
NOTE: At the text below, use microprocessor-controlled facilities when program-controlled
features are needed by the user.
[c. Microprocessor-Controlled (AVS): Control station shall be equipped with its own built-in
microprocessor and shall respond to commands through a touch sensor control panel. A digital
display shall register incoming calls in priority status sequence. Control station shall contain
facilities for monitoring and calling stations in groups, as indicated. Control panel surface
shall be glare free and of scratch-resistant, easy to clean, spill-proof construction.]
NOTE: At the text below, specify centralized system controls only when requested
by the user, via the AIC/EIC.
[d. Centralized Controls (CS): Each control station shall contain a capture/recapture feature
for centralized operation where indicated. Individual control stations shall have the ability
to capture other control station areas, with combined control stations capable of handling up
to [_____] stations, and to provide service when required. Each control station shall be capable
of releasing itself from the capture mode, at any time. Captured areas shall be displayed at
the captured and at the capturing control station. Controls and indicators shall be provided
for all functions.]
2.1.15 Equipment Panel
[Wall] [Shelf] mounted enclosed panel containing power supply modules and other auxiliary equipment needed to
provide for the complete and usable nurse call system.
[2.1.16 Standby Power Supply
NOTE: Use only with microprocessor-controlled systems.
[Wall] [Shelf] [Floor] mounted uninterruptable power system, with integral rectifier/charger, and rated as indicated.
][2.1.17 Staff Locator Station
NOTE: Use only when requested by the user.
[Wall recessed] [Surface mounted] pushbutton station.
][2.1.18 Central Processor Unit
NOTE: Do not use unless requested by the user, via the AIC/EIC. If used, the
text must be developed to suit the project.
]2.2 AUDIO EQUIPMENT
Audio functions of nurse call equipment shall be built-in features. Each control station shall contain an amplifier
with sufficient output to address all patient stations within the control area, simultaneously. Provide two-way
hands-free communications to the control station from each patient, staff, or duty station. Patient, or staff,
shall be able to converse with the control station attendant without moving, without directing toward the transmitter,
without using controls, and without raising the voice above a normal speaking level. Adjustable volume controls
shall be contained in the control station.
2.3 SIGNALS
NOTE: Verify the priority level of functions and associated signals in use
at the facility. Modify these requirements as necessary.
Priority levels and dome light indications shall be as recommended in IEEE Std 602 [except that code call signals
shall be flashing red and Code Blue signals shall be flashing blue].
2.4 WIRE/CABLE
Provide interconnecting wire/cable as accessory equipment and comply with the same standards as the equipment
with which used.
2.5 RACEWAYS
Provide metal raceways conforming to Section 26 20 00 INTERIOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Fittings for EMT shall be
compression type with ferrule and gland nut, not set screw.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
NOTE: This guide was prepared for use in preparing project specifications primarily
for new building construction. The guide should be modified as appropriate
if used for a remodeling or retrofit type project. In retrofit projects, the
designer should become familiar with as-built conditions, and maximize the use
of existing conduits and raceway components to the practical extent. Use extreme
care in retrofit specifications to avoid proprietary statements. Add specifications
to provide for repair of existing areas that are disturbed by the retrofit.
Show additional drawing details sufficient to allow the prospective contractor
to bid all aspects of the job.
Provide a complete and operational nurse call system, with subsystems, to satisfy the specified performance.
Install equipment and accessory items to suit manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Provide insulated
conductors in electrical metallic tubing as the wiring method. Comply with NFPA 70 for the electrical installation.
3.2 DEMONSTRATION
Upon completion of the work and at a time designated by the Contracting Officer, furnish services of a manufacturer's
representative to perform an operational checkout of the system, and to demonstrate operational and other system
features of the work in place.