Technical Safety of Electrical Medical Technology Equipment and Systems

Abstract

Medical electrical (ME) equipment and systems are used primarily in medical institutions such as doctors’ surgeries, dental surgeries, medical centers, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation clinics, sanatoriums, health clinics, nursing homes for the elderly, homes for the disabled and those with learning difficulties, and hospitals and clinics. According to the regulations and standards for electrical systems, suitable rooms — areas used for medical purposes — must be present in these institutions in which mains-operated ME equipment can be operated. Many questions emerge concerning the use of this equipment, on the one hand relating to the safety of patients and those operating the equipment, and on the other hand relating to the smooth operation of this apparatus. The main risks posed by these pieces of ME equipment and ME systems may be of electrical, mechanical or thermal nature. Other possible potential risks are ionizing radiation, explosion or fire as outlined in this chapter.