In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about control valve tamper switches.
Q: Can you explain why The Joint Commission standard EP 1 identifies control valve signal devices and valve tamper switches as different pieces of equipment?
A: I’m not sure which EP 1 you are looking at, but EC.02.03.05, EP 1 says: “At least quarterly, the hospital tests supervisory signal devices (except valve tamper switches). The completion date of the tests is documented.” Nowhere does this EP differentiate between add-on after-market tamper switches for OS&Y valves and the butterfly-type valve that has a tamper switch built inside it.
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