On Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:08:22 +0100, "nightjar" nightjar@insert my
surname here.uk.com wrote:


"T i m" wrote in message
.. .
...
That was fine for a couple of days but then they needed it for a
'patient with a temperature' (no probs with that etc) but knowing how
dependant she is on one, I asked if it was possible to 'bring one in
from home' (or B&Q round the corner etc).

The reply was 'yes, but it will take a week to get it tested so .. '

I assume they were talking about PAT here (not biological testing) ...

You assume wrongly.

Ok ..

There are numerous NHS, MDA, EU and international
standards that apply to equipment used in hospitals and electrical
equipment, in particular, cannot be used unless it can be demonstrated to
comply.

Ok ..

They don't want life-support equipment failing because of
interference from another piece of equipment.

Makes sense ..

Most medical equipment is made
to the standards and certified by the manufacturer, under the Medical
Devices Directive.

Ok ..

A generic fan has no such certification and will need to
be tested, which is not something your local electrician will be equipped to
do.

Ok. The only flaw I see with that in the real world is would that also
apply to 'kit' used anywhere in the hospital Colin, like fans bought
for use on 'reception' (that then end up on a ward), a paper shredder
in an office (backing onto a ward) the maintenance persons electric
drill or the TV used in the security hut? (genuine question).

Ironically the 'rules'[1] allowed 'battery' appliances and that could
include HF inverters and the like (and potentially worse for the
reasons you suggest above).

All the best ..

T i m

[1] I guess they may have been simplistic interpretations thereof.