ASHE Maintenance and Operations 5

Question 1

What is the function of a 'sentinel event review' as it relates to healthcare facility operations?

Accepted Answer

An investigation into unexpected equipment failures that caused or risked patient harm

Answer

A sentinel event review investigates unexpected events—including equipment failures—that resulted in or risked serious patient harm, with the goal of preventing recurrence.

Question 2

A healthcare facility uses a 'criticality assessment' to classify equipment. Which factor is MOST important in determining criticality?

Accepted Answer

Impact of failure on patient care and safety

Answer

Criticality is primarily determined by the consequences of equipment failure, particularly the effect on patient safety and care delivery.

Question 3

In a hospital, which area requires the highest number of air changes per hour (ACH) according to ASHRAE 170?

Accepted Answer

Operating rooms

Answer

ASHRAE 170 requires operating rooms to have a minimum of 20 total air changes per hour to maintain sterile conditions and dilute contaminants.

Question 4

What does a 'lock-out/tag-out' (LOTO) procedure primarily protect against during maintenance activities?

Accepted Answer

Unexpected energization or startup of equipment while being serviced

Answer

LOTO procedures, required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be accidentally restarted while maintenance is being performed.

Question 5

A hospital's cooling tower requires chemical treatment primarily to control which health hazard?

Accepted Answer

Legionella bacteria proliferation

Answer

Cooling towers are a primary breeding ground for Legionella pneumophila; chemical treatment and water management plans per ASHRAE 188 are essential controls.

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

ASHE Maintenance and Operations 5