CHFM - Certified Healthcare Facility Manager Building Utility Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a power outage, a hospital's emergency generator starts correctly, but the pneumatic tube system and main lobby lighting are not functioning.
However, life support equipment in the ICU remains powered.
This situation most likely indicates a failure of which branch of the Essential Electrical System (EES)?

Accepted Answer

Equipment Branch

Answer

Life Safety Branch

Answer

Critical Branch

Answer

Normal Power Branch

Question 2

A facility manager is verifying the HVAC performance in a newly constructed Airborne Infection Isolation (AII) room. According to ASHRAE Standard 170, which of the following conditions is mandatory for this type of space?

Accepted Answer

Negative air pressure relative to adjacent areas and a minimum of 12 total ACH

Answer

Positive air pressure relative to adjacent areas

Answer

A minimum of 6 total air changes per hour (ACH)

Answer

Recirculated air filtered through a single MERV 8 filter

Question 3

As part of The Joint Commission's requirements for a Utility Management Plan (EC.02.05.01), a healthcare facility must maintain accurate maps of its utility systems. What is the primary purpose of this mapping requirement?

Accepted Answer

To identify the location of controls for system shutdowns in an emergency

Answer

To document the age of components for capital planning

Answer

To provide a blueprint for all future construction projects

Answer

To satisfy local building code documentation archives

Question 4

A hospital receives a "boil water" advisory from its municipal supplier due to potential contamination. Which of the following actions should the Facility Manager prioritize to protect patients, especially those who are immunocompromised?

Accepted Answer

Ensure an adequate supply of bottled water is distributed and notify clinical leadership immediately

Answer

Immediately switch the facility's water source to a backup private well

Answer

Post signs at all public water fountains advising against drinking the water

Answer

Begin systematic flushing of all hot water lines at the highest possible temperature

Question 5

To comply with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, a hospital's Level 1 Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) generator must undergo a monthly test. What are the minimum duration and load requirements for this test?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes under at least 30% of the nameplate kilowatt rating

Answer

15 minutes under any available load

Answer

60 minutes under at least 50% of the nameplate kilowatt rating

Answer

4 hours under at least 75% of the nameplate kilowatt rating

Question 6

A medical gas area alarm panel, located at a nurses' station, begins to sound for the medical air system. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the alarm?

Accepted Answer

The pressure in the medical air pipeline has deviated from the normal operating range for that specific zone

Answer

The main medical air compressor for the hospital has failed

Answer

A scheduled preventive maintenance check on the medical air system is overdue

Answer

The fire alarm system has been activated in the adjacent smoke compartment