Hospital Obstruction Detection

The visitors will watch a video displaying the need behind our device, and some of its features. The video will cover the below project summary: According to NFPA 99, NFPA 101 and the Joint Commission Standards, hospital features must be accessible at all times to avoid safety violations. Hospital features are defined as fire extinguishers, emergency exit routes, windows, and other features that should not be blocked in the case of an emergency. Violations of these codes could potentially result in hefty fines and loss of accreditation for health care centers; these violations also pose significant safety risks for hospital patrons during emergencies. A single facility can easily hold hundreds of hospital features that should never be blocked by equipment; making code compliance difficult to enforce. No current system is in place at the Rochester Regional Health System to assist in adhering to these regulations. A device that can detect obstructions at each hospital feature and alert staff of potential safety violations can alleviate such an impediment. The team baselined the current state of the Rochester Regional's Health System, and designed a wall or ceiling mounted, self-sustaining, non-permanent proximity sensor device/system, able to produce both audible and visible alerts. The device produces a distinctive alert, able to be differentiated from other alerts produced in the medical center. Alerts are not made in instances of temporary obstructions from passersby and maintenance personnel working within detectable regions, but in contrast produce a two toned alert for short-term vs. long-term obstructions. The system has an accessible battery integrated with an indicator that advises on low battery life. Audible alert frequency ranges are at non-hazardous levels and the spread of noise and lighting from the device is minimized. Little to no upkeep of the system is needed by the hospital staff, and the device is easily removable from the wall. The device has a simple enough design to accommodate all Rochester Regional Health medical centers.