Nurse Call Systems: OSHA Requirements & UL 1069 Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates use of nurse call systems in hospitals. OSHA cites Underwriter's Laboratory Standards 1069 (UL 1069) as the appropriate guidelines for nurse call systems.

Fundamental Devices

• Nurse call systems are required to use specific fundamental devices. The systems must ensure that a call is audible and visible on a wired device at the primary nurse's station, according to UL 1069 Section 1.2. A nurse call must be audibly broadcast at the dome light with visual notification at the patient station. The applicable area of the hospital is required to have audible and visual notification.

Wireless Interface

• Notification through a portable device at a nurse's station is required, pursuant to UL 1069 Section 1.3.

Electrical Standards

• Nurse call systems are required to conform to the standards set forth in the National Electric Code, found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. Nurse call systems must also conform to the Standard for Health Care Facilities, set forth in NFPA 99.