Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) Practice Exam

What is the order of load shedding that should occur during a power outage?

1. Critical, life safety, equipment

2. Life safety, equipment, critical

3. Equipment, critical, life safety

4. Life safety, critical, equipment

The correct answer is: Equipment, critical, life safety

The correct order of load shedding during a power outage prioritizes safety and essential services. The ideal approach begins with life safety, which encompasses systems and facilities essential for the safety of occupants, including emergency lighting and fire protection systems. Following life safety, the next priority is critical operations, which can include vital healthcare services and equipment necessary for patient care. Finally, non-essential equipment is shed last as it does not directly impact human safety or core operations. In this sequence, life safety systems must remain functional at all costs, as they are directly tied to the well-being of the individuals within the facility. Critical operations are next, as they ensure that the essential functions of the healthcare operations continue. Equipment that is considered non-essential can be powered down last since its failure does not immediately threaten lives or critical health operations. Prioritizing in this order ensures that the most crucial functions are preserved during a power shortage, reflecting sound practice in healthcare facility management and ensuring patient safety above all else.