EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Test Equipment Laboratory Equipment IEC61010

Hi, I'm seeking advice on devices that test to the IEC61010 standard. Could anyone recommend any? I've been advised that all laboratory equipment must be tested to this standard. Would specialist training be required for this? Any advice greatly appreciated.

I don't recall any test equipment specifically aimed at 61010. Although I suspect that even a "non-medical" PAT testing instrument may suffice.

I always used to use whatever electrical test equipment we had to hand. Any competent biomed tech should find no difficulty in carrying out EST on lab equipment. As well as inspecting the equipment with regard to any other requirements of the Standard. Just the usual common sense stuff about equipment condition and safety of use.

Hint:- pay special attention to earthing. That was always where most likely failures occurred. That and mechanical condition (there used to be a lot of tatty old items in hospital labs back in the day ... some of it even locally manufactured).

To my mind the main question is more along the lines of:- when and how often to test? Do you follow a PM regime?

Hi yes annual PM for all lab equipment however looking at the maintenance certificates they just say 'Pat test sticker ok' and make comments on a visual inspection only.
Our embe department have told us we have use the 61010 standard for all our lab equipment. I'm struggling to source a provider so we're looking into training up ourselves....

Thank you for your response

Don't the EBME Department want to look after your equipment, then? But if you have large labs, it might be worthwhile having your own maintenance technician if you can justify such a position.

In places I have worked (mainly overseas) I (we) always included the laboratories within our remit (as well as most other technical stuff within the hospital(s)). In the larger hospitals we generally had a "lab equipment specialist" on the team.

In fact I used to enjoy working in the labs myself ... they offered a bit of respite one or two steps back from any patient environment ... as well as presenting a lot of interesting kit (not to mention clued-up people). The labs always formed the largest department by numbers of items.

What happens about the other bits of "lab equipment" that may be scattered about the hospital? Things like the Blood Gas Analyzer often hidden away in the ICU, for instance? Do the biomeds take care of stuff like that?

But annual PM ... who has been doing it? What actually gets done? What procedures are being followed?

Another thing that comes to mind is that some of the specialised stuff is (was) often covered by service contracts with outside suppliers. What do they say about 61010, I wonder?

Lastly, remember that documentation (record keeping) is one of the key factors in equipment management. And one of the most tangible benefits of following a PM schedule (but one that is often forgotten) is that it brings the technician into contact with each item of equipment on a regular basis ... a "stitch in time" and good stuff like that.

The electrical safety requirements of IEC 61010 are aligned with testing standards such as EN 50699, which in turn are generally aligned with the IET Code of Practice for In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. So, you could use a standard electrical appliance tester or one designed for medical electrical equipment (IEC 62353).