Holes and penetrations in hard ceilings and ceiling tiles are not acceptable in hospital environments.
These openings permit the spread of airborne contaminants and infectious disease.
Openings contribute to loss of room pressurization.
APs mounted above ceilings not only degrade AP performance, but require compliance with ICRA procedures to service APs.
Oberon's Wi-Fi access point mounting solutions.
Eliminate the gaps.
Simplify AP access and service.
Are lockable
Are aesthetic
Standards & Guidelines Affecting Wireless Network Installations in Hospital Environments
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
The Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation has established procedures for mitigating the spread of infectious disease and contamination. Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedures can have a serious impact on cabling installation, moves, adds, and changes, especially in above ceiling spaces. Oberon’s ceiling enclosures provide access to Wi-Fi and small cell access points, and other telecom equipment, without entering the air handling space, a key factor in risk mitigation.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Requirements
HIPAA is a US law (and the similar Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada) that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. HIPAA requires that hospitals limit physical access to electronic information systems, such as access points.
- § 164.310 Physical safeguards. A covered entity must, in accordance with 164.306: (a)(1) Standard: Facility access controls. Implement policies and procedures to limit physical access to its electronic information systems and the facility or facilities in which they are housed, while ensuring that properly authorized access is allowed.
Many of Oberon’s ceiling and wall enclosures are locking enclosures, limiting physical access to the AP and associated data cable and connector. Providing complance with HIPAA
ANSI/BICSI-008-208
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) | Systems Design and Implementation | Best Practices
- Specifies twisted-pair cabling should meet Category 6A/Class EA performance. Optical fiber cabling is shall meet, at a minimum, OM3 performance.
- For future growth or technology changes, two horizontal links are recommended for each AP.
- Specifies that APs should be designed and installed so they are accessible for servicing and troubleshooting without need for infectious control protocols.
- States that the wireless access point infrastructure physical design should consider consistency, compatibility, and ease of operational support while lowering overall cost. Design costs should consider both initial installation costs as well as operational costs.
BICSI-004 Medical Grade Utility Wireless Standard
Implementation of Wireless
- Below ceiling installation of WiFi access points is a better alternative to above ceiling
- They should be installed in a cabinet flush with or below the ceiling, or wall mounted.
- MGUW can help prepare the hospital for the changing healthcare IT environment and future wireless technologies
Oberon Enclosures & Mounts Simplify Compliance by Design
Wi-Tile™ Locking AP Enclosures - for Suspended Ceilings
- Locking interchangeable doors, large enough for largest APs
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- Standard lay-in, tegular, and metric tiles available
- Back-box large enough to stow excess horizontal cable
- Solid steel back-box with firestop grommet for cable egress; simplifies ICRA procedure compliance
Wi-Tile™ Locking AP Enclosures - for Hard Ceilings
- Locking interchangeable doors, large enough for largest APs
- Bezel fills opening in ceiling
- Back-box large enough to stow excess horizontal cable and biscuit
- Solid back-box with firestop grommet for cable egress; simplifies ICRA procedure compliance
Envelop™ Recess AP Mount - for Suspended and Cloud Ceilings
- Interchangeable trims, large enough for largest APs
- Aesthetically recess into suspended, cloud, and panel ceilings
- Solid back-box with firestop grommet for cable egress
- Quick installation with snap-in trim
Envelop™ Recess AP Mount - for Hard Ceilings
- Interchangeable trims, large enough for largest APs
- Aesthetically recess AP into hard ceilings, revealing only antenna face
- Solid back-box with firestop grommet for cable egress
- Back-box flange fills opening in ceiling
- Swivel fasteners install back-box in ceiling in minutes
- Quick installation with snap-in trim
