On July 28, 2021, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), led by its Fire, Life Safety, Security and Emergency Communications Section (BS-SB), and with the assistance of the Healthcare Facilities Council (HFC), High-Performance Building Council (HPBC), and Healthcare Communications and Emergency Call Systems Section (BS-SB2), submitted comments to the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

These comments were submitted in response to the a Ministry resolution aimed at updating the Colombian Health Code (Spanish Version / Unofficial English Translation).

NEMA comments focused on Energy Efficiency (Section 4.3), Fire Protection Systems (Section 4.7), Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (Section 4.11), and recommended the creation of a new Section focused on Security Systems.

NEMA is confident that its comments will strengthen the resolution by:

• Referencing widely adopted fire, life safety, and security Standards;
• Requiring certified products and proper installation of fire detection systems in healthcare facilities; and
• Requiring access control and video surveillance systems in sensitive healthcare facility locations.

“We are excited to play a part in helping Colombia update its healthcare facilities code.” said Andrew Berezowski, Chair of the BS-SB Latin America Subcommittee. “Many NEMA Members play a leading role in developing established and recognized international Standards such as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, or NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code. We feel its only natural that we share our experience and expertise to help make Colombia’s healthcare facilities safer, more secure, and more energy efficient.”

NEMA comments can be found here.