Body Protected Areas (BPA):

1. Inspector qualification & scope

An inspector doing a BPA must:

  • Be competent in the patient-area / medical-electrical arena: testing of RCDs, knowledge of equipotential bonding, shock hazard control in patient environments.

  • The installation falls under “intended for use with electrical medical devices” and is a high-risk installation under Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 — hence inspection/verification is required.

  • Know the relevant standards: AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) as modified by AS/NZS 3003 for patient areas; and for equipment testing AS/NZS 3551.

2. What is a Body Protected Area (BPA)

A BPA is defined as an area where mains-powered electrical medical equipment is used on a patient (diagnosis, treatment, monitoring). This requires enhanced electrical protection (beyond normal wiring) because patients are more vulnerable.

Key features:

  • The electrical installation in the area must comply with AS/NZS 3003.

  • Use of medical-grade RCDs (10 mA trip) for socket outlets serving the area.

  • Signage: The area must be designated with a “Body Protected Area” sign (typically green) including date of last inspection.

  • All equipment (both medical and general appliances within the BPA) must be tested to medical-electrical equipment standard (AS/NZS 3551) or appropriate equivalent.

3. What the inspection by the inspector should cover

When performing the inspection/verfication the inspector should:

Visual & labelling/marking checks

  • Confirm that the room/area is clearly designated as a BPA, signage in place with last test/inspection date.

  • Check that all socket outlets in the area are protected by 10 mA RCDs (medical-grade) and that the RCDs are located within the area served (not elsewhere).

  • Ensure at least one outlet for cleaning equipment is provided and labelled (“Cleaning Purposes Only”) and is within or adjacent to the area per standard.

  • Check condition of wiring, outlets, switches, that nothing obviously unsafe or non-compliant.

Testing of protective devices and circuit behavior

  • Test RCD trip times/currents: For medical-grade RCDs (10 mA) ensure trip current/time meets standard.

  • Verify earthing/grounding / equipotential bonding as required (especially if BPA has additional protection requirements).

  • Confirm that circuits supplying the BPA are segregated / clearly identified from general circuits as needed.

Equipment testing / appliance checks

  • Confirm that all medical electrical equipment in the area (and general equipment that may touch or be used near a patient) is tagged/tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3551.

  • Check that the documentation (service records, calibration, tagging) for the equipment is available.

Documentation / certification

  • Provide a certificate or statement of verification that the BPA meets the requirements of AS/NZS 3003 (and relevant installation standard) following inspection.

  • The verification should include: date, inspector name, scope of work, results of tests, any remedial actions required.

  • The inspection cycle: the BPA should be inspected and re-verified at least every 12 months (unless local policy or standard specifies otherwise) as part of ongoing compliance.

Recommendations / remedial action

  • If any non-compliances are found (RCD not correct, signage missing, equipment not tested, etc), the inspector must document them and recommend corrective action, with timelines.

  • Follow up to ensure that the area remains safe for patient use until full compliance is achieved.

4. Who is responsible / when to inspect

  • The owner/operator of the facility (PCBU) must ensure that the BPA is safe and maintained. The inspector is independent of the installation work (i.e., cannot inspect work they carried out).

  • Inspection is required for new installations / alterations, and periodic verification for in-service.

  • Even if the standard AS/NZS 3003 is not mandated, it is recognised as a tool for compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act. (Link to nzihe.org.nz)

  • Accident and emergency wards.

  • Allied health care providers, e.g. chiropractic, physiotherapy, optometry and naturopathic.

  • Anaesthetic bays.

  • Audiometry rooms.

  • Blood collection areas.

  • Day procedure theatres.

  • Delivery suites.

  • Dental surgeries.

  • Dermatology rooms.

  • Doctors consulting rooms.

  • Endoscopy theatres and procedure rooms.

  • General medical and surgical wards.

  • High dependency wards.

  • Imaging rooms.

  • Nurseries.

  • Operating theatres intended for non-cardiac surgery.

  • Patient examination rooms for outpatients.

  • Plasmapherisis areas.

  • Plaster rooms.

  • Recovery areas or wards associated with operating theatres and imaging rooms.

  • Respiratory function laboratories.

  • Resuscitation bays.

  • Stress test rooms.

  • Treatment rooms.

  • Ultrasound rooms.

Ensuites, bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets intended for patient use shall be wired as body-protected electrical areas.

The following Areas are deemed to be Body Protected Areas:

as per AS/NZS 3003

Contact Us

hreinspections@gmail.com

022 108 5729

Heinrich Oberholzer

Director