In many cases, the external physical condition of a buildings services or systems is not truly representative of its ability to perform the required function. For example, the condition of electrical connections inside a switchgear enclosure cannot be established by a visual inspection of the enclosure alone. In these cases, internal or intrusive inspections are required.
Plant validation is second nature to us, including read and record of existing mechanical, electrical and controls systems, typically within buildings scheduled to be fitted out or altered to Cat A or B. This may involve working to guidance such as BSRIA BG35/2012 Condition Surveys and Asset Data Capture.
A typical validation exercise may include:
Condition surveys may be carried out for many reasons:
These provide an overall assessment of the condition of the buildings services.
Maintenance management condition surveys collect data and appraise the condition of the building services plant and systems. It is vitally important for contractors to establish the maintenance condition of plant and installations before committing to comprehensive maintenance contracts.
One of the main objectives of any condition survey is to develop a reliable asset register along with a database on the overall condition of plant and associated systems. Both the building asset register and the condition appraisal will help the maintenance and facility management staff plan for their future maintenance, replacement and refurbishment needs.
The benefits of condition surveys are:
“A formal and systematic appraisal of the condition of an item in respect of its ability to perform its required function.”
BS3811 definition of a condition appraisal
