Delhi Hospitals set to undergo electrical, fire safety and energy audit
The Delhi PWD has initiated electrical, fire safety, and energy audits at hospitals to identify risks, assess compliance, and improve the safety of critical infrastructure.
New Delhi: Delhi hospitals are set to undergo detailed safety and energy assessments as the Public Works Department (PWD) begins the process of conducting electrical, fire safety, and energy audits to identify risks and improve the reliability of critical hospital infrastructure.
The department has floated a tender worth an estimated cost of Rs 15.22 lakh, which is expected to be completed within two months. According to officials, the process will begin at Guru Nanak Eye Centre (GNEC) Hospital.
The electrical safety assessment will cover key systems essential for uninterrupted hospital operations. These include power distribution systems, switchgear, cable trays, earthing systems and earth pits. Transformers, diesel generator sets, UPS systems, battery banks, motors, and electrical components associated with HVAC systems will also be examined.
As part of the assessment, auditors will use thermal imaging of live electrical panels to detect potential problems such as hot spots, loose connections and unbalanced loads. The exercise will also examine phase balancing, overloading risks, voltage and current levels, power factor, harmonics and electricity load profiles, reports Hindustan Times.
The audit will further assess compliance with safety requirements, including the availability of warning signs and safety labels, proper panel identification, electrical logbooks and maintenance records.
Findings will be classified according to their level of risk. The final audit report is expected to include observations, photographs and thermographic findings, along with corrective and preventive measures to address identified safety concerns.
Alongside electrical and fire safety checks, the energy audit will assess electricity consumption patterns across hospitals. Auditors will identify areas where energy use can be reduced and recommend measures to improve efficiency. The recommendations will also include payback and return-on-investment analysis, as well as an action plan for reducing energy consumption.
The latest PWD initiative follows a direction issued by Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood in May, calling for regular fire safety audits at schools, colleges, hospitals and night shelters to strengthen emergency preparedness.
