PWD to start safety audit of Delhi hospitals

New DelhiThe Public Works Department (PWD) has started the process of conducting an electrical and fire safety-cum-energy audit at Delhi’s hospitals to identify safety risks, check compliance and recommend measures to improve the efficiency of critical infrastructure

New Delhi

A tender has been floated in this regard, with the cost estimated at ₹15.22 lakh and a time frame of two months. (Representative photo)

The Public Works Department (PWD) has started the process of conducting an electrical and fire safety-cum-energy audit at Delhi’s hospitals to identify safety risks, check compliance and recommend measures to improve the efficiency of critical infrastructure.

A tender has been floated in this regard, with the cost estimated at ₹15.22 lakh and a time frame of two months. The process will start with Guru Nanak Eye Centre (GNEC) Hospital, officials aware of the matter said.

“The electrical safety audit will examine key installations and equipment supporting hospital operations, including power distribution systems, switchgear, cable trays, earthing systems and earth pits. Transformers, diesel generator (DG) sets, UPS systems, battery banks, motors, and HVAC-related electrical components will also be assessed,” an official, who did not wish to be named, said.

The exercise will involve thermal imaging of live electrical panels to identify hot spots, loose connections and unbalanced loads. Auditors will assess phase balancing, possible overloading, voltage and current levels, power factor, harmonics and load profiles, as per the tender.

The auditor will also check compliance aspects, such as safety labels, warning signs, panel identification, electrical logbooks and maintenance records. The findings are to be categorised according to risk, with observations, photographs, thermographic findings and corrective and preventive recommendations forming a part of the audit report.

The energy audit, meanwhile, will comprise an assessment of hospitals’ electricity consumption patterns and identification of areas to improve efficiency. The auditor is expected to recommend energy-saving measures, along with payback and return-on-investment analysis, alongside an action plan to reduce consumption.

The latest PWD exercise comes after Delhi home minister Ashish Sood, in May, directed regular fire safety audits at schools, colleges, hospitals and night shelters as part of measures to strengthen emergency preparedness.