5 Benefits of a Free M&E Survey
Mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment can not only affect a building’s efficiency and environmental impact, but also the health and safety of its occupiers and visitors. That’s why it’s so important to get everything checked by a specialist contractor. One of the most effective ways to do this is through a free survey. Here, we explain why.
-
Compliance with the law
M&E equipment must comply with various health and safety regulations. Every component ranging from emergency lighting and laptops through to air conditioning units and ventilation systems should be regularly inspected and maintained.
Site surveys help building owners and managers identify the M&E equipment covered by legislation, any risk of non-compliance, and what steps need to be taken to maintain health and safety standards.
A survey can also establish whether a suitable electrical installation condition report (EICR) is in place. This report assesses the condition of electrical installations and systems, and if they comply with national safety standards.
-
Structured maintenance
For building owners and managers that are struggling to keep on top of maintenance requirements, a survey enables a formal schedule to be developed. A survey details all the equipment that needs maintenance in the building, as well as how frequently everything needs to be tested or replaced.
These schedules are developed using software that provides alerts as to when each component should be tested. Not only does this ensure a building meets health and safety requirements, but avoids the risks of additional costs further down the line. Failing to test components within the required timescales means that potential issues could be overlooked and these can be expensive to rectify if left for too long.
-
Enhanced efficiency
A more detailed survey of a building can also establish ways in which energy and operational efficiency could be improved. For example, the output from the mains power supply could be monitored and analysed to see how much energy is being used and whether this could be reduced. The same process applies to lighting. In many cases, simple solutions involving the replacement of lights, sockets, and machinery can make a significant difference which, in turn, will also help to reduce costs.
-
Covid-19 advice
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease and people return to offices and public buildings, a survey can help to ensure the environment addresses Covid-19 concerns. This could involve testing the air distribution and whether there is suitable ventilation in the building, as well as mechanical cooling systems and heating.
A survey can also help owners and managers who may be seeking to reconfigure their space to accommodate smaller teams by giving advice on the movement and installation of electrical services and measures to ensure compliance with health and safety law.
-
Tailored support
A free survey offers a holistic analysis of a building that is tailored to the needs of the owner or manager as well as those using the property. From high-level advice on areas of improvement through to a comprehensive assessment of M&E equipment, every survey is different and developed based on a thorough understanding of an organisation’s aims and potential concerns.
As a no-obligation service, it’s an opportunity to gain free, professional guidance that could deliver significant health and safety, environmental and efficiency benefits for organisations working across both the private and public sectors.
Rob McGill is a director at West & West. For further information on free site surveys, please contact Rob by emailing robm@west-west.co.uk
