Post-Earthquake MEP Inspection Checklist

Chakrapan Pawangkarat

Head of Property and Asset Management, JLL Thailand

Advisor, Safety and Mechanical Engineering Committee, Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT)

5 April 2025

1. General Safety & Coordination

•  Confirm structural clearance from civil/structural engineer before MEP inspection.

•  Coordinate with facility management for access and safety updates.

•  Wear full PPE and carry flashlight, inspection tools, gas detector, and communication device.

•  Establish emergency contact procedures and a safe assembly point.

2. Mechanical Systems

HVAC Systems

•  Check HVAC equipment anchorage (AHUs, chillers, VRF/VRV units).

•  Inspect damage to air ducts, flexible connectors, hangers, and supports.

•  Check for refrigerant/oil leaks in chillers, split units, and VRF systems.

•  Confirm the condition and alignment of cooling towers, if rooftop-mounted.

•  Inspect fan coil units (FCUs) and terminal units in ceilings for water leaks or dislodgement.

•  Test control system operability (BMS/EMS integration, sensors, actuators).

•  Verify smoke dampers and fire dampers are in default-safe positions and responsive.

Fire Protection

•  Examine sprinkler heads, pipes, and hangers for damage or leaks.

•  Check wet and dry risers, and pressure-regulating valves.

•  Test jockey and fire pump for vibration, alignment, and operability.

•  Confirm integrity of fire alarm interfaces and signal transmission.

•  Ensure water storage tanks and connections are not cracked or leaking.

3. Electrical Systems

•  Check main switchgear, MDBs, SDBs, Busduct for physical damage or misalignment.

•  Inspect circuit breakers, relays, and contactors for signs of tripping or arcing.

•  Inspect cable trays and conduits for displacement or insulation damage.

•  Verify operation of emergency power systems (generators, ATS, UPS).

•  Ensure diesel fuel lines are intact and tanks haven’t shifted or leaked.

•  Check grounding and bonding connections (main earthing bar, lightning protection).

•  Test life safety systems: exit signage, emergency lighting, nurse call systems.

4. Plumbing & Sanitary Systems

•  Inspect water supply pipes for visible leaks, broken hangers, or joint displacement.

•  Check water pumps (transfer/booster/hot water) for displacement, vibration, and operability.

•  Confirm pressure in domestic water systems using pressure gauges.

•  Inspect drainage systems for pipe sagging, joint cracks, and manhole misalignment.

•  Inspect gas piping for leaks using sniffer tool and soapy water test.

•  Verify backflow preventers and PRVs are intact and functional.

5. Vertical Transportation (Elevators, Escalators)

•  Do not use elevators until cleared by elevator specialist.

•  Inspect elevator machine rooms for MEP damage (e.g., power supply, HVAC).

•  Check for loose wiring or equipment in hoistways.

•  Ensure fire recall function and communication systems are operational.

6. Documentation

•  Take photos and videos for all damages.

•  Prioritize red-tag (unsafe), yellow-tag (limited use), green-tag (safe).

•  Maintain log of inspection locations, notes, date/time, and responsible personnel.

•  Submit comprehensive report with recommended actions and timelines.

Additional MEP Checklist – Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities

Due to the critical nature of services, hospitals require a more rigorous MEP inspection.

A. Medical Gases

•  Inspect oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, medical air, and N2 lines for leaks or damage.

•  Check the central gas plant and manifolds for structural displacement.

•  Test zone valve functionality and labeling.

•  Confirm alarms on gas control panels and master alarm panels are active.

B. Isolation Rooms & ICU Systems

•  Verify negative/positive pressure in isolation rooms and ORs using pressure gauges.

•  Ensure HEPA filters and airflow directionality are intact and functional.

•  Confirm operability of critical care FCUs or ceiling supply units.

C. Emergency Power & Life Safety

•  Confirm generator auto-start function and runtime under load.

•  Check ATS operation between utility and generator supply.

•  Test essential power circuits: ICU, ORs, ventilators, imaging equipment, nurse call, etc.

•  Verify UPS supply to critical IT/network/telemetry systems.

D. Water Supply for Critical Use

•  Confirm uninterrupted water supply to autoclaves, dialysis units, surgical scrub stations.

•  Inspect RO systems and medical-grade water treatment units.

E. Communication & BMS

•  Test nurse call, paging, intercom, fireman’s telephone, and internal alert systems.

•  Verify BMS alarms for critical systems are reporting correctly.

F. Infection Control Compliance

•  Document any breach in wall/ceiling finishes in sterile areas.

•  Ensure temporary containment if repairs are needed near patient care areas.

Acknowledgement:

"This article was generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI tool, and subsequently reviewed and edited by the author."