LIGHTING
✓ Inspect at regular intervals, with group relamping when lamps begin to fail.
✓ Any luminaires that have transformers, control gear, or accessories, such as spread lenses, glare baffles, or color filters, should be routinely checked.
✓ Check exterior lights to make sure cables aren't torn; all screws and hardware should be in place and working, and gaskets can be replaced to provide a better watertight seal.
✓ Replace any burned-out lamps, and consider group relamping (to create your relamping schedule, calculate lamp life and how often lamps are used).
✓ Ensure that each lamp has the same color temperature.
✓ Re-aim adjustable lighting, if necessary.
✓ Dust lamps and clean lens surfaces to enhance lighting performance.
Information provided by Jean Sundin, principal at Office for Visual Interaction Inc.
OTHER SYSTEMS
✓ Inspect at regular intervals, according to manufacturer specifications.
✓ Though a licensed or manufacturer-authorized professional should inspect fire- and life-safety systems, you can make sure your certification is up to date, and ensure that reports and paperwork are handy. You should also verify that your fire-protection control panel isn't in "alarm" or "trouble" condition, check that the pressure gauges on the fire suppression agent cylinders are in the green/operable range, ensure that system piping or conduit is properly anchored, and verify that system nozzles aren't obstructed and allow adequate flow of the suppression agent into the protected space.
✓ Electrical systems should be inspected by a licensed electrician every 3 to 5 years; PM typically includes checking switchgear, panel boards, and connections, and cleaning and re-torquing electrical-equipment connections. Overcurrent devices should be cleaned and lubricated as required; fusible switch units should be checked to make sure all fuses within the unit are from the same manufacturer and are of the same class and rating. Note that arcing failures occur where connections have been loosened as a result of thermal cycling.
✓ Parking-garage surfaces should be cleaned at least twice a year, with coating replacement every 10 years. Power washing is a cheap, easy way to protect the structure and delay rehabilitation projects.
✓ Pavements should be crack-filled and seal-coated on a regular basis. Mill and overlay pavements should be done every 20 years.
Information provided by Lance D. Harry, director of sales at Chemetron Fire Systems; Walter D'Ascenzo, senior project manager at Facility Engineering Associates; and Mark Leeman, associate at Facility Engineering Associates