What happened and why we address it
Approximately 500 people were evacuated from a primary school in Černošice due to a fire in the electrical installation in the toilets. A similar incident occurred elsewhere, where around 450 children had to be evacuated. These cases show that electrical installations in schools are under strain and their failure can have serious consequences.
Schools are among public buildings where a large number of children and adults move around. The electrical installation here must be reliable and safe. That is why it is important to pay attention to regular inspections and maintenance.
Why inspections in schools are mandatory
According to Act No. 250/2021 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 190/2022 Coll., regular inspections are mandatory for reserved electrical equipment operated in business, in municipalities, and in public buildings. Schools are public buildings, so this obligation applies to them.
The aim of inspections is to ensure safe operation and minimize the risk of fires or electric shock injuries. Regular checks reveal defects that could lead to serious incidents.
Specific deadlines for electrical installation inspections in schools are set out in Annex No. 4 to Government Regulation No. 190/2022 Coll. The operator should know these deadlines and comply with them.
What an electrical installation inspection entails
The inspection includes a visual check, measurements, and tests of the electrical installation. The inspection technician checks switchboards, cabling, fuses, residual current devices, and other components. The aim is to verify that the installation complies with valid standards and is safe for operation.
During the inspection, the condition of the installation is also assessed with respect to the environment in which it is operated. In schools, these are areas with a high frequency of people, so emphasis is placed on protection against electric shock and fire safety.
The output of the inspection is an inspection report that contains the identified defects and recommendations for their elimination. Without eliminating the defects, the operation of the electrical installation should not be permitted.
How often to perform inspections in schools
The basic maximum intervals are set by Annex 4 of Government Decree 190/2022 Coll.: office buildings 5 years; production, schools, accommodation and healthcare facilities 3 years; buildings with more than 200 people 2 years; wet areas and areas with corrosive substances 1 year. If several intervals apply, the shortest one applies.
The operator should have an overview of when the last inspection was performed and when the next one is due. Failure to meet deadlines can result not only in a safety risk but also in legal and financial consequences.
What to do when a defect is found
If an inspection reveals a defect, it must be eliminated without delay. The operator should ensure repair by a qualified electrician and then have a follow-up inspection performed. Without eliminating the defect, there is a risk of fire or injury.
In the event of a fire or damage to the electrical installation, a defect investigation report may be required for the insurance company. It describes the identified defect and its probable cause from the perspective of the inspection technician. It is not an expert opinion; only a court expert can issue that.
To ensure safety and comply with legislative obligations, it is advisable to entrust inspections and follow-up checks to a professional company. It will ensure everything in accordance with valid regulations and standards.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a school perform an inspection of the electrical installation?
The basic maximum intervals are set by Annex 4 of Government Decree 190/2022 Coll.: office buildings 5 years; production, schools, accommodation and healthcare facilities 3 years; buildings with more than 200 people 2 years; wet areas and areas with corrosive substances 1 year. If several intervals apply, the shortest one applies.
Is an electrical installation inspection in a school mandatory by law?
Yes, according to Act No. 250/2021 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 190/2022 Coll., regular inspections are mandatory for reserved electrical equipment operated in public buildings, which include schools.
What should I do if an inspection finds a defect?
The defect must be eliminated without delay by a qualified electrician, and a follow-up inspection must then be ensured. Without eliminating the defect, the operation of the electrical installation should not be permitted.
Can an inspection technician issue a document for the insurance company after a fire?
Yes, an inspection technician can create a defect investigation report for the electrical installation, which describes the identified defect and its probable cause. This report serves as a document for the insurance company, but it is not an expert opinion.