Ensuring Compliance and Safety for Abbey Sands, Torquay

Client: FirstPort a Facilities Management client
Scope: Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for the commercial areas of a six-story mixed-use building.
Objective: Conduct a scheduled EICR to ensure compliance and safety for commercial tenants and building operations.

 


The Challenge

Abbey Sands is a prominent seafront building in Torquay, constructed in 2014. The commercial areas include lifts, access gates, communal spaces, cafes, and restaurants, as well as advanced systems such as an Automatic Opening Ventilation (AOV) system and a Building Management System (BMS).

The building’s electrical infrastructure is relatively modern but highly complex, requiring careful attention to key elements:

  • Four lifts: Two passenger and two goods lifts essential for daily operations. Testing required precise handling to avoid disruption.
  • Communal areas: These rely heavily on artificial lighting due to limited natural light, necessitating careful planning to maintain safe conditions.
  • Access gates: Ensured safe and continuous pedestrian and vehicular access during the works.
  • Seafront location: External electrical components were inspected with care to prevent damage to protective coatings affected by the harsh coastal environment.

With many units in the building serving as high-value penthouses or holiday homes, discretion and minimal disruption were essential to meet the expectations of residents and visitors.


Our Approach

  1. Comprehensive Planning and Safety Measures:
    • Issued detailed Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) before starting the project.
    • Coned off work zones and maintained clear communication with Facilities Management to ensure the safety of residents and tenants.
  2. Detailed EICR Execution:
    • Inspected the entire commercial electrical installation, including lifts, access gates, AOV system, BMS, and power supplies feeding key areas.
    • Carefully tested and documented all systems in compliance with BS 7671 regulations.
  3. Clear Reporting and Quotation:
    • Delivered a detailed report with categorised observations: C1 (immediate danger), C2 (potential danger), C3 (recommended improvement), and FI (further investigation).
    • Issued a full job sheet with images of key areas of the installation and all identified remedial items, accompanied by a clear quotation and action plan.
  4. Prompt Remedial Action:
    • Facilities Management approved the remedial works quotation within days, enabling FELCO to complete the necessary works promptly.
    • The installation was deemed satisfactory, ensuring compliance and safety for all users.

 


Results

  • Compliance Achieved: Delivered a compliant and safe electrical installation for the commercial areas, meeting regulatory standards.
  • Minimal Disruption: Maintained seamless operations for commercial tenants and residents during the works.
  • Asset Protection: Carefully handled external electrical components to preserve their protective coatings and functionality.

 


Key Considerations

From the O&M manual, key installed components included:

  • Lift Systems: Ensured safe and effective operation of passenger and goods lifts throughout the testing process.
  • Access Management: Maintained continuous access to pedestrian and vehicular gates, prioritising convenience and safety.
  • Safety First: Coned off work zones and ensured all communal areas remained well-lit and secure during testing.
  • High-Caliber Environment: Delivered a discreet, professional service aligned with the expectations of high-value property owners and holiday residents.

 


Testimonial

Stephen Hill, Property Manager, shared his experience:

“I have worked with Finish Electrical now FELCO for a number of years in my roles as a Lettings Manager and Property Manager and consistently find all members of their friendly team absolutely fantastic to work with. When I send a job their way, I know it will be dealt with quickly, efficiently, and professionally, from the initial inspection to detailed quotation to completion of the work.

It’s really important to me to provide the best service I can for my clients, and FELCO are hugely important in achieving that goal. I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending them for any private or commercial work.”

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