Seoul Introduces Expert Advisory System for Mechanical Equipment Inspections: "Expected to Prevent Major Accidents"

Apartment complex in downtown Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on January 5 that it will launch an expert advisory panel for mechanical equipment performance inspections, starting with contracts from April 18, to support the establishment of the new system.

Mechanical equipment performance inspections are mandatory under the Mechanical Equipment Act. The entities responsible for managing buildings with a total floor area of 10,000 square meters or more must conduct these annual inspections to ensure the safety and performance of their equipment.

Since last year, the city has been implementing the "Seoul Standard Manual for Mechanical Equipment Performance Inspection," which supplements the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's guidelines. However, due to the lack of regulations for verifying the adequacy of inspection reports, substandard inspections have been repeated. The city plans to enhance reliability through the advisory system.

Previously, inspection companies would submit their reports directly to the building management. Under the new system, after preparing the report, the inspection company must request an advisory review from a designated agency. Only after receiving a review confirmation from the expert panel can the report be delivered. This process is expected to fundamentally prevent poor inspections and ensure the safety and performance of mechanical equipment.

To enhance the effectiveness of the system, the city will form an advisory panel of about 60 experts, including professional engineers, recommended by six government-authorized organizations related to mechanical equipment. The Korea Institute of Mechanical Facilities Industry will oversee the overall operations, including advisory requests. The advisory system will initially cover 217 public buildings managed by the city, districts, and affiliated agencies. Participation will also be encouraged for 4,811 private buildings. Additionally, to promote the system, the city will hold briefing sessions this month for public institution staff and mechanical equipment inspection companies in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Choi Jinseok, Director of Housing at Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "The introduction of the advisory system will improve the energy efficiency of mechanical equipment, create a more comfortable indoor environment, extend the lifespan of equipment, and help prevent major accidents. We ask for active cooperation so that building managers can fully utilize the expert advisory system."