initial electrical assessment reportsfi.fairfactories.org/sfi_dev_files/1/audit_files... · 5...

INITIAL ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT(EAR)

Factory Name: Rhythm Garments Ltd

Address: 686, CDA Residential Area, 2nd & 4th Floor, Rd No 20,Agrabad, Chittagong Chittagong ChittagongBangladesh

Assessor: Uttaron Technologies

Date: 30 Mar 2014

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The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety /18

Introduction to the Report

The following report contains a site profile and summary of non-conformities identified during an onsite assessment commissioned by theAlliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Alliance) and conducted by a third-party Qualified Assessment Firm (QAF). The assessment wasconducted against the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Assessment Protocols (APs) and Fire Safety and Structural Integrity Standard,which is harmonized with the factory assessment guidelines developed by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) forthe Bangladesh National Tripartite Plan of Action (NTPA). The goal of the Alliance process is to provide clear and practical technicalrequirements by which Bangladeshi Ready Made Garment (RMG) Factories producing for Alliance members may be consistently and fairlyevaluated for fire, structural, and electrical safety in a non-duplicative manner. Each assessment will prompt action plans that will be used byRMG factories to systematically and sustainably improve safety conditions for garment workers. Beyond tracking and reporting on actionsteps taken in a transparent manner, the Alliance organization and its members will seek to further support factory improvements throughtechnical assistance, training, implementation support for functional Worker Committees, and in some cases financial assistance and wagesupport for workers if factories are closed for remediation.

The contents of the report do not constitute a guarantee of compliance with the applicable laws, the Alliance Standard or the absolute orcontinued safety against fire, electrical and/or structural integrity issues that may lead to injury or loss of life. The report is designed to providea non-exhaustive summary of risk issues, based on a limited sampling and duration of time onsite by the named QAF. Neither the QAF northe Alliance can certify or guarantee the quality, outcome, or effectiveness of actions taken in response to the report.

For more information and report feedback please go to: www.bangladeshworkersafety.org.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd

Address: 686, CDA Residential Area, 2nd & 4th Floor, Rd No 20, Agrabad,Chittagong Chittagong Chittagong Bangladesh

Assessor: UttaronTechnologies

Date: 30 Mar 2014



GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information

Factory Name: Rhythm Garments Ltd

Address: 686, CDA Residential Area, 2nd & 4th Floor, Rd No 20, Agrabad, Chittagong Chittagong ChittagongBangladesh

Country: Bangladesh

Province: Chittagong

City: Chittagong

Zip Code: 4100

Audit Duration: 1 Days 0 Hours

Re-Audit: Re-Audit After 0 Months

Draft Report Date : 30 March 2014

Final Report Date : 01 May 2014

Are all action items fromprevious assessmentcomplete? :

N/A

Buildings in Complex : 1

Is the building(s) ownedor rented by theFactory?:

Rented

Number of BuildingLevels (Stories) :

5 Storied building.2nd and a portion of 4th floor belongs to Rhythm Apparels Ltd.

Approximate BuildingArea (SF) :

Area per floor = 9600 sft, Total area = 9600+4800=14400 sf

Date of BuildingConstruction :

Yr.1985 to 1994

Date of Last BuildingRenovation/Addition :

Yr.2014

Ancillary Structures inComplex :

One

Approximate AncillaryStructures Area (SF) :

No Ancillary level found.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Number of Occupants : 296

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



ASSESSMENT FINDINGS

Electrical System Information

Question: Are as-built electrical drawings indicating information such as panel and circuitlocations throughout the building(s) available for review?

Priority Level: High

Non-Compliance Level: 1

Description: "No updated as-built drawing was found on the site. Proper Working or “asbuilt” electrical drawings of main distribution circuit and floor levels circuitsconnecting electrical loads (machines/lights/ cooling system etc.) should beavailable at site. Wit

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No as-built drawing was not found on the site.

Suggested Plan ofAction:

Have a qualified electrical engineer develop as-built electrical drawingsproviding detailing key components of the electrical system.

Suggested DeadlineDate:

01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.3.7

Electrical System Maintenance

Question: Have workers that operate and maintain the electrical system receivedelectrical safety training? Is training documentation on site?



Description: "Workers that operate and maintain the electrical system received no electricalsafety training and no documents were found at site in this connection.Trainingis needed for the related workers who deals with electrical equipment for thesafety of his/

Source of Findings: Uploaded Document: NFPA 70E Guide Lines


Develop and implement an electrical safety program. Include key topics suchas lock out tag out procedures, personal protective equipment requirements,etc. Reference NFPA 70e for example program requirements.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Reference NFPA 70e for example

Question: Is a periodical Insulation Resistance Measurement Program established andrecorded?

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Priority Level: Medium


Description: Periodical insulation resistance test (IR test) shall have to be carried out for allelectrical equipments with Meggar 0.5 KV or 1 KV (according to the voltagerating of equipment).

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No such program schedule is recorded on periodicalinsulation resistance test is evident in this site.


Develop an Insulation Resistance Measurement Program that ensuresdeterioration of insulation resistance will be identified quickly. Testing shouldbe in compliance with International Electrical Testing Association (NETA). Alltransformers, switchgears et


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.13.4 Insulation Tests and 10.13.8Electrical Inspections

Question: Are thermographic scans of electrical equipment completed at least everythree years?



Description: "Thermographic scans of electrical equipment need to be completed at leastevery three years to ensure the proper maintenance of the electricalequipment. Such programs has been witnessed in this factory."

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Previous inspection report was not found on site.


Complete thermographic scans at least on a three year cycle. Thermographicscans should be completed in accordance with the Standard for InfraredInspection of Electrical Systems & Rotating Equipment and NFPA70B or acomparable standard.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.13.8 Electrical Inspections

Question: Have items identified in previous thermographic inspection reports beenaddressed?



Description: Items identified from previous thermographic inspection report need to beaddressed for the remedial action on the recommendations in the report.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Previous inspection report was not found on site.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014




Complete action items identified from previous thermographic inspectionreport.


15 Jun 2014

Standard: Not Applicable

Question: Are periodic safety inspections of the electrical system components completedand documented?



Description: Planned Periodical safety inspection of all electrical equipment shall be carriedout in order to ensure proper operability of the installation and record of thesame should be maintained.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No records found on periodic safety inspections of theelectrical system components


Establish a periodic inspection program to ensure the electrical systems arefree from damage, debris, dirt, lint, etc. Maintain records concerninginspections and follow up actions.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.13 Inspection and Testing and Part 13Section 13.6 Housekeeping

Question: Is the electrical switchgear and panel boards inspected on an annual basis toensure that the equipment is installed in accordance with the listed ratings?



Description: All electrical switchgear and panel boards have been inspected on an annualbasis to ensure that the equipment is installed in accordance with the listedratings. Inspecting electrical switchgear and panel boards on an annual basisensures an uninterrupte

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Internal record is not found on site.


Inspect electrical switchgear and panel boards on an annual basis to ensurethat the equipment is in good working condition.


01 Jul 2014


Question: Are records concerning the testing and inspection of the electrical systems

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



maintained on site and up to date?



Description: "Planned Periodical inspection/testing and maintenance of all electricalequipment shall be carried out in order to ensure proper operability of theinstallation and record of the same should be maintained"

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No such program schedule or record is evident here forinspection and maintenance of the electrical equipments.


Develop an electrical maintenance program that includes inspections andtesting of the electrical systems. Reference NFPA 70 for example programrequirements.


01 Jul 2014


Electrical System Conditions

Question: All equipment is efficiently earthed and properly connected to the requirednumber of earth electrodes.



Description: In general all parts of equipment and installation other than live parts shall beearth potential, thus ensuring that persons coming in contact with these partsshall also be at earth potential at all times.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: All equipment was not efficiently earthed.


Provide earthing of equipment at required locations and connect to requirednumber of electrodes. Refer to the BNBG for required number of electrodes.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.13.7.1 Inspection of SubstationInstallations.

Question: Do switchboards and/or distribution boards have a minimum clearance of 1 m(39 in) in front?



Description: Switchboards and/or distribution boards should have a minimum clearance of1 m (39 in) in front for easy operation and maintenance.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Source of Findings: Photograph: All switchboards and/or distribution boards were not a minimumclearance of 1 m (39 in) in front


Need to be removed all the hindrances from in front of DB/SDBs by 30 days


01 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.7 Main Switch, Switchboards and MetalClad Switchgear

Question: Are all switchboards and/or distribution boards metal enclosed with a deadfront construction?



Description: All main switches shall be either of metal clad enclosed patterns or of anyinsulated enclosed pattern and the switches shall be fixed at close proximity tothe point of entry of supply.

Source of Findings: Photograph: All switchboards and/or distribution boards are not metalenclosed with a dead front construction


Provide metal enclosed switchboards and/or distribution boards with deadfront construction


01 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.7 Main Switch, Switchboards and MetalClad Switchgear

Question: No multi looping of wiring/cables observed at circuit breakers withinswitchboards and/or distribution boards.



Description: "Multiple cable entering in one point prevent tightening of the bolt and causesthe electrical sparks due to loose connection. Multiple and looping are found atcircuit breakers in the distribution boxes at every floor."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Multiple and looping cables found.


Multiple cables entered in one point either on Bus Bar or MCB, MCCBs. This isviolation of section 312.5 (C) of NFPA70-2011.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.3 Electrical Wiring and Cabling

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Question: All metal in the building is connected to the building earthing/grounding systemsuch as metal rebar in concrete, metal frame of building, or metal water pipe.



Description: "In general all parts of equipment and installation other than live parts shall beearth potential, thus ensuring that persons coming in contact with these partsshall also be at earth potential at all times."

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: All metal in the building was not connected to the buildingearthing/grounding system.


All metal in the building need to connected to the building earthing/groundingsystem.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.10 Earthing

Question: Are earthing connections provided at electrical equipment?



Description: "Circuit and system earthing shall limit excessive voltage from line surges fromcross-overs with higher voltage lines or turn lighting and keep non-currentcarrying enclosures and equipment at zero potential with respect to earth."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Earthing connections were not provided at electrical equipment.


Provide earthing connection at electrical equipment.


15 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.7.9 and 10.10 Earthing.

Question: Are switchboards and/or distribution boards installed in compliant locations?



Description: "In damp or wet locations, surface-type enclosures within the scope of thisarticle shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture or water fromentering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box, and shall bemounted so there is at leas

Source of Findings: Photograph: All switchboards and/or distribution boards were not installed incompliant location

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014




Switchboards and/or distribution boards need to be installed in compliantlocation.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.7 Main Switch, Switchboards and MetalClad Switchgear

Question: Are all switchboards and/or distribution boards properly grounded (earthed)?



Description: Panel board cabinets and panel board frames, if of metal, shall be in physicalcontact with each other and shall be grounded. Where the panel board is usedwith nonmetallic raceway or cable or where separate grounding conductorsare provided, a termina

Source of Findings: Photograph: All switchboards and/or distribution boards were not properlygrounded (earthed)


Earth bus-bars not connected properly in the panel boxes is violation of therule refers to section 408.3(E) and 408.41 NFPA70-2011.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.10.2 Circuit and System Earthing

Question: Do switchboards and/or distribution boards have clear identification markings?



Description: "All distribution boards shall be marked ""Lighting"" or ""Power"", as the casemay be, and also be marked with the voltage and number of phases of thesupply. Each shall be provided with a circuit list giving diagram of each circuitwhich it controls and

Source of Findings: Photograph: Distribution boards have no clear identification markings.


"Clear identification/marking must be available at LT, MDB and DBMCB/MCCB. Clear and permanent identification marks are required to bepainted in all distribution boards, switchboards, sub main boards and switchesas necessary."


01 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.7 BNBC Part 8 Section 2.11.5.4

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Question: Do switchboards and/or distribution boards have capacity information labels?



Description: "Capacity lables helps to understand the maximum numbers of protectivedevices can be accomodate and what is the capacity of the boxes is also canbe undersatnd from the information label. Means of prevention of installingexceeding the designed number

Source of Findings: Photograph: Switchboards and/or distribution boards have no capacityinformation labels.


Check the adequacy of the boxes interns of free spaces and capacity.


15 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.7 Main Switch, Switchboards And MetalClad Switchgear and 10.13.7 Inspection of the Installation

Question: Are electrical wiring/cables properly identified?



Description: "Electrical wiring/cables are not properly identified. This is a violation of therule refer to section 310.120, 250.119 NFPA70-2011."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Electrical wiring/cables are not properly identified.


All Phase conductors, Neutral and Earth should follow the color code.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Bangladesh Electricity Rules 1937 Rule 51 and 56

Question: Are all internal components of switchboards and/or distribution boards properlyconcealed (No missing circuit breaker or knockout covers)?



Description: There should not be loose or missing circuit breaker in the switchboards.

Source of Findings: Photograph: All internal components of switchboards and/or distributionboards were not properly concealed


Provide covers or blanks to conceal all live internal components ofswitchboards and/or distribution boards.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014




01 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.3.9 Sub-Distribution Boards

Question: Are switchboards and/or distribution boards free of dust and debris?



Description: All switchboards and/or distribution boards were not free of dirt and debris

Source of Findings: Photograph: All switchboards and/or distribution boards were not free of dirtand debris


Keep switchboards and/or distribution boards free of dirt and debris.


01 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.3.9.1 Enclosures

Question: Each circuit is provided with a dedicated neutral.



Description: "Circuits are not provided with a dedicated neutral for each load. The use ofcommon neutral for more than one circuit shall not allowed in the standard."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Circuit is not provided with a dedicated neutral for each load.


Provide dedicated neutral for each load of circuit.


19 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.3 Electrical Wiring and Cabling

Question: Stranded conductors having a nominal cross-sectional area 6mm2 or greaterare provided with cable sockets. Conductors below 6 mm2 without cablesockets, all strands at the exposed ends are soldered together or are crimpedusing suitable sleeve or ferrules.



Description: "In MDB/DB/SDBs cables should be attached using splicing joint at theirbusbar with using cable lugs. As per 2.5.4.4 and 2.5.5.4 (c) of BNBC-2006Cables shall be connected to terminals only by soldered or welded lugs,

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



unless the terminals are of such form

Source of Findings: Photograph: Cable sockets not used to terminate the cables in MCCB forsome of the distribution boards.


Need to reconnect with proper size of cable sockets.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.3.8.3 Cable Ends

Question: Cable joints are through porcelain/PVC connectors with PIB tape woundaround joint.



Description: "Cable joint should be done in accordance with the direction described in thestandards to avoid loose connections."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Cable joints are not through porcelain/PVC connectors with PIBtape wound around joint.


Provide Cable joint as per standard.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.3.8.4 Cable Joints

Question: Electrical connections at equipment, fixtures, etc are properly secured.



Description: "Connections between conductors and between conductors and otherequipment shall provide durable electrical continuity and adequate mechanicalstrength and protection"

Source of Findings: Photograph: All connection were not secured and loose cables/wires foundunterminated.


If flexible metallic hose is used for wiring to motors and other equipment, thewiring is enclosed to the full lengths, and the hose secured properly byapproved.


15 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.3.1 Electrical Connections

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Question: Is all electrical wiring/cable properly terminated at its point of termination (Noun-terminated wires, lugs are provided at terminals, etc)?



Description: "Cable should not be unterminated. Unterminated cables may lead theelectrical short circuit. Cables shall be connected to terminals only by solderedor welded lugs, unless the terminal are of such form that it is possible tosecurely clamp them without c

Source of Findings: Photograph: Cables are connected without lugs and unterminated cable found.


In MDB/DB/SDBs attaching cables using cable lugs is a violation of Section2.5.4.4 and 2.5.5.4 (c) of BNBC-2006.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.3.9.2 Wiring of Sub-distribution Boards

Question: Phase separators are provided between terminals on circuit breakers.

Priority Level: Low


Description: Phase separator is need to provide for the terminals of circuit breakers toprevent arcing and short circuit between phases.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Phase Separator was not fixed on circuit breakers.


Install phase separators between terminal connections at the noted locations.


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 10 Section 10.3.1 Electrical Connections

Question: Signage indicating the prohibition of light fixtures without protective covers isinstalled at required locations.

Priority Level: Low


Description: "Light fixtures without protective covers (otherwise known as naked lights)shall not be allowed in storage areas or in any area where the Inspector of theFactories Rules (1.6.3.7) Part 53 disallows these fixtures. These could be thecause of fire from h

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No signage indicating the prohibition of light fixtureswithout protective covers is installed at required locations.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014




Signage indicating the prohibition of light fixtures without protective coversshould be installed at required locations.


29 May 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.15 Naked Lights

Emergency Power System

Question: Are emergency power switchboards, distribution boards, and circuits properlyidentified?



Description: "All emergency power switchboards, distribution boards, and circuits need tobe properly identified to easy locate and maintain to get service in need. Noidentification evident here in all areas."

Source of Findings: Photograph: No identification evident here in all areas.


"All boxes and enclosures (including transfer switches, generators, and powerpanels) for emergency circuits shall be permanently marked so they will bereadily identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system. Therequired marking can


01 Jun 2014

Standard: NFPA 70 Chapter 7 Article 700.10 Wiring, Emergency System

Question: Is the generator frame earthing (grounding) provided at two separate points?



Description: Generator frame earthing shall be at two points separately.

Source of Findings: Photograph: Earthing not provided at two points for both the generator.


Generator frame earthing shall be two points separately. This is a violation ofBangladesh Electricity rules 1937, Clause 57 (2).


01 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard 10.8.2.2

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



Question: Is the appropriate type and number of firefighting equipment installed insidethe generator room?

Priority Level: Low


Description: "Appropriate number of firefighting equipment on the basis of area should beinstalled at generator room."

Source of Findings: Photograph: Adequate number of firefighting equipment not found in thegenerator room.


Appropriate number of firefighting equipment need to installed at generatorroom.


01 Jun 2014

Standard: Is the appropriate type and number of firefighting equipment installed insidethe generator room?

Question: Are inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the UPS beingcompleted and documented?

Priority Level: Low


Description: Inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the UPS need to be doneand documented

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: No record found on inspection, maintenance, and testing


The routine maintenance and operational testing program shall be based onall of the following: (1) Manufacturer's recommendations (2) Instructionmanuals (3) Minimum requirements of NFPA 110 Chapter 8 (4) The authorityhaving jurisdiction


26 Jun 2014

Standard: Alliance Standard Part 13 Section 13.11 NFPA 111 Chapter 8 NFPA 70BChapter 28

Question: Are inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the emergencygenerator being completed and documented?

Priority Level: Low


Description: "Document on inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of thegenerator need to be documented."

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: Inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of the

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



generator not reviewed and found.


Need document on inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures of thegenerator


01 Jul 2014

Standard: NFPA 110 Chapter 8

Lightning Protection System

Question: Is a lightning protection system installed on the building?



Description: A building shall have protection against lightning depending on the probabilityof a stroke and acceptable risk levels. A complete lightning protection systemshall consist of air termination network, down conductors and earthtermination.

Source of Findings: Visual Assessment: This factory has no lightning protection system as perstandard.


Install lightning protection system as per standard.


17 Jul 2014

Standard: Alliance Standards Part 10 Section 10.11 Lightning Protection. Calculate RiskIndex to determine if required.

FactoryName:

Rhythm Garments Ltd



Date: 30 Mar 2014



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