Addresses some of the concerns relating to the level of quality expected for a fully functional correctional facility and the wish for precise operations and maintenance. It reviews (1) objectives for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) and security systems of correctional facilities and the protective features that may be necessary for achieving these objectives; (2) life safety protection features that may also be necessary for achieving these objectives; and (3) testing required to ensure that this protection works as intended. Present trends in the correctional industry are toward larger facilities, state-of-the-art security, specialty equipment, and a high level of facility utilisation. These trends place correctional administrators under extreme pressure to maintain a high level of security and activity under normal conditions and to plan for possible interruptions from unexpected events. Careful planning for contingencies, such as malfunctioning HVAC systems, power outages, fires, or inmate uprisings, is essential if correctional facilities are to meet their objectives for providing uninterrupted services.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, prisons, safety, security, commissioning, building services