Although it may not seem like it now, fall is just around the corner. For most facilities, a change in season is a good time for facility management maintenance. The facilities management or company heads have to get the facility ready to transition to the new inventory season. These companies also take this time to conduct inspections, check on their company performance measures, problems, and operating costs. Make sure to consult with the environmental protection agency if you plan to make significant changes to the buildings or facilities as you implement any sage advice you will get from facility managers.
One of the best ways facility managers can save time and money on this process is by
implementing a maintenance management system and an asset management system.
Using the latest software and technology equipment will give managers peace of mind,
as such a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS software) offers
unmatched service compared to other methods of facilities maintenance.
However, one thing you should note is that the preventive maintenance tips you
implement will depend on the nature of your company, the costs related to solving the
problems, and the maintenance work as outlined by the asset management system.
Here are a few facility maintenance tips managers can utilize and their best practices in
the business world to keep their facilities, equipment, and assets profitable.
Clean Up Outside Debris
Debris can pile up on and around buildings, and this can lead to drainage and
aesthetics problems, especially if the debris is near the face of the facility or company.
In such a case, focus your facility maintenance efforts towards thorough cleanup.
Remove fallen leaves, pine cones, or any type of debris on the roof or compound of the
facilities, and collect fallen tree branches. Additionally, you can also prune the trees to
ensure there is new growth.
Wash Windows Until They Shine
Be sure to clean any accumulated grime off your windows. You will need to
conduct thorough inspections of all windows, especially where existing and potential
clients will have access. Furthermore, the amount of natural light that will be added to
your building will save you a lot of money on energy bills. If you have high windows you
need to hire cleaning companies that use professional equipment to clean windows as
well as inside a building.
Deep Clean Carpets and Polish Floors
Since a facility is a public area, carpets may contain a lot of allergens because many
people walk all over them. As a result, it is necessary to clean carpets at the place of
work annually. Carpet and Rug institute guidelines advise you to first wait for bad spring
pollen to pass then clean your carpets. Winter can especially be hard on floors but
strong surfaces can last longer if they are stripped and waxed (or given any other care
suitable to the material).
Dust-Off Surfaces
Be sure to wipe down all surfaces on all the equipment and assets in the facility. Dusting off is one of the primary activities during facility maintenance and cleanup.
Restock Cleaning Products
Cleaning never stops, and the janitorial team is likely to use up the cleaning products at a more rapid pace during certain seasons. Therefore, at the start of each new season is a great time to refocus and assess the situation of your cleaning equipment and material. Make sure to conduct an inventory of everything that has been depleted and what you need.
While restocking here are some products you can focus on:
- Trash bags and cans: Be sure to walk around identifying if there are missing trash cans that may have been blown away or damaged by winter so that they can be replaced promptly. Ensure that there are enough trash cans in public places such as restrooms, steps, rooms, halls, workspaces, parking lots, and offices just to name a few.
- Cleaning tools: During winter there is a lot of dust, sand, and snow which can take a toll on cleaning materials. Be sure to inspect property cleaning materials such as mops, brushes, dusters, vacuums, and brooms and replace the worn-out ones in preparation for the new season.
- Batteries: Stock up on rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries so you're ready to tackle any maintenance and repairs. Battery-operated appliances save on energy consumption.
- Paper products: Paper products are very essential in a building. They are used in wiping surfaces as well as in restrooms to wipe off dry hands. Since hand washing has risen as a result of the pandemic, there is an immediate need for paper towels in restrooms. They also have other related products such as huck towels which also save the same purpose of wiping.
- Filters: Filters that are clogged or dirty will reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and raise the electricity bill. The more you use your heating system, the more filters you'll need to replace. use new-age technology on your HVAC design to save on energy costs and facilities maintenance. You'll be set for the rest of the year if you replace them in the early spring.
Clean, Sanitize, and Disinfect
Go the extra mile and sanitize the building. This is especially true for places where a large number of people interact. Focus on doorknobs, keyboards, toilets, phones, light switches, countertops, desks, printers, and sinks, to name a few. Clean the roof to remove debris that causes pipes clogging. Disinfecting is also crucial especially for toilets.
Time to update. Most companies have a maintenance management system that makes things easy for the management. Smart buildings have asset management software to make the process of management efficient. Some maintenance schedules and operations for buildings can be automated. Maintenance planning, maintenance work, inspections, and property inventory can be done using a program or database software. You can have a program that harmonizes inventory, staffing needs, inspections, operations costs, and all other processes of running the building.