13 Important Maintenance Tips For Facilities Managers

As a facility manager, you’re responsible for ensuring that your building or facility is well-maintained and operated efficiently. This can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be done relatively easily.

Here are 13 maintenance tips that every facilities manager should know.

1. Electrical system's need regular inspections

One important fire safety tip is to regularly inspect and maintain your facility's electrical system. This includes checking for signs of wear and tear, loose connections and other potential hazards. Electrical fires are a leading cause of facility fires and can be easily prevented with regular maintenance.

Not only are faulty and poorly maintained electrical systems a hazard, they also represent potential productivity issues should a power outage occur. This is why it is important to have, in addition to good standards and practices in place, software that enables good maintenance so that you’re able to control everything from a centralized location.

2. Test your fire safety equipment regularly

Regularly check and test your facility's fire alarm system to ensure it’s in good working condition. This includes testing the alarms, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. In many places, regular fire safety inspections are part of mandatory legislated compliance, and failing to do so can result in heavy fines. Maintaining and upkeeping fire safety equipment often involves hiring a professional service to do so and they will come in for scheduled check-ups to test and inspect the equipment.

3. Get a pest control program in place

Pests can not only be a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases and contaminate food sources. It’s important to have a regular pest control program in place to keep them at bay. This may include setting up traps, using pesticides and regularly cleaning and disinfecting areas where pests are commonly found. It might not seem like something that should be at the top of a maintenance manager's list, but it’s important to keep in mind that pests can cause significant damage to a facility if left unchecked.

4. Don't neglect your HVAC maintenance

Conduct regular maintenance checks and repairs on your facility's HVAC system. This is important to ensure that the system is running efficiently and to prevent any breakdowns that could lead to costly repairs. HVAC is an essential part of any facility and should be given the attention it deserves because of the crucial role it plays in maintaining a comfortable and safe environment. Without a functioning HVAC system, your facility would quickly become uncomfortably hot or cold and could pose a safety hazard for occupants.

5. Regularly clean and maintain all your exit doors and fire exits

Make sure to regularly clean and maintain all of your facility's exit doors and fire exits. This includes checking that the doors are clear of obstructions, that the hinges are in good condition and that the doorways are well-lit. Exit doors are a crucial part of any fire safety plan and should be given the attention they deserve to ensure that they will function properly in an emergency.

6. When did you last test your emergency lighting?

Emergency lighting is a crucial part of any fire safety plan and should be regularly inspected and tested. This includes making sure that the lights are in working condition, that they are properly mounted and lit and that they are easily accessible in an emergency. Many facilities have emergency generators to provide backup power in case of a power outage, but these need to be regularly tested as well to ensure they will work when needed.

7. Floors often get forgotten

Floors are one of the most commonly used and abused parts of any facility. It’s important to regularly clean and maintain them to prevent wear and tear. This includes sweeping, mopping and vacuuming on a regular basis. Floors should also be inspected for signs of damage and repaired as needed to prevent injuries.

8. Don't leave plumbing leaks unchecked

Conduct regular inspections of your facility's plumbing system to ensure that there are no leaks or other potential problems. This is important to prevent water damage to the facility as well as to avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Both of these can cause serious health problems for occupants, and unchecked leaks can end up damaging equipment, which could result in costly repairs. Plumbing maintenance is also a very important part of properly winterizing a factory or commercial facility.

9. Regularly clear gutters and downspouts

Another maintenance tip for facilities managers is to regularly clean and inspect the building's gutters and downspouts. This is important to prevent water damage to the facility as well as to avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Gutters and downspouts should be cleared of debris on a regular basis to ensure that they’re functioning properly.

10. Checking windows and window sills will keep the place looking good

Make sure to regularly inspect and clean your facility's windows and window sills. This is important to prevent water damage as well as to keep the facility looking its best. Windows should be cleaned on a regular basis, and any broken or cracked windows should be repaired promptly.

11. Check roofs before it's too late

Facilities managers should also conduct regular inspections of the building's roof. This is important to prevent water damage as well as to identify any potential problems that could lead to a roof collapse. Regular maintenance of the roof will extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs down the road.

12. Test all your doors and locks

Another important maintenance tip is to regularly check and maintain all of the facility's doors and door locks. This includes checking that the doors are clear of obstructions, that the hinges are in good condition and that the locks are working properly. Doors and door locks are a crucial part of any facility's security system and should be given the attention they deserve to ensure that the facility is safe and secure.

13. Make sure everyone knows where the emergency exits and evacuation routes are

Finally, make sure to regularly inspect and clean all of the facility's emergency exits and evacuation routes. This is important to ensure that everyone in the facility knows where the exits are and that they are clear of obstructions. Emergency exits and evacuation routes should be well-lit and clearly marked to ensure that they can be easily found in an emergency.

By following these 13 maintenance tips, you can help to ensure that your facility is safe, comfortable, and efficient. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your facility's systems and save you money in the long run.