Spring Maintenance Recommendations for Commercial Buildings
While spring can be a beautiful season of new growth, it can also be messy as snow melts and salt marks mar floors and walkways. Once the snow has melted, it’s time to clean and perform maintenance tasks to prepare for the change in season. The following tips will help reinvigorate any commercial property and ensure it is ready for the warmer weather ahead.
- Test the repair irrigation systems. Irrigation systems are critical for maintaining a healthy landscape, so it’s important to ensure they work properly. In addition, the building’s foundation can suffer from heat-related damage. This can be prevented by watering the foundation around the building.
- Check HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) condensers. Check the freon level on the building’s HVAC condenser to ensure the unit isn’t struggling to keep the air cool.
- Inspect the roof. Check for roof damage. Look for loose shingles or even holes—anything that could cause water to leak inside the building.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. These can easily become clogged with leaves or debris and lead to water damage from water dripping and flowing in the building’s foundation, compromising its stability.
- Examine the exterior. Go outside and fix any foundation cracks and chipped paint on doors and windows. Clean the exterior of the building of any mould, mildew or moisture discolourations. Finally, make sure the landscaping is in good condition and that nothing harmful is growing on the building’s exterior.
- Watch for pests. Look for ants, cockroaches and other destructive insects. Consider spraying pesticides to prevent any pests from entering the building.
- Clean away salt residue. Give floors and other salt-coated areas a deep clean.
Proper building maintenance is essential. By staying on top of regular upkeep, unforeseen repairs and associated expenses can be avoided. For more commercial property guidance, contact The Hull Group.
Slip and Fall Prevention Tips
Slips and falls account for thousands of work-related injuries every year, but many could have been prevented had proper precautions been in place. It is crucial to spot unsafe conditions that could lead to slips and falls in order to stop them from happening.
Use the following tips to prevent workers and guests from slipping and falling:
- Watch for risks. Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous obstacles such as puddles of water, cords, boxes and other debris. Hazards can be avoided when more people are trained to notice them.
- Keep the floor clean and clear. Clean up all spills and debris immediately upon seeing them. Keep all walkways clear of boxes, bags and other clutter.
- Cover cords. Many office spaces will have an abundance of cords for various equipment. Make sure all cords are covered, taped down or tied up so that they are not tripping hazards.
- Mark uneven walking surfaces. If there is a step or dip in the floor, make sure it is marked with appropriate signage or tape.
- Close cabinet drawers. Ensure that drawers, especially ones near the ground, are immediately closed after they are done being utilized to prevent people from tripping or walking into them.
- Place mats near entrances. If there isn’t one already, implement a policy to place mats near entrances during rainy or snowing weather. Floor mats will help to soak up water tracked in from the outside.
- Fix flooring hazards fast. If there are ever imperfections in a floor, such as a loose tile, an upturned rug or a bump in carpet, make sure it is fixed quickly. If it cannot be repaired immediately, make sure the spot is marked with a warning sign.
These are just a few ways to help prevent slips and trips in the workplace. Contact The Hull Group for more safety tips and risk management tactics.
