As the weather warms up and spring is in full bloom, facility managers (FMs) must take the necessary steps to ensure their facilities are ready for the season. There are many tasks that need to be completed in order to ensure that the facility is ready for the influx of visitors and activities that come with the warmer months. From cleaning and landscaping to preventative maintenance, here are five tips to consider when preparing facilities for spring.
1. Inspect and Service Equipment
Facility managers should inspect their facilities for any needed repairs before the start of spring. This should include checking for any damage or wear and tear that may have occurred over the winter months. Keep in mind seemingly insignificant issues can quickly develop into major concerns if they are not promptly resolved. Consider the following when performing your springtime inspections:
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As you conduct your inspection, take note of what needs attention and put extra emphasis on areas most adversely affected by the winter weather. Any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done should be completed before spring arrives to ensure the facility is in top condition and ready for visitors.
2. Perform Preventative Maintenance
In addition to inspecting the facility for needed repairs, facility managers should also perform preventative maintenance. This includes inspecting all equipment and systems, such as HVAC or heating and cooling systems, electrical, and plumbing. Remember to check all safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, to make sure they are in proper working order. Performing preventative maintenance will help ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and will help reduce the risk of any unexpected breakdowns.
3. Clean the Interior
Once you have inspected your facilities, made the necessary repairs, and performed proper maintenance, it’s important to clean the interior. This means eliminating clutter and deep cleaning floors to remove any salt or dirt that may have been tracked into the facility during the wintertime. Be sure to scrub away any dirt and grime build up on windows and clean dust off equipment and ceilings.
4. Update the Exterior
It’s likely the exterior of your facilities experienced some wear and tear during the winter caused by snow, rain, sleet, and strong winds. Therefore, it’s important to spruce up the outside as you prepare for spring. Take time to examine the exterior of your facilities, and check:
- Gutters
- Windows
- Paint
- Roofing
- Walkways
- Landscaping
Then, schedule outdoor maintenance that involves exterior pressure washing, painting, and landscaping. Also remember to manage any damage to lawns or mulch beds caused by snow removal.
5. Review Safety Protocols
It’s also important to review and update safety protocols as you prepare your facilities and your teams for spring. This includes ensuring that all safety equipment is in working order and up-to-date, and also making sure that all emergency exits are clearly marked and accessible. Additionally, it is important to review any safety protocols that may have changed over the winter months and make sure that all staff members are aware of them to ensure everyone is safe and secure when visiting the facility.
One Partner for All of Your Facility Management Needs
Preparing a facility for spring requires a lot of work, but it is essential for ensuring a successful season. Partnering with an FM provider can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with spring preparation.
National Facilities Direct offers top-quality facility services derived from real-time communication, state-of-the-art analytics, data-driven decisions, and proprietary technologies. We develop customized all-inclusive maintenance programs, best-in-class connectivity, and an extensive in-house network of diverse professional licensed technicians that help us meet your ever-changing needs. Contact us to learn more about NFD and how we can help your organization.