The team at Facilities Management Solutions have compiled a detailed checklist to help landlords, facilities and estate managers carefully plan for reopening their buildings post Covid.
Carl Yeomanson, chief executive of the company, said: “COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges to those responsible for managing and maintaining buildings safely and securely during this crisis. Now, with the vaccination roll-out on schedule and a roadmap in place that will see lockdown measures eased and many businesses returning to normal, the safe reopening of commercial buildings is critical.
“Before anyone can return to a building there is much that needs to be considered to ensure that people are able to return to a safe environment. The length of time that a building has been fully or partially closed and the level of maintenance that has been carried out while the building was out of operation will all have an impact on the extent of preparations needed.
“Businesses have been asking us for advice which is why we have pulled this checklist together – designed to help businesses reopen safely and mitigate against any key risks that may arise.”
The below checklist is therefore intended to be a useful guide to help building and estates managers,
Here is a summary of the Facilities Management Solutions ‘Safe Reopening Guide’
- 1. Fire safety: Test all fire extinguishers and fire sprinkler protection systems components and alarms should all be tested. Verify that all fire doors can close automatically and have not been damaged and inspect all ladders, external stairways, and fire escapes.
- 2. Access Control and Security Systems: test all video surveillance equipment for picture quality and damage.
- 3. Plumbing and water maintenance: Inspect all critical boilers, pumps, chillers, cooling towers, ventilation, and support equipment to make sure that are in all good operating condition. It is essential to test water hygiene testing and water stagnation within storage tanks & pipe work – check any water storage that could be sitting in taps, shower hoses or drinking fountains etc.
- 4. Grounds Maintenance and access points: All entrances to the site and buildings should be checked to assure that locks, hinges, frames, doors, and windows are in good repair and operational. This should also include skylights, roof hatches, fences, and gates.
- 5. Air conditioning: Air handling units (AHU) provide ventilation, fresh air, heating and cooling to the building and regular belts and filter changes are vital for optimum efficiency and air quality. AHU air filters are known for cleaning allergens, particles and other impurities out of the air. Therefore, it is important to ensure regular maintenance for optimum air quality for your employees.
- 6. Health and Safety measures: New COVID regulation signage and screens need to be in place (including barriers, floor stickers and intercoms etc.) Additional hand washing and hand sanitizing facilities should be included.
- 7. Electrical Safety: Emergency light testing and checks should be made (these should be done annually), fixed wire testing checks should be carried out every five years.
- 8. Specialist: Asbestos air testing surveys may be overdue – check that your building asbestos register is up to date.
- 9. Building Exterior: All roofs and exterior parts of the buildings should be inspected cleaned and repaired where necessary. Pay attention to gutters and roof drains and make sure you clean windows.
To view the complete Facilities Management Solutions ‘Safe Reopening Guide’ click here