Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
In the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management, staying compliant with building codes is not just a legal obligation; it’s a cornerstone of operational integrity and public safety. For facilities managers, navigating the complexities of code compliance can be a daunting task, especially when juggling daily operations, maintenance schedules, and long-term capital planning. However, a solid […]
In the skilled trades, confidence isn’t just about experience—it’s about staying sharp, adaptable, and prepared for evolving industry demands. Certifications have become a crucial tool for professional growth, particularly in trades like fire protection and electrical work. They provide workers with the structured learning needed to refine their expertise, enhance job performance, and build confidence […]
When facilities managers and property owners examine their annual budgets, electrical maintenance often falls into the category of “predictable expenses.” However, what many fail to recognize is that inadequate maintenance isn’t just a cost-saving measure—it’s a costly gamble that can lead to catastrophic consequences for both operations and human safety. Highlighting this critical issue, the […]
Did you know that nearly a third of non-residential building fires are caused by cooking? In 2022 alone, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recorded 129,500 non-residential fires, totaling nearly $4 billion in losses. Busy commercial kitchens, packed with countless pieces of equipment, are especially vulnerable—and a lack of routine maintenance makes that vulnerability all the […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Another winter, another story of electric space heaters being recalled or starting fires. Newer electric heaters include a host of precautionary safety measures, but older models might be carried into your facility by a chilly colleague who […]
The rapid advancement of digital technology, the focus on climate-resilient buildings, and the movement toward renewable energy are just a few of the many factors disrupting the skilled trades industry. Workers in fields like facilities management, electrical, engineering, and fire service face the daunting challenge of keeping up with these trends so they can do […]
Alternative fuel vehicles are designed with larger quantities of combustible materials (e.g., fuels, plastics, synthetic materials, etc.) that present new and unique hazards, particularly in parking garages and vehicle carriers. To help provide informed guidance for the fire safety design of parking garages or other facilities where a large number of vehicles are densely placed, […]
As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has published a new resource aimed at safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events. ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation, and […]
With winter and cold weather rapidly approaching, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is re-emphasizing to chemical facilities the importance of being prepared for extreme cold to avoid serious chemical accidents. Data on chemical releases shows that there is a notable increase of incidents at chemical facilities during the cold weather months. In […]
On Nov. 22, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on its investigation into a Sept. 29 chemical reaction and toxic gas release at the Bio-Lab Inc., facility in Conyers, Georgia. The incident led to a massive fire and plume of toxic smoke that threatened the surrounding community and the metropolitan Atlanta […]