Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) recently offered an update on its continuing investigation into a fatal explosion and fire on July 29 at the Horizon Biofuels facility in Fremont, Neb. “Preliminary evidence points to a combustible wood dust explosion, a well-known—and completely avoidable—hazard in wood processing,” CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said in […]
At the United Nations during Climate Week, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), alongside nearly 170 global leaders from public health, academia, civil society, building science, real estate, and industry—representing over 30 countries—announced the formation of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. According to the commission, indoor air pollution represents a major public health crisis, […]
As students and educators get back into the back-to-school groove, a main focus is on a safe and productive year. While there are many aspects to school safety, an often-overlooked component is facility maintenance. Hidden risks, from clogged air filters to expired fire extinguishers, can create serious hazards. SSC Services for Education, a provider of […]
Indiana officials have approved nearly $27.1 million in grants to support security initiatives at 494 schools across the state. The funding comes from the Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) program. Established in 2013 and administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the program issues matching grants to public and private schools, charter schools, and school coalitions. […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has noticed that many facilities are unknowingly violating hazardous waste disposal regulations. The Agency is encouraging businesses, schools, and other small facilities to double-check how they handle hazardous waste to avoid costly violations. “A common issue is shipping regulated amounts of hazardous waste without first obtaining the required EPA […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. One of the first steps in establishing a successful fall protection program is identifying all fall hazards that exist inside, outside, and on top of your facility. Each facility is different and will have their unique hazards, […]
As the new school year approaches, thousands of college students nationwide are moving into dormitories and off-campus housing, which can lead to a major rise in campus fire hazards. That means facilities managers should remain vigilant about fire safety and help provide resources to key stakeholders. Through their annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign every September, the National […]
Give a big round of a-paws for Steeler, an explosives detection canine from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named the two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador retriever the winner of its 2025 Cutest Canine Contest. The agency uses the annual contest to highlight the important role of security canines. The TSA recently held its nationwide […]
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its Public Health Pest Index, a bi-annual forecast identifying the U.S. cities most at risk for pest surges through the remainder of summer and into fall. This critical report comes as extreme weather patterns nationwide have created optimal conditions for disease-carrying pests, placing millions of Americans in greater […]
Patient care is a priority for healthcare organizations, but budget constraints can keep many operating with outdated facilities management systems. These systems are not seen as directly impacting patient outcomes, so they can fall to the end of the list for investment. This is a missed opportunity because modern building management systems that monitor and […]