Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
In remembrance of the attack on the World Trade Center 25 years ago, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research Library and Archives has released “NFPA and the World Trade Center: 25 Years Later,” a collection of materials from the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The compilation provides a multi-faceted overview of the events that unfolded, focusing […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently renewed its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for warehouses and distribution centers. The new NEP replaces the agency’s July 13, 2023, directive. Significant changes in the new directive include: According to an August 6 announcement on OSHA’s website, under the renewed NEP, the agency will conduct comprehensive inspections focused […]
From construction sites and building maintenance to HVAC inspections and asset monitoring, drones are becoming valuable tools for facilities professionals. While adoption continues to grow, many misconceptions remain about what drones can do, where they provide the greatest value, and how they’re likely to shape the future of facilities management. For facilities professionals, the real […]
Didion Milling Inc. has now implemented all nine safety recommendations issued to the company by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) following an investigation into a fatal May 2017 explosion at Didion’s Cambria, Wis., facility, the board announced Aug. 12. The explosion killed five employees and seriously injured 14 others. The board issued nine […]
As the new school year begins, 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 Fire […]
Give a big round of a-paws for Bolt, an explosives detection canine from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named the three-year-old German shorthaired pointer the winner of its 2026 Cutest Canine Contest. The agency uses the annual contest to highlight the important role of security dogs. TSA conducted a […]
The National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) has released its fourth annual industry survey report. The survey found that skilled trade workers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools, while recognizing continued investment in training, professional development, and industry collaboration will be critical to meeting heightened work demands amid ongoing workforce shortages. Conducted at the 2026 NFPA […]
In April, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its National Emphasis Program on heat-related hazards. The revised program directs inspections and outreach for 55 high-risk industries in both indoor and outdoor work settings, including “warehousing and storage” under NAICS code 4931. Why does this matter for facilities managers? Because workers in warehouses, manufacturing […]
During my years as a teacher and school principal, I learned that having an emergency operations plan and being prepared to respond to an emergency are not always the same thing. Most districts have emergency preparedness procedures that include conducting drills, working closely with first responders, and investing time preparing for emergencies. Those efforts certainly […]
Based on responses from retail professionals worldwide, new research shows retailers increasingly view physical security as a business function that supports operations, employee safety, and modernization efforts—not solely loss prevention. According to the 2026 State of Physical Security Report from Genetec, retailers are now using physical security data to improve broader business outcomes. More than […]