Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Facilities are under constant pressure to minimize production waste and lower operational costs. They employ different techniques and innovative strategies to identify and eliminate these wastes without lowering the quality of products and consistency of established production routines—one of the used strategies is lean manufacturing. Facilities grapple with several invisible wastes arising from obsolete technologies, […]
The proliferation of technology is here to stay—and not just in the classroom. More and more K-12 schools around the country are embedding technology into their buildings, from smart HVAC systems that optimize energy usage to automated security protocols for student safety. This transition isn’t just about embracing the latest gadgets. It’s about fundamentally reshaping […]
Last year, the United States saw 20 weather- and climate-related disasters with losses that exceeded $1 billion—each. These events included flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and more. Tragically, they left 688 people dead and created significant economic challenges in the areas the storms hit. These disasters were in addition to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, which continues […]
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) in Wayne, N.J., is more than just a tech school. Of course the trades are offered, but it’s also a high school, open to students from grades seven through 12 with courses covering everything from criminal justice and finance to automotive technology and culinary arts. It even has an athletics and […]
Let’s admit it: Depending on your preferences, some types of museums can be boring and stuffy. But what’s cooler than a museum dedicated to some of the biggest music legends and best tunes ever made? If that sounds like fun, you might want to check out a new list ranking the 10 best music museums […]
Summer is here, and it’s a great season to start working on various maintenance projects. This is especially true as more facilities workers return to their workplaces in person after working remotely during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular upgrades to outdoor projects may have been postponed due to COVID-19 and staff shortages, […]
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of how building systems operate and impact occupant wellness. The average person is reading articles, watching videos, engaging in social media exchanges, and asking pointed questions. They want to know what building owners and facility managers are doing to provide healthy spaces to live, learn, work, and visit. Smart buildings […]
OSHA’s illumination standards for construction (29 CFR 1926.56) and shipyard employment (29 CFR 1915.82) set minimum lighting requirements in terms of foot-candles, a term that has been somewhat indistinct for employers and one that OSHA itself has acknowledged does not provide clear direction on how much light is needed for specific tasks.
ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, announced its partnership with popular comedian, actor, TV host, and known germaphobe Howie Mandel by launching the Rethink What Clean Means campaign. Together they’re working to educate America about the pivotal importance of cleaning and supporting businesses in elevating their standard of clean. “If there’s one thing everyone knows about me, it’s that […]
As students and teachers return to classrooms across the country, school safety is top of mind. In Pennsylvania, schools and other eligible entities are now able to apply for $120 million in grant funding to make physical security upgrades and strengthen behavioral health support. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee […]