Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Energy efficiency is one of the top concerns of facilities management professionals, and a recent proposal from the Department of Energy (DOE) may influence how lighting products are defined under certain regulations. The DOE is proposing to withdraw a rule issued in the final days of the Obama administration that expanded the definition of general […]
At last year’s annual conference of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), ASSP’s outgoing President Jim Smith presented a session titled “The A1264.1 Standard: Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrails/Handrails.” The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards 1264.1 and 1264.2 could be helpful for facilities management professionals looking to design their workplaces with […]
If your facility has been cited by OSHA, EPA, the EEOC, or another regulatory agency, it’s important to take steps immediately to address violations and bring your workplace into compliance. While some corrections may fall solely upon your environment, health, and safety (EHS) department, others may require the involvement of facilities management (FM) pros in […]
The modern facility manager is at a bit of a cultural crossroads where new ideas and expectations about how a building should function bump up against older designs, and of course, budgetary concerns. Concerns about money and wanting to get the most out of existing furniture and fixtures are legitimate but attracting younger workers to […]
Although delayed by the government shutdown, the EPA has finalized regulations adjusting its civil penalties to account for inflation. If you’re responsible for a facility that manages hazardous waste or is subject to clean air and water regulations (among others), be sure to take note of these developments.
On Monday, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of Top 10 States for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the world’s most widely used green building rating system. To create the list, states were ranked based on the number of LEED certified square feet per person. Combined, the states that […]
The best way to minimize mold in a building is to know the most common places it may occur, develop routine inspection schedules, and follow procedures for ongoing maintenance. Most guidance information recognizes there are differences between “heating climates” such as during very cold winter months and “cooling climates” during the summer, but there are […]
Are you looking to break into the facilities management field? Or do you have years of experience in FM, but can’t understand why you aren’t getting that dream job or promotion? You may be considering getting certified in facilities management as a way to increase your job potential. Which certification should you pursue? How much […]
The Midwest is currently in the grips of a polar vortex, dropping temperatures anywhere from 10 to 50 degrees below normal for this time of year. As you crank up the heat in your facility to deal with this extreme cold, be sure to double check your monitoring systems, as the risks from carbon monoxide […]
On January 22, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that was opening registration for its newest version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program, v4.1. The call for registration covers the LEED platforms for both new construction projects (BD+C) and interior spaces (ID+C).