Category: Maintenance and Operations

Inspection of facilities

Has Your Facility Been Cited? Here’s What to Do

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 […]

Scales of Justice

FYI for Facilities Managers: EPA Penalties Have Increased

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.

Reviewing a facilities management resume

Infographic: Do You Speak Facilities Management?

Every industry has its own unique set of acronyms and abbreviations, and facilities management is no exception. Having a handy list of industry jargon around is helpful for those trying to break into the industry, or for facility managers getting ready to head off for a conference. This infographic from AssetWorks has you covered with […]

Common Causes—and Remedies—for Indoor Mold Contamination

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 […]

Medical staff rushing patient through hospital on gurney

ASCO Developing Standards for Handling Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities are hectic workplaces that are fraught with hazards, not the least of which are potent, potentially toxic drugs. As such, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) panel began work on developing standards for the safe handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare facilities. The expert panel endorsed three sets of existing guidelines and […]

Green community concept

Facilities Targeted in First EPA Enforcement Actions of 2019

Although the EPA is at the moment essentially crippled in the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, we have a few enforcement items that to report from late 2018. Our latest roundup of five cases includes RCRA, EPCRA, and TSCA violations, several of which were related to negligent activity within facilities.

Cal OSHA cites marijuana processor

Explosion and Injury at Marijuana Processor Leads to Citation

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited a marijuana producer for a workplace explosion in which an employee suffered burns. As the marijuana industry takes hold in states allowing recreational marijuana use, state agencies are taking steps to ensure compliance with worker safety and health standards.

Technician inspecting heating system in boiler room

Infographic: Tips for Maximizing a Small Maintenance Budget

Every business has a limited amount of money to spread around, and too often, maintenance costs for the vital equipment at your facility take a back seat. However, as any good facility manager knows, spending a little on regular maintenance goes a long way to long term cost savings. This infographic presents a few ways […]

slips trips floor infographic

Slips, Trips, and Other Rooftop Fall Hazards

Injuries from slips and falls are bad enough but are amplified when they happen on a rooftop. This infographic details some of the finer points to better understand the risks of working on a rooftop and provides some details regarding protection.