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Combining statutory compliance and maintenance schedules

Companies can achieve greater efficiencies and control by planning statutory compliance alongside maintenance visits to manage the safety and performance of their buildings.  Calbarrie’s Tim Beardsmore describes in Facilities Management Journal some of the best methods that facilities managers can adopt to achieve this level of focus. 

All electrical systems deteriorate and planned preventative maintenance and regular testing will dramatically improve the performance, reliability and lifespan of these critical systems. Powering down of systems and equipment, however, can be a disruption for many businesses and so it is pertinent to carry compliance and maintenance processes out at the same time. The number of engineer visits can be further reduced with on-site time of test electrical remedial work.

Moreover, if a company is fully aware of their asset condition and compliance status, they can address any potential problems before they become more serious and costly, resulting in improved business continuity, fewer breakdowns and a reduction in costs.

Companies can dedicate a week when all statutory compliance and maintenance visits take place combining the deadlines of the client, the facilities manager and the contractor. For visits to be co-ordinated successfully it is important that dates are scheduled well in advance and the programme is flexible to last-minute change.

Techniques such as dynamic scheduling can help facilities managers maximise on the natural synergies between complementary services. Dynamic scheduling relies on accurate forecasting of the number of items to be tested which can be achieved through site surveys and clear lines of communication between key contacts. With secure online platforms and mobile devices FMs can collaborate with multiple contractors across a variety of sites whilst still having the ability to monitor location and performance.

Greater control of remote workers and dedicated facilities teams will facilitate high operating standards to be achieved and a streamlining of processes.

Read more in Facilities Management Journal December – January 2019.

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