Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and ductwork
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics