“By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin.
Emergencies, whether natural disasters or unforeseen events, can cause significant disruptions to businesses, industries, and livelihoods.
From floods and fires, to malfunctioning equipment and electrical faults — preparedness is key to mitigating the potential impact on a facility, a business, and in some circumstances, the lives of those visiting, living or working in the space you look after.
Australian standards, such as Standard 3745, outline the legal framework for emergency planning and preparedness, but effective facilities management goes beyond mere compliance.
A robust emergency preparedness strategy in facility management starts with conducting an asset audit to identify risks. The insights from the audit are the foundations for an asset management plan, which addresses the risks and informs a preventative maintenance plan. An asset audit should be completed annually.
What is an asset audit?
While facility management takes a broader view on an overall physical environment, asset management hones in on individual physical assets — aiming to optimise their function, utility, and long-term value.
An asset audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a facility’s equipment, infrastructure, and systems. It’s a snapshot of the here and now, which helps Facility Managers to identify potential vulnerabilities that could hinder emergency response efforts.
The audit evaluates critical areas such as fire protection systems, HVAC units, electrical equipment, and more. It also assesses the building’s compliance with safety regulations and identifies areas for improvement.
Once the audit is completed, the findings lead to an asset management plan. This plan not only details the facility’s assets but also highlights the risks associated with them.
For example, outdated fire safety equipment or insufficient emergency lighting systems may pose a threat during an evacuation. With these risks identified, Facility Managers can prioritise upgrades, repairs, or replacements to mitigate potential hazards.
Facility asset management takes care of all physical assets, each playing a crucial role in the overall functionality of the facility. These include HVAC systems, lighting, elevators, appliances, and all other physical infrastructure.
Creating a preventative maintenance plan
The next step is to develop a preventative maintenance plan based on the recommendations from the asset audit. Preventative maintenance ensures that all critical systems are in optimal working condition, reducing the likelihood of failure during an emergency.
Regular inspections, testing of emergency equipment, and routine repairs become part of a proactive approach that minimises downtime and reduces the risk of costly repairs.
For example, fire alarms, emergency lighting, and water sprinkler systems should be regularly tested to ensure they function as intended. By staying ahead of potential breakdowns, Facility Managers can avoid disruptions and ensure the safety of occupants in an emergency situation.
People-first emergency planning
No facility is immune to emergencies, but with strategic planning, Facility Managers can prioritise the protection of people and prevent unnecessary harm. Through a structured asset management plan informed by an asset audit, Facility Managers can identify vulnerabilities and implement a tailored preventative maintenance plan.
This proactive approach not only ensures compliance with Australian regulations but also safeguards occupants, making sure that emergency systems are ready when needed. By focusing on the well-being of individuals, you can create a safer environment, reducing risks and enhancing workplace resilience.
Unsure of where to start with your asset audit and preventative maintenance plan?
From mining sites to hospitals, ServiceFM takes a systematic approach to maintaining, upgrading, and refreshing physical assets within your workspaces. These assets can include equipment, machinery, systems, infrastructure, and even digital assets like software.
Our combination of clever technology in the ServiceFM 360 platform and the expertise of our operational teams ensures your assets are effectively maintained throughout their lifecycle and performance is optimised.
We work with you to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your assets, increase employee satisfaction, as well as enhance profitability.
Connect with us to learn more.
