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THE ABC’S OF ESSENTIAL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORK FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

THE ABC’S OF ESSENTIAL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORK FOR SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES - MAKING BEST USE OF NON TERM TIME

Schools are the backbone of our communities, providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow. To ensure these institutions continue to thrive, it’s essential to prioritize maintenance work. Regular upkeep not only safeguards the well-being of students and staff but also extends the life of school buildings and facilities. In this article, we use our years of experience working within the educational maintenance sector to delve into the ABCs of essential maintenance work for schools, highlighting the critical tasks that every educational institution should prioritise.

Asbestos Inspection
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in building construction until the late 20th century. Its microscopic fibers can pose serious health risks when disturbed, making it crucial to inspect for and safely manage any asbestos-containing materials within school premises. Regular inspections and, if necessary, removal or encapsulation of asbestos are essential to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Boiler Maintenance
Proper heating is vital for the comfort and safety of students and staff, especially during the colder months. Regular boiler maintenance ensures that heating systems are operating efficiently and safely. Preventative measures, such as cleaning, inspections, and timely repairs, can help avoid costly breakdowns and keep the learning environment warm and comfortable.

Building Structures and Roofs
Essential building works and inspections are absolutely required to ensure that structurally they are fit for use without any serious issues like damp, subsidence, cracks, water ingress, leaking gutters, roof tiles etc. Additionally, building utilisation or new structural building works should be taken into consideration during quiet times as there could be scope to refurbish or repurpose areas to maximise space and modernise older buildings.

Cleaning and Custodial Services
A clean and hygienic school environment is essential for the health and well-being of everyone on campus. Regular cleaning schedules should cover classrooms, common areas, restrooms, and more. Custodial staff plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness, and their work helps prevent the spread of germs and illnesses among students and staff.

Drainage and Plumbing
Proper drainage and plumbing systems are crucial to prevent water damage, leaks, and potential health hazards within the school building. Regular inspections of pipes, drains, and sewage systems can identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely repairs and preventing costly water damage.

Electrical Systems
Ensuring the safety of students and staff means keeping electrical systems up to code. Regular inspections, maintenance, and necessary upgrades are essential to prevent electrical hazards, such as fires or power outages. Additionally, these measures help guarantee that essential equipment, like computers and emergency lighting, remains operational.

Fire Safety
Fire safety is a top priority in any school. Regular inspections of fire alarm systems, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers are essential to ensure they function correctly in case of an emergency. Additionally, fire drills should be conducted periodically to ensure that students and staff know how to respond in a fire situation.

Grounds and Landscaping
The school’s exterior appearance can significantly impact the overall learning environment. Well-maintained grounds and landscaping not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the school but also create a welcoming atmosphere. Regular upkeep, including mowing lawns, trimming trees, and repairing sidewalks, is vital to ensure safety and curb appeal.

Conclusion
Essential maintenance work is the backbone of a well-functioning school. By prioritising tasks like asbestos inspection, boiler maintenance, building works, cleaning, drainage, electrical systems, fire safety, and grounds upkeep, educational institutions can provide a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment for students and staff alike. Regular maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of the entire school community. In the end, it’s a win-win for everyone involved, as schools continue to be places of growth, learning, and inspiration. At FMS UK Group, we have numerous years experience of supporting Schools, colleges and universities to help guide and provide essential preventive maintenance works, so if your looking for a reliable partner then drop us a direct message and let’s see how we can support you.

FAST, EFFICIENT REACTIVE MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR CITY COLLEGE

We pride ourselves on our ability to be super reactive for clients and this recent job for Coventry College was a great example of how our ground team was able to support quickly. A broken bollard needed to be urgently replaced due to an accident, this had also caused the paving area to become cracked and uneven. In a few hours, the team were able to remove the paving slabs, rebore the hole and then reset the new bollard into place, whilst making the area look tidy and safe.

PROJECT WORKS
Full assessment of works required us to remove the existing damaged bollard, install a new bollard whilst making the surrounding pathway area safe, tidy and compliant.

WHAT WE DELIVERED
The team were super reactive on this project and within short period the job was completed and the new bollard installed. The surrounding area was equally left clean, safe and compliant to ensure that any passers by were not in danger. The client was left extremely happy and the area back into it’s original state before the accident.

If you would like to know more or have a similar project you need help on then please contact us.