Vacant Buildings Are Full Of Facilities Maintenance Considerations
When it comes to facilities maintenance responsibilities, it is not enough to board up the windows and walk away from vacant buildings. In this blog, we explore some key considerations around vacant buildings, with top tips for facilities managers.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘the death of the high street’ was predicted. Hybrid workplaces and work-from-home models proving themselves to be a viable option for many businesses. While commercial property has rebounded since 2020, digital innovation continues to change how we interact with commercial spaces. This makes strategy around vacant buildings something for facilities managers to keep in mind.
The main risks around vacant buildings include trespassing, vandalism, and arson. In the case of vacant buildings, there is a legal duty to protect people on the premises from harm – even if they are on the premises illegally. Growing trends such as Urban Explorers and the attraction of abandoned buildings to children come with increased risk of injuries and fatalities.
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE GOOD PRACTICE FOR VACANT BUILDINGS
With the above in mind, it is vital to reduce risks and protect visitors to vacant buildings. This could have the effect of minimising legal fees should an incident occur. It also has a bearing on insurance. A reported £500 million worth of damage is done to vacant buildings through vandalism and arson each year.
This often translates into reduced cover, increased premiums, and added duties imposed by insurance providers. Some insurance companies simply refuse to cover vacant buildings. A prudent first step is to find out the position of insurance providers in respect to vacant buildings.
The maintenance and inspection needs of each vacant building is unique. It is also not uncommon for portions of buildings to remain occupied, while others are sitting empty. Factors like these all affect the maintenance regime of buildings. The following serve as a good starting point for facilities managers.
Conduct A Site Inspection
It is a good idea to go through the building with an FM professional to ensure the integrity of flooring, staircases, the strength of doors and windows, fire safety equipment, and so on. Facilities maintenance experts provide insights on risks and the best ways to mitigate them.
Water Systems Maintenance
As with HVAC systems, a building’s water systems don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to maintenance. Working with experts in this field ensures safety and continuity once building occupancy resumes.
Legionella is another concern and stagnant water systems are a breeding ground for legionella bacteria. Flushing and temperature testing is the best way to reduce risk around legionella – and facilities maintenance professionals are best placed to ensure this is done to meet compliance requirements.
Security
FM professionals offer security solutions, which reduce the risk of unauthorised access in the first place. This includes CCTV and security systems that act as a deterrent to trespassers. Estate management also plays a role here – and facilities maintenance specialists work to ensure no overhanging branches impede the effectiveness of perimeter fences, for example. A well-maintained security system may also be important when making insurance claims.
Fire Safety
60 fires a day occur in or near vacant buildings according to Home Office estimates. Building owners and managers have legal responsibilities around fire safety in vacant buildings. Fire safety maintenance – even in empty buildings – will have a bearing on insurance premiums and payouts. Included in this is gas safety compliance and FM teams provide expert guidance on fire safety steps in even empty buildings.
Contact Voltix Services for expert advice and to find out more about facilities maintenance services for unoccupied buildings.