5 Regular Maintenance Tips for School Buildings
Every site manager and head teacher wants a clean and safe environments for their students and teachers. Here are 5 tips you should follow to ensure your learning environment is clean and safe for a brighter future.
Assess Temperature Levels:
It is important that your heating and air conditioning is working properly throughout the year. If you identify any signs of malfunction or failure, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. If the temperature is too cold or hot outside, you would need to adjust the temperature of the school to ensure your students are comfortable during the school the day.
Manage Pest Control:
Unfortunately, pets can appear anywhere, even in schools. If identified it is important to take immediate action. Inspecting basements and attics are always a good place to start, they are usually the hot spots for rodents or insects. Don’t forget to assess the sites perimeter, keep external doors sealed and look-out for gaps and holes. It can be a good idea to reach out to a pest control professional at least once a year to keep the school pest free and a safe environment.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are a crucial component of a school’s drainage system, leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily clog them. Make sure to clear your gutters after any significant storms or every few months to avoid water damage to your building. To prevent future blockages, you might also want to think about adding gutter guards or coverings. Additionally, keep an eye out for any indications of water leak damage on your roof. If you find any, you should fix it right away to prevent more issues. The structural integrity of your school building will be preserved for many years if you keep your gutters clean and in good working order.
Control Water Quality:
Having good water quality in a school is a key to having a healthy school. On an ongoing basis check for signs of rust, bad smells and buildup within your water system. If you spot any of these signs, get them checked out by a professional to assess the situation as bad water can contain bacteria and can cause sickness. Don’t forget to change the water filters when required to ensure you have a clean flow of water. There are national requirements that need to be followed in England and Wales to ensure the water quality meets the required standard.
Fire Safety Plan:
Having a fire safety plan which is in line with the latest regulations can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. When was the last time you checked if your fire doors were still compliant?
Make sure your compartmented fire routes are protected and all fire doors are kept shut at all times. Remember to have regular fire drills so students and teachers know the safest route out to their dedicated area.
Need help ensuring your school is well maintained?
M+C offers facilities management services alongside long term management plans for your site. Get in touch and unlock the doors to a clean and safe school.