Building Compliance by Integrity FM

It is a statutory responsibility for non-domestic properties to conduct regular testing and maintenance on various aspects of the premises. These regular checks are in place to ensure that the property is safe for staff or the public to use without the risk of avoidable incidents occurring. Here, you will find a selection of some of the services Integrity can provide to aid you in your building compliance.

Water Treatment

Ensuring that water in your property is safe to use is vital in keeping your building running smoothly. Water treatment helps to ensure that your water is safe to drink and interact with by testing for legionella and other microbes which could be harmful to staff and the general public. In the event of legionella being detected in your water, a contractor can advise on remedial actions in order to flush this out of the system, making your water safe again.

Water treatment also involves temperature testing, which is important in making sure the water is flowing at the correct temperatures. Regularly checking the temperatures of your water helps to manage the risk of Legionella but also ensures that water is not flowing too hot that it could scold users while in operation.

Water Treatment should be carried out on a monthly basis to have the maximum effect on mitigating risks.

Fire Door Inspections

Fire Doors are an integral part of a building’s fire safety strategy. Fire doors stop the rapid spread of fire throughout a building and provide more time for people to evacuate and for the emergency services to arrive and put out the fire. Fire doors, especially in high-traffic areas, will suffer wear and tear over time such as cracks, holes or even splits from stress or impact. Due to the importance of fire doors to building safety, issues like these can void fire doors, meaning the door will require replacing in order to keep your building up to code.

Integrity can carry out Fire Door Inspections on your doors across site and conduct any repairs and replacements to your fire doors if they do not meet safety standards. For best practice, inspections should be carried out biannually.

PAT Testing

Modern offices are filled to the brim with electrical appliances in order to make our work more efficient. These assets are an important asset in the modern workplace; however, it is important to get these assets evaluated regularly as well.

The purpose of PAT Testing is to protect users from electric shock and equipment malfunction. By regularly testing your appliances, you can find out whether or not an item is safe to use. Regular testing can identify issues with electrical devices meaning they can be either fixed or replaced, preventing the risk of injury to users. PAT Testing has the added benefit of informing you of issues before they turn into major faults, allowing for remedial work to take place or replacements to be sourced, mitigating the effect on your business and productivity.

It is recommended that businesses carry out PAT Testing every 12 months to remain compliant with current regulations.

Emergency Light Testing

Building compliance also extends to emergency light testing. The installation and maintenance of emergency lights within your property is a statutory requirement and should be regulatory tested. Emergency lights are used to light up the internals of your building when there is a power failure. Emergency lights make it possible for those within premises to vacate a property during a fire where a building may be plunged into darkness so they can move around safely.

Due to the need to keep your emergency lights in good working condition year round, emergency light tests should be carried out monthly alongside an annual 3-hour drain down test to keep your building ready for the unexpected.

Extinguisher Servicing

Fire extinguishers play an essential role in providing a rapid response to fires and assist in controlling a fire, so it does not spread. Given their importance to site safety, companies have a responsibility to regularly carry out checks and servicing of these assets.

During an inspection, an engineer will check for signs of corrosion caused by the contents of the extinguisher which could lead to the failure of the extinguisher. General wear and tear over time can also mean your extinguishers are non-compliant. Dents, cracks, and scratches in the casing, as well as damage to the hose, can affect the integrity of the extinguisher, leading to leaks and loss of pressure. Damage to the identifying label could also lead to misidentification of the type of extinguisher when it matters most.

Maintenance visits should be carried out annually in order to meet legal standards, however, visual inspections should also be conducted regularly for best practice.

Fire Risk Assessments

Fire risk assessments are also a statutory requirement for non-domestic buildings. The purpose of an FRA is twofold, to ensure that all eventualities are reviewed in order to protect the property, and the people within. During an assessment, a registered assessor will carry out a full inspection of the building, taking into account existing fire prevention measures and warning systems, existing firefighting equipment, escape routes, evacuation plans and more to compile a report with recommendations for remedial works and amendments to existing plans.

There is no specified time or period when a Fire Risk Assessment should be conducted, however, FRA’s should be reviewed regularly to account for any changes in the building which should be included In the Fire Risk Assessment.

If your property is in need of compliance checks, trust Integrity For building compliance. IFM has a lengthy history of compliance related servicing as well as remedial works following maintenance visits.

Find out more about the other services we provide by contacting us at fm@integrityfm-uk.com or alternatively, call us on 0121 289 3148.

Why Your Business Needs a Facilities Management Company

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, it’s crucial for companies to focus on their core competencies. This often requires outsourcing tasks to professionals with the right expertise and skills. Facilities management is a vital area, where partnering with a reputable company can greatly benefit your business. We will explore the main reasons why your business needs a facilities management company and how it can improve your premises overall.

Expertise and Experience

Facilities management companies specialise in efficiently managing and maintaining your business infrastructure. With their wealth of expertise and experience, they are equipped to handle diverse challenges that arise across your property, regardless of scope and size. Whether it’s optimising energy consumption, implementing sustainable practices, or ensuring safety compliance, a facilities management company has the knowledge and resources to tackle these issues effectively.

Cost Savings

Managing facilities in-house can be expensive, considering the need for specialised staff, equipment, and tools. By partnering with a facilities management company, you can benefit from economies of scale, as they already have the necessary resources and infrastructure in place. This leads to significant cost savings for your business, allowing you to allocate more funds towards your core business.

Enhanced Efficiency

Facilities management involves a range of tasks, including overseeing regular maintenance and repairs. By outsourcing these responsibilities, you free up valuable time and resources to be utilised more efficiently. A facilities management company ensures smooth operations, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity. They can also provide round-the-clock support and emergency services, ensuring your facilities are maintained optimally.

Tailored Solutions

Every business has unique facility requirements. Reputable FM companies understand this and work closely with you to design customised solutions that align with your specific needs. Whether you operate a small office, a manufacturing facility, or a large corporate complex, they can adapt their services to suit your organisation’s size, goals, and budget.

Risk Mitigation

Facilities management involves inherent risks, including accidents, equipment failures, and security breaches. Facilities management companies take on the responsibility of mitigating these risks. They conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks to ensure that your proptey aisre secure, compliant, and in a safe working environment. This provides peace of mind to both business owners and employees.

Focus on Core Business

By engaging with a facilities management company, your business to concentrate on its core aspects. Through partnering with experts in this field, you can leverage their knowledge and skills, while your team can prioritise tasks that directly contribute to your business growth. This allows for a more streamlined and efficient operation, ultimately leading to increased productivity.

Partnering with a facilities management company can bring numerous benefits to your business. From cost savings to risk mitigation, Integrity can help you to focus on your core business while our experts handle the maintenance and optimisation of your business infrastructure. By investing in professional facilities management solutions, you create a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success.

Find out more about the other services we provide by contacting us at fm@integrityfm-uk.com or alternatively, call us on 0121 289 3148.

Quick Fixes and Beyond: What a Handyman in Birmingham Can Do for You

At Integrity, we pride ourselves on being able to ensure that regardless of what the job is big or small, we will always deliver for our clients. Part of how we ensure our client’s properties run smoothly is by making sure that the little things don’t stack up by providing our handyman services across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

What is a handyman?

A handyman is a tradesman who is able to turn their hand to any task presented to them. A handyman needs to be multiskilled and have a wealth of experience in a number of areas, from first fix plumbing to carpentry and joinery. Handymen are well equipped for any task they are given and possess the knowledge and expertise to solve any issues promptly.  At Integrity, our engineers are all multiskilled, making them your best solution to whatever comes your way.

What kind of work does a handyman carry out?

Given the nature of the role, a handyman can be tasked with completing a number of tasks, making the pool of possible works very broad. A handyman is typically tasked with reactive jobs which are small in size, but would otherwise be left untreated compared to larger other types of work. Works like these can easily mount up, so it is always best Examples of this could be a leaking tap, or a broken door handle. Though these jobs are minor, if left for an extended period, these jobs could affect your commercial property adversely in the long term. Relying on a trusted handyman gives you the peace of mind that the little things are in good hands with a professional handyman.

Find out more about our handyman services and the other services we provide by contacting us at fm@integrityfm-uk.com or alternatively, call us on 0121 289 3148.

Electrical Support from IFM

Ensuring the functionality of your properties Electrical Items, is vital to the smooth operation of your business. Please feel free to have a read through the below information which provides you with some useful information and outlines some of our electrical services we undertake.

Ensuring the electrics within your place of work are safe to use is a legal requirement for all businesses’.

Machinery, outlets, switches and any other items which has power running through it must be maintained, upgraded or replaced to keep you and your staff safe.

Reactive repairs

IFM will aim to respond quickly and look to rectify and issues. Our phonelines are available to take calls 24 hours a day and we will look to get any follow up works completed swiftly to get your business back up and fully functional.

PAT testing

One way to ensure your electrical equipment is safe for use is by performing a PAT test. PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) can go a long way to provide peace of mind through regularly testing your appliances and equipment for faults by trained electricians on an annual basis. PAT testing will ensure you remain compliment with regulations as well as make sure your equipment is running optimally and safely.

Improving your lighting

You may also wish to revamp the lighting within your office and commercial space. The aesthetic of commercial buildings and offices impacts the options of staff and customers alike. Furthermore, many businesses still using older incandescent or fluorescent lighting have been gradually phasing these out in favour of LED bulbs and units. LEDs can produce the same luminescence while using less energy and producing less heat while in use. This has the added benefit of reducing energy costs as well as lowering your property’s carbon footprint.

Expanding capacity

Installing additional power outlets has the added benefit of safety as well as expanding your property’s capacity for electronics. Some businesses in an attempt to expand the number of outlets they have use extension leads. Though not a problem itself, when the extension lead is filled with plugs, in some cases, people add another extension lead onto the existing one, which creates a high risk of overloading. Overloading could result in a blown fuse or fire in some cases. Installing additional outlets removes this risk and future-proofs your building should you procure addental appliances and peripherals.

What Electrical Services Does Integrity Provide?

Integrity offers a wide variety of electrical services which can go a long way to improve the aesthetic of your property and your facility’s capacity. Here are some of the services we can provide for you and your business

  • Socket replacement/installation
  • Board installation
  • Power isolation
  • External & internal lighting installation
  • Emergency light testing
  • Surveys
  • PAT testing

Is your business in need of electrical services? Integrity can provide you with an electrical survey, as well as carry out any work to replace and improve your building for the better.

Find out more about the other services we provide by contacting us at fm@integrityfm-uk.com or alternatively, call us on 0121 289 3148.

Harness Training

At Integrity, safety is always at the forefront of what we do, both for the public and our employees. We provide our engineers with the best training possible to ensure they can work safely and efficiently.

Most recently, our team received harness training from an industry leading training provider.

Following the training, one of our engineers said “it feels good to be part of a business that want to do things right. By receiving this and other training courses, I feel confident that myself and the rest of the team will be able to perform our roles safely”.

Where will Integrity engineers use this training?

Harness training is integral to maintaining safety while working at heights. Jobs such as gutter repairs, roof repairs and recovering at high levels will require this equipment and training to be utilised. Harness training and equipment will also be employed when using a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform), such as a scissor lift or cheery picker, if the circumstances require their use.

Is your property in need of high-level work?

Integrity Facilities Management has extensive experience in surveying and completing roofing works and other high-level services and would be more than happy to provide your property with a FREE survey.

Find out more about the other services we provide by contacting us at fm@integrityfm-uk.com or alternatively, call us on 0121 289 3148.