Preventative Maintenance Tips for Your Building

Randy Crocker, Principal Owner of Hassle Free-Comply with NO Smoking rules at all times.
Commercial Services, gets questions all the timeUsually, there are designated safe locations for
from clients about their property and what theysmokers. Carelessly thrown cigarette butts are
can do to save money, prevent fires, and keepcommon causes of fires.
their building running efficiently - all while keeping- Always have and maintain proper fire fighting
their employees or tenants happy. The following isequipment.
a list of preventative maintenance tips and a- Never block fire fighting equipment or exit doors.
building checklist your building maintenance- Lastly, consult your building maintenance
specialist should be following to keep yourprofessional or electrician for any changes to your
property fully functioning at all times.fuse box.
Preventing Electrical ProblemsGenerator Preventative Maintenance
Add up your amps! Most breakers are 20 ampKeeping the moving parts in your generator is
breakers, (if you are not sure what yours are,very important. As parts remain motionless,
check with your building maintenance professional)especially in new generators, air can creep into a
which means add up the amps required for eachunit injector solenoid. Emergency Generators
electrical device you are plugging in and make sureshould be started up every week for about 5
that the total does not exceed 20 amps. Theminutes with transfer load testing every month.
amps used by your devices can usually be foundEvery year a full load test should be completed. A
on the side or bottom of the device, or in yourgood practice is to schedule this along with
owner's manual. Beware of space heaters, andelevator testing.
microwave ovens, they use 14 amps - more thanIn addition to running the generator on a monthly
one on a single breaker will blow a fuse!schedule, you should also perform the following
Fire Preventiongeneral maintenance inspections and repairs:
Fires can be avoided by following proper fire-Inspect Radiator fins monthly
safety practices. The best method of fire-Check antifreeze levels weekly
prevention is the knowledge and elimination of fire-Keep block heater plugged in and warm
hazards.-At a minimum change fuel filters annually
First, be sure to check your smoke detectors-Keep an eye out for wet spots around the
once a month and the batteries at least once afittings of the fuel system
year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts-The indicator light should read okay on the
of smoke or invisible combustible gases in the air.battery charger
Make sure they are installed on every floor, or-Ensure tight, corrosion free connections on the
are up to code per your county and statebattery and charging systems
regulations. Also be sure that your smoke-Make sure the engine itself, as well as the engine
detectors are labeled by the Underwritersbelts are free of wear and have signs of any
Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).leaks
The following Tips should be followed very-Check oil levels and change oil and oil filters
carefully for fire prevention:annually
- Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet-Check the engine air filter once for every 100
from anything that may burn. Never leavehours of operation
heaters on when you leave.-Change the Engine Filter at least once per year
- If an electrical device begins to smoke or has anand that the canister is free of dirt and other
usual smell, unplug it immediately and have itdebris
repaired.Preventative Maintenance Checklist
- Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords andThe following is a list of items that should be
don't overload extension cords. They should alsochecked or performed on a regular basis to keep
never be run under rugs.your building functioning at all times.