If you run a factory or warehouse, maintenance is a key aspect of upkeep, from the roof to the electric roller shutters, there are many components and systems that need servicing on a regular basis. Large companies have teams of maintenance engineers, while smaller organisations use third-party providers for all maintenance tasks.
Roof maintenance
Stainless steel corrugated roofing is probably the best material for a factory roof, with clear plastic panels that allow natural lighting into the space. Typically, a 6-monthly affair, a roof inspection would be carried out by a local commercial roofing contractor and a detailed report is issued. Guttering must be cleaned out and any missing or weak rivets are replaced, while storm damage is repaired.
Roller shutters
The leading Australian company, Complete Entrance Solutions are the people to approach for shutter/roller door maintenance; not only do they design and install units, they also undertake essential maintenance. Lubrication is just one of many tasks that have to be carried out, while electric motors need to be monitored and all remote units checked. Entrance access can be complex; there are contractors that specialise in warehouse access and can design and fabricate roller shutter doors to specification; they also take on maintenance contracts.
Climate control
This is an essential here in Australia and large commercial HVAC systems are designed for large spaces, with ducting going through the plant at ceiling height, sending cool or warm air around the building. Storing foods & perishables demands accurate temperature control and every warehouse would engage a team of HVAC engineers to service their system. Click here for compelling reasons to migrate your data to the cloud.
Health & safety
Ask any business owner and they will confirm that health & safety is taken very seriously by the Australian government and all signage must be in the right locations, zone markings need to be redone and PPE stocks should always be adequate.
Flooring
Warehouses are extremely hard on flooring, with epoxy resin being the most popular floor coating, with anti-slip technology and the ability to add graphics with clear epoxy. Forklifts and heavy trucks wear on the flooring, it might need recoating after only a year. Repairs must be jumped on in good time – a stitch in time saves nine – and this certainly applies to industrial flooring.
Power wash exterior surfaces
The exterior gets dirty and even with protective coatings, every few months you need to power wash the sheeting, which removes the grime and brightens up the place. Foam is sprayed and left for 10-15 minutes and chemical agents break down the grease and a power rinse leaves the exterior looking like new.
In order to ensure the structural integrity of any commercial premises, regular inspections must be carried out by an independent contractor; insurance policies stipulate that maintenance must be up to Australian Standards. Outsourcing is the best way to ensure a warehouse is maintained; contact the right 3rd party for your needs and protect your most valuable asset, your workforce.