Hey small business owners – this one is for you. You can’t afford to close down for building maintenance. I get it. So what do you do when you have to make repairs?
4 Tips to Stay Open When You Have to Make Repairs
Yes, it happens. You have a small business in a building that really needs repairs. You can’t afford to close down. So what do you do? Stay open.
Keep in mind there are safety concerns and you don’t want to scare off customers.
So follow these 4 tips that will help you stay open even while your building is undergoing repairs.
The right commercial engineering firm can repair many commercial building problems while the building remains open to the public. There are certain conditions and protocols to keep in mind.
Don’t Ignore Waterproofing and Foundation Repairs
If you notice water issues or things wrong with the foundation, let the building owner know right away.
This is the time to go to Helitech Online or other trustworthy engineering firms to seek advice and help to correct the problem so that the building can remain structurally sound. These structural problems in commercial buildings require the right type of contractor to repair them.
A company that uses American-made products to solve foundation repair issues and water leaks or drainage problems is a good choice. They should be licensed and insured for the area. This civil construction company should have the experts and equipment to deliver a mix of geotechnical and structural solutions for commercial contractors to implement.
Four Tips for Building Maintenance While Open.
While a building is open to the public, maintenance and repair work should have a focus on public safety. The 4 best tips include:
1. Fall Protection
Protect workers and the public from construction-related falls. Scaffolding, elevator shafts, ladders, and other equipment should be away from the public use areas.
2. Signage
All dangerous construction or work areas should have warning signs posted to keep the public away. Hazard signs and instructions should be with all chemicals and equipment, and the workers should be trained on safety measures.
3. Electricity and Shocks
All electrical equipment, outlets, cords, etc. must be safely secured and grounded. All electrical equipment and tools must be in safe working order. Do not bypass any protective system or device.
4. Mark Trenches or Holes
Trenches and any holes in the floor or other tripping or falling hazards should be maintained for safety and well marked. Dangerous tripping hazards should not be in the area the public is using.
Any job pertaining to maintenance or repairs, such as water leak remediation or foundation work, should be scheduled for times of the day that have the least traffic.
Before the building opens in the morning or after the building closes in the evening are the best times for work that will create hazards for the public. Another solution is to close small areas of the building to the public while work is being done. Public and worker safety should be high on every contractor and building owner’s priority list.
Always Follow Safety Guidelines
The contractor must follow all of the OSHA construction safety guidelines and requirements. Some of the most common hazards are falls, trench collapses, scaffold collapses, electric shocks and arcs, repetitive motion injuries, and failure to wear protective gear or follow safety instructions. Safe work areas during maintenance or construction projects protect both the workers and the public.
It is very important for the building owner, business owners, and the construction company owner or project manager to meet in advance of the start of work to schedule work at the safest times and agree on safety protocols during the project. Everyone must agree to and cooperate with the safety measures employed for the safety of workers and the public while the project is underway.