Have you just moved into a new office building? Are you going to do so very soon? When making such a significant move, there are many things you must consider.
For instance, you need to confirm that the building is up to code, is ready for your business to use, and offers a productive working environment.
It can seem like an endless list of things to check before your business gets settled into its new premises. However, safety is one item on your to-do list that should be right at the top.
The following five checks will help you avoid overlooking vital office building safety, in no particular order:
1. Fire Safety
What will happen if you or someone else in your office building discovers a fire? As you can appreciate, fire safety is critical to your working environment and should get taken seriously.
You must conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of your office building and perform regular checks afterward. Some of the things you must check include the following:
- Fire alarms
- Smoke detectors
- Sprinkler systems
- Emergency lighting
- Fire exits
The website linked in the previous paragraph provides a detailed checklist you can use.
2. Parking Lot Safety
While it’s true that you should pay attention to various safety aspects of your office building, the exterior is just as important. Did you know that a badly-maintained parking lot can be hazardous to people and vehicles and potentially land you in legal hot water?
The following points highlight the primary safety considerations of your parking lot:
- The Ground – Your parking lot should have level ground with no holes or cracks that could injure people or damage vehicles;
- Lighting – Parking lot lighting ensures the area is well-lit at night, safe for people to use, and reduces the risk of crime occurring;
- Signage – Finally, your parking lot should have clearly-marked signage that guides pedestrians and vehicles.
3. Electrical Safety
The last thing you want to happen is for employees or visitors to injure themselves from faulty electrical wiring or lighting. That’s why electrical safety should be part of your overall safety checks – when you move into your new premises and regularly after that.
It makes sense to ask a qualified electrician to check that your wiring is up to code and that any appliances and equipment you have are safe to use in your new office building.
4. Building Security And Access Controls
You want to control who enters your office building and ensure the safety and security of your employees and visitors. Being mindful of your building’s security and access control systems is very important.
For example, checking that security cameras cover all access points and record footage 24/7 and that access control systems like keycard solutions and conventional locks and keys work as desired.
5. HVAC Safety
Your office building’s HVAC systems should be working correctly and get regularly inspected, serviced, and cleaned. Doing so ensures a comfortable working environment and won’t cause airborne bacteria or viruses to spread.
