Get Winter-Ready: Essential Facility Tips for a Safe and Clean Season

As winter approaches, facility managers face unique challenges in maintaining a safe, clean and comfortable environment. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures increase the risk of slips, falls and equipment issues, so proactive planning is key. Here are essential tips to keep your facility running smoothly and safely through the winter months.

If any of these tips catch your interest, or if you’d like more information on preparing your facility for winter, contact your FBG Facility Services representative or email us at info@fbgservices.com.

1. Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal

• Stock Up Early: Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to gather supplies. Have plenty of ice melt, shovels and other snow removal tools on hand to avoid shortages.
• Use Ice Melt Carefully: Opt for products that won’t damage flooring, concrete or landscaping. Diversey neutralizers can help remove salt and ice melt residue that tracks indoors, preventing damage and slip hazards.
• Clear and Inspect Walkways: Regularly inspect and clear sidewalks, entryways and parking areas. Schedule routine snow removal and keep surfaces as dry as possible to prevent dangerous icy spots. FBG can help you find and hire the ideal snow removal contractor for your facility.

2. Invest in Quality Floor Matting Systems

• Select Durable Mats: Choose mats that trap snow, salt and moisture at entry points, helping to keep floors dry and slip-resistant. FBG recommends New Pig Grippy Floor Mats for added stability and protection in high-traffic areas.
• Maintain Mats Regularly: Clean and replace mats often to ensure their effectiveness. A clean mat is more absorbent and capable of capturing contaminants before they reach main floors.

Need Extra Coverage?

While traditional matting programs are reliable in common areas, there are times when you need more floor coverage.

New Pig Grippy Floor Mats offer enhanced protection to your facility while complementing your existing matting program, providing various benefits including:

• Enhanced safety
• Effective liquid absorption during snowy and rainy months
• Smooth surface allows you to vacuum and mop right on top of mats
• Customized shapes and sizes
• Require replacement every 3 to 6 months

3. Winter Floor Care Routine

• Increase Cleaning Frequency: High-traffic areas may need more frequent cleaning to prevent salt and dirt buildup. Sweep or vacuum regularly, then follow up with a neutral floor cleaner or neutralizer for effective salt removal.
• Neutralize Salt Residues: Salt residue can leave a white haze on floors, making them look dull and slippery. Use a slightly acidic neutralizer to break down salt, and rinse with an extraction rinse for carpeted areas. Apply as needed in small, manageable sections for best results.

Read More: Winter Floor Maintenance: Best Practices from Our Flooring Expert, Tom Vacek

4. Focus on Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Maintenance

• Schedule Routine HVAC Inspections: Ensure your heating system is running efficiently before temperatures drop. Replace filters, clean ducts and inspect for any issues that could affect indoor air quality. FBG can assist you in finding the right HVAC contractor for your needs.
• Monitor Humidity Levels: Cold weather often brings dry air, which can affect employee comfort and health. Consider adding humidifiers or air purifiers to maintain optimal indoor air quality.

5. Increase Disinfecting Efforts

• Frequent High-Touch Surface Cleaning: Winter brings an uptick in cold, flu and COVID-19 cases. Increase the frequency of disinfecting high-touch areas, such as door handles, railings and communal equipment.
• Electrostatic Disinfection System: At your request, FBG can employ an advanced Electrostatic Disinfection System (EDS) that eliminates viral cross-contamination on surfaces by moving in between surface cracks and crevices to reach places normal disinfecting cannot. This type of disinfection should be coupled with annual deep cleans, especially during the winter months.
• Prioritize Health and Safety: Keep hand sanitizers, tissues and disinfectant wipes accessible throughout the facility to reduce the spread of illness.

Read More: Infection Prevention and Control: FBG’s Commitment to Health and Safety

6. Check and Replenish Supplies Regularly

• Stock Emergency Supplies: Ensure an adequate supply of disinfectants, hand sanitizers, paper products and PPE to stay prepared for any winter emergencies.
• Inventory Floor and Cleaning Supplies: Keep extra cleaning and matting supplies on hand to handle the increased wear and tear during winter.

Be Prepared: Plan Proactively

Creating a winter maintenance plan is an investment in safety, appearance and longevity for your facility. Proactive planning and increased cleaning frequency can prevent costly repairs and keep your building safe and welcoming all season long.

Stay prepared, stay safe and enjoy the winter season with FBG Facility Services’ expert guidance and support!