Spring Maintenance Tips

It looks like winter is finally beginning to fade and spring is arriving. Along with the change in seasons, we need to rearrange our thought process in the loss prevention area to accommodate the new exposures that spring brings with it. Some of the concerns are:

Spring Snow Melts: In areas of the country that have been subject to heavy snow buildup over the winter, we now have to be concerned about warm temperatures and spring rains melting snow accumulations too quickly for the creeks and rivers to handle. Those flood emergency plans that we suggested you set up and review during the winter tips planning sessions, should be dusted off and made ready in case of an emergency. Meet with your emergency team to review and make sure all needed materials are ready.

Roof Inspections: Your roofing systems are never more vulnerable to damage than during the spring season. A thorough inspection should be conducted to insure that roof drains are clear and there are no obvious tears or other roof damage to the covering. Any debris should be cleaned to insure drains remain clear. With just one clogged drain, the possibility of roof collapse from ponded water increases dramatically. Flashing around the perimeter should be inspected and repairs made to any loose or missing sections. Spring brings with it the season of severe thunderstorms, many times accompanied by high winds. Most roof damage from wind starts along the edges from poorly installed or secured flashing.

Severe Weather Preparation: Review your Emergency Response Plan to ensure that it covers all potentials which could affect your plant. What are your plans during a weather emergency? Do you have a weather radio in a constantly monitored area to listen for alerts issued by the National Weather Service? They are the only agency authorized to issue severe weather warnings such as thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings. Do your employees know the safest place to take shelter in an emergency, including all new employees? If not, now is the time to make sure everyone is up to date on what to do when severe weather strikes. Also, make sure your Emergency Organization has plans on how to deal with salvage efforts for your machinery and equipment if it is subjected to water from flood or roof problems. Do you have tarps available to cover key electrical equipment and even computer systems in an emergency. Tarps offer very inexpensive protection from the elements and their use can save equipment lossand production downtime.

Fire Hose: Fire hose can be a great asset to use during a fire, whether it's being used in actual fire suppression or in transporting water from point to point. As it is with all equipment, the hose can only be considered safe for personnel to use if it is periodically tested. If your facility has fire hose in service, spring and summer are great times to get out, enjoy the beautiful weather and make sure your hose is in good shape. At the very least, fire hose should be taken down from reels, or out from cabinets and physically inspected for any obvious damage. Matrix Risk Consultants recommends that all hose should be hydrostatically pressure tested at the Service Pressure marked on each section. During the hydro test, the hose, including the couplings, should be closely checked for any leakage and/or coupling separation or movement. Hose passing the test should be carefully dried and re-hung or re-rolled in the opposite direction. Hose failing the test should be replaced with new listed and/or approved lined hose. Of course, safety during this testing is a priority and documentation of testing should be maintained for review by your loss control representative.

Fire System Review: Spring is a good time to step back and take stock of the overall condition of your fire systems, and start the planning process for maintenance and upgrades. Do your outside valves and hydrants need painting? Are the valve numbers still legible? Now is the time to start planning for dry valve and preaction system trip tests. Do sprinkler systems need to be flushed or investigated for sediment buildup or blockage? This is especially critical if they are older and you are not on a public water system. Are your fire pumps, especially diesel driven units, in need of servicing? If there are maintenance type items listed on your last Loss Prevention Survey from Matrix, go through the list and make sure work orders are written or contractors are called . What is the condition of your water storage tanks? Do they need exterior painting or an internal inspection?

REMEMBER, no matter what the season, don't forget that your Matrix engineer is only a phone call or e-mail away! We are here to serve you and answer any questions you may have. Call us at 937-886-0000 or send us an e-mail.