Autumn Maintenance Tips for Business Owners
The changing seasons are an excellent time for property inspection and cleanup. You might have missed maintenance issues over the summer. Or maybe the heat and rain brought new issues to the surface.
Add these tasks to your maintenance rundown to prevent injuries and damage.
Repair outdoor walking surfaces
Inspect your client parking lot first. Look for worn parking lot lines, cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces. Potholes can lead to tire damage. Walking surfaces with buckled cement or warped asphalt can cause a trip-and-fall. And all of these issues can lead to lawsuits and insurance claims.
If clients bring their kids, you have added risk. Approach your building from a child's perspective. For example, do you have doors that lead into unsafe or restricted areas? A sign might deter an adult, but kids might not be able to see or read the sign.
Check your entryway for trip-and-fall hazards. Ironically, anti-slip mats and carpets can cause painful sprains and falls. Inspect your winter snow mat to see if it’s ragged or torn. If it’s seen better days, dispose of it and buy a new one before the winter.
Service your heating system
Have your HVAC system professionally inspected. Your air conditioner may have been working on overdrive, but your heating may need some TLC. Test it before the temperatures drop.
For optimal performance, replace your HVAC filters every three months. Replace them more often if your work produces dust or other pollutants. Only use filters that are safe for your system. For example, high-efficiency particulate air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) to indicate how effectively they filter contaminants. The higher the rating, the more efficient the filtration.
Higher MERV values also mean denser filter materials that require more force to push air through. If your HVAC system can’t handle a high MERV filter, it could decrease efficiency or damage your system. Check with your HVAC manufacturer if you’re unsure.
Inspect your roof
Annual roof inspections can help you identify potential issues ahead of severe winter weather. Correcting minor problems in the fall can prevent further damage from snow, ice, and cold weather. Use a certified roof inspector.
Remove debris and leaves
Clogged gutters mean water can’t drain away from your building. This can cause water to flow toward your building, damaging the roof, siding and foundation. A cracked foundation can worsen if standing water freezes within the fissures. And if standing water freezes on your roof, it could form ice dams.
Ice expansion can force water beneath your roof shingles, leading to rot and leaks. Frozen water also adds weight to your roof, causing premature wear and risk of collapse.
Gutter cleaning supplies
If you or your maintenance staff will be cleaning the gutters, have these tools on hand:
An extension ladder. Never use a damaged or worn ladder. You risk falling and injuring yourself.
A standoff stabilizer. Stabilizers keep ladders from wobbling and protect gutters from the weight of the ladder leaning on them.
A dust mask. Use a high-quality respirator, like an N95. This will filter out small particles and mould spores.
A tarp or ladder utility bucket. Placing a tarp on the ground near the ladder makes debris cleanup easier. If you use a bucket, make certain it’s safe to hook onto your ladder.
Goggles. Use wrap-around goggles to keep debris from falling into your eyes. If you use a face shield to protect your face, wear goggles underneath for complete eye protection.
Gloves. Choose sturdy rubber or synthetic-coated gloves that you’re comfortable in and that protect your hands from sharp debris. Beware of latex allergies when choosing gloves.
Non-skid shoes. Choose closed-toe shoes with non-skid rubber soles for a solid grip on ladder treads.
Heights and ladder safety tips
Follow Ontario fall-protection requirements. Working at heights presents serious risks. The fall-protection requirements that apply depend on the workplace, task and applicable Ontario regulation.
For construction projects, specific requirements apply where a worker may be exposed to certain fall hazards, including a fall of more than 3 metres. Employers should assess the work and use the appropriate fall-protection measures required by the applicable rules.
Invest in a quality ladder. You might have different ladders for different maintenance tasks at your business. Outdoor work requires an extension ladder with anti-slip feet. Inspect your ladder every time you use it. If it’s damaged, discard it.
Check the ladder’s weight rating. Make sure it can hold your weight and the added weight of the materials you’ll be transporting. For example, if you decide to paint your gutters after you clean them, you’ll need to factor in the added weight of the paint cans.
Maintain three points of contact with the ladder. If you must reach or lean so far that both hands leave the ladder, dismount and reposition it.
Watch for electrical hazards and power lines
Before setting up a ladder or beginning outdoor maintenance, look for overhead power lines and identify any electrical hazards in the work area. In Ontario, the ESA recommends staying at least 3 metres away from overhead power lines, including when using ladders, tools, and other equipment. You don't need to touch a power line to receive a potentially fatal electrical shock; electricity can arc across a gap.
Use a non-conductive ladder where appropriate, but don't rely on the ladder material as a substitute for maintaining a safe distance. If the work cannot be completed while maintaining the required clearance, stop and obtain appropriate professional guidance before proceeding.
Never use a pressure washer while on a ladder. Only use pressure washers while standing on the ground. Pro tip: If you’re using a cleaning solution in your pressure washer, make sure it’s safe to use around plants and shrubs.
Have questions?
Insurance policies may exclude or limit coverage for certain losses arising from wear and tear, deterioration, neglect, maintenance issues, misuse or infestations. Coverage depends on the specific policy wording and circumstances of the loss.
Make autumn touch-ups a part of your maintenance routine, particularly after trees shed their leaves. You’ll prevent costly problems and help maintain your building's structural integrity. That’s good business!
If you would like to learn more, contact TG Group today at info@tg-group.ca or 519-370-2006. We’re here to help you understand your insurance options and ensure you have the protection that’s right for you.
