Hard facilities management involves the management and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a facility, including the building structure, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, and other essential components. These services are often mandated by law to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and visitors. Property owners have a responsibility to provide and maintain a safe working environment, which includes managing hard FM services.
Key Facts
- Definition: Hard facilities management involves the management and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a facility, including the building structure, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, and other essential components.
- Legal Requirements: Hard FM services are often mandated by law to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and visitors. Property owners have a responsibility to provide and maintain a safe working environment, which includes managing hard FM services.
- Examples of Hard FM Services: Hard FM services encompass a wide range of activities related to the physical structure of a building. Some common examples include:
- Electrical and mechanical services
- Fire fighting services
- Plumbing and carpentry
- Building management system (BMS) operations
- Asset management
- Specialized engineering services
- Energy management and sustainability
- Adhoc project management
- Importance: Hard FM services are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of a facility. Proper maintenance and management of the physical infrastructure help create a safe working environment, prevent unscheduled breakdowns, control costs, and extend the lifespan of assets.
Legal Requirements for Hard FM Services
Hard FM services are often mandated by law to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and visitors. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, property owners have a responsibility to ensure the daily health, safety, and welfare of a building’s occupants. This incorporates FM services such as cleaning, catering, temperature control, ventilation, and lighting.
Examples of Hard FM Services
Hard FM services encompass a wide range of activities related to the physical structure of a building. Some common examples include:
- Electrical and mechanical services
- Fire fighting services
- Plumbing and carpentry
- Building management system (BMS) operations
- Asset management
- Specialized engineering services
- Energy management and sustainability
- Adhoc project management
Importance of Hard FM Services
Hard FM services are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of a facility. Proper maintenance and management of the physical infrastructure help create a safe working environment, prevent unscheduled breakdowns, control costs, and extend the lifespan of assets.
Conclusion
Hard FM services play a vital role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and longevity of a facility. By ensuring that the physical infrastructure is properly maintained and managed, hard FM services help create a safe working environment, prevent unscheduled breakdowns, control costs, and extend the lifespan of assets.
References:
- CompareSoft. (2023). Soft FM & Hard FM: What’s the Difference in FM Services? Retrieved from https://comparesoft.com/facilities-management-software/hard-and-soft-fm-services/
- UpKeep. (n.d.). What are Hard and Soft Service Facilities Management? Retrieved from https://www.upkeep.com/learning/hard-and-soft-services-facilities-management/
- Supreme Facility Management Pvt Ltd. (2023). What are Hard and Soft Service Facilities Management? Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-hard-soft-service-facilities-management
FAQs
What is hard facilities management?
Hard facilities management involves the management and maintenance of the physical infrastructure of a facility, including the building structure, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, and other essential components.
What are some examples of hard FM services?
Examples of hard FM services include electrical and mechanical services, fire fighting services, plumbing and carpentry, building management system (BMS) operations, asset management, specialized engineering services, energy management and sustainability, and ad hoc project management.
Why is hard FM important?
Hard FM is important for ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of a facility. Proper maintenance and management of the physical infrastructure help create a safe working environment, prevent unscheduled breakdowns, control costs, and extend the lifespan of assets.
What are the legal requirements for hard FM services?
Hard FM services are often mandated by law to ensure the safety and welfare of employees and visitors. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, property owners have a responsibility to ensure the daily health, safety, and welfare of a building’s occupants. This incorporates FM services such as cleaning, catering, temperature control, ventilation, and lighting.
How can I improve my hard FM services?
You can improve your hard FM services by:
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining your facility’s physical infrastructure
- Using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track and manage maintenance tasks
- Outsourcing hard FM services to a qualified provider
- Training your staff on proper maintenance procedures
- Creating a culture of preventive maintenance
What are the benefits of hard FM services?
The benefits of hard FM services include:
- Improved safety and security
- Increased productivity
- Reduced downtime
- Extended lifespan of assets
- Lower operating costs
What are the challenges of hard FM services?
The challenges of hard FM services include:
- High cost
- Complexity of systems
- Need for specialized skills and knowledge
- Difficulty in coordinating multiple contractors
- Ensuring compliance with regulations
What are the trends in hard FM services?
Trends in hard FM services include:
- Increased use of technology
- Focus on sustainability
- Growing demand for integrated FM services
- Emphasis on preventive maintenance
- Rise of outsourcing