HOW TO WIN A LOCAL TOBY
BY TONY MOONEN
PART TWO
PREPARE A MAP AHEAD OF TIME TO WALK WITH THE JUDGES
Know where you will begin the tour with the judges and go forward from there . Remember the judges are volunteers , so make the best use of their time and yours . Your map should include all rooms and items that need to be judged . You can alert your tenants to the fact that you will be walking the judges through their space . Your team should be cautioned that the judges may ask to see all or any rooms . Be sure all are TOBY ready . If you have a space under construction it is a good idea to walk the judges through so they can see your construction plan in action .
FIRE LIFE AND SAFETY IS NOT AN OPTION , BUT A REQUIREMENT
Over the years the most points deducted in the judging are related to things that must be in place no matter the size or budget of the building . Fire life and safety items are not an option . During my RPA and FMA classes our instructor always emphasized “ what if ” and “ backup ”. Below I have enumerated those items that must be in place in various areas of the building : elevator you are calling from , the indicator lights and bell work ( one ding for up , two for down ), tracks are clean , the doors and leveling operate properly and the elevator machine rooms are cleaned and items properly stored .
Janitorial closets and maintenance shop - MSDS SHEETS need to be everywhere you have ANY chemicals . They should not just be in the management office or main janitorial closet . Make sure the lock out / tag out system is clearly visible . The eye wash kits and first aid should be up to date . Proper containment of chemicals is required . Paint and gas should be properly fire stored . The area should be clean neat and organized .
Air handler and mechanical rooms – Only air filters should be stored in the air handler room . For proper filtration it is suggested that one of the air filters / oil filters are marked with last time changed date .
Fire extinguishers – If an extinguisher has a tag that is not in compliance the score will be a 0 . If the extinguisher ’ s tag is in compliance your potential score is a 2 . Checked and initialed quarterly tags have scored a 3 . Monthly checked and initialed tags most likely will result in a score of 4 . If your building has a small staff or limited weekly visits a quarterly check of fire extinguishers may yield a score of 4 .
Fire alarm – Confirm that annual certifications are visible , the fire log book is up to date with all completed work , and that the system is working properly . If there is a smoke evacuation system at the building as well , make sure to check these items similarly .
Electrical and telephone rooms - Make sure all penetrations are fire stopped . Ensure that all exposed wires inside junction boxes are covered and not open , fire alarm junction boxes are clearly marked ( painted RED or F / A ), electrical circuit breakers are labeled and no items are stored in electrical rooms . Clean up after FPL , tags are usually left inside the rooms .
Elevators – Make sure that emergency phones work and the person on the other end knows what building and
Fire pump and sprinklers – Guarantee the annual certification is in compliance . Ask if this is done quarterly and how often the pump is run by the staff . The extra fire sprinkler heads and wrench should be in the fire box . Be sure the fire pump manufacturer plate has not been painted over and can be read .
Roof – If the building is equipped with window washing equipment confirm that it has been certified . View the area and make sure that is no unwanted
SUPER RESTORATION SERVICE CO . 1701 NW 87TH AVE # 200 MIAMI , FL 33172
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