COVID-19 has created significant business disruptions worldwide, and has owners and operators wondering what steps to take to ensure occupant safety going forward. Beyond just cleaning out HVAC/R systems, advanced bi-polar ionization surface and air purification systems are the modern technology facilities should consider installing to ensure their building provides a healthy environment.

Research proves that surface and air purification technology implemented directly into a building’s HVAC system can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and viruses in the air.

TOP SIX BENEFITS OF BI-POLAR IONIZATION SYSTEMS:

1. Significantly reduces dangerous bacteria and virus including human coronavirus, norovirus, staph, MRSA, E.Coli, clostridium difficile (C.DIFF), tuberculosis (TB), airborne mold spores and legionella pneumophilia.
2. Does not produce detectable Ozone*, or volitile organic chemicals (VOCs). There is no catalytic process. *UL 2998 recommends Ozone levels of less than .005 PPM. Insure all air-cleansing technologies carry the UL label. 
3. No replacements parts and minimal maintenance. Self-cleaning systems are an option.
4. System lifespan is up to 20 years with continual use and includes a 1-year warranty period.
5. Universal voltage applicable to all systems.
6. Tackles odors, particulates and static electricity in living spaces.

It is not a matter of if this technology will become a building code requirement, but when. Stay ahead of future interruptions to your business by installing a trusted purification system now.

RK Service highly recommends a bi-polar purification system install in all facilities. Our evaluation and three-step systems approach gives owners and operators the confidence they need to welcome occupants back into their buildings. Contact us to learn more.

There is a facility management staffing shortage happening now. Although the number of available positions in the industry is growing, there is serious concern about finding skilled labor to fill the roles. Not only do employers need to attract new staff to meet the expanding demand, but they also need to think about the all of the vacancies that occur as older workers enter retirement. The average age of facility management workers is 51 years old.

The labor shortage is not just happening in the United States, but worldwide. The pool of workers is down due to younger workers pursuing careers that they perceive as higher status with lower unemployment rates and competition. According to a recent survey by the Manpower Group, 45 percent of all employers say they can’t find the skilled workers they need, and skilled trades ranks as the hardest to find skill set of all.

Unfortunately, this skilled labor shortage has led to many companies putting off regular facility system maintenance. These delays can cause many issues, including:

• Increased energy consumption and higher energy bills. When equipment isn’t maintained, it often gets filled with dirt and dust, running less efficiently. According to an article by the Building Efficiency Initiative, poor maintenance can increase energy use by 30 to 60 percent, meaning companies can also expect much higher bills.
• Higher equipment cost. Without regular preventative maintenance, equipment is more likely to breakdown and require costly repairs or even replacement.
• Equipment not working effectively. Buildings may run too hot or too cold because the mechanical equipment isn’t functioning properly. This can make the building occupants uncomfortable, which can also lead to tenants not renewing their leases.

Although it is easy to overlook when understaffed, regular maintenance of facility systems not only saves money but also ensures safety.

So, what should facility managers do if they aren’t able to hire the skilled talent that they need? The best options involve working with skilled talent from a third party. Whether this means having someone brought in to train your existing internal team, or collaborating with them to handle specific things such as preventative maintenance, both can bring great benefits. RK Service offers both of these options and is happy to work with companies to figure out the right combination of training and maintenance to fit their needs.

Culture is the character of an organization. It’s the values, traditions, behaviors, interactions and attitudes displayed every day. Workplace culture is to an organization what personality is to an individual.

Positive workplace culture attracts talented people, affects happiness, engagement and satisfaction, while also improving performance. A company’s culture is influenced by everything from leadership and management to workplace policies, practices and people.

When looking to work for a company, the primary factors are often the company’s brand value and compensation to employees. While many believe these are enough to attract talent, work culture often plays an even bigger role in retaining good employees. Workplace culture makes some places great to work and other places miserable. It affects relationships between employees and leadership. This can mean the difference between working with each other for the common good of the company or arguing every step of the way.

A company’s culture is so important in bringing out the best in employees even during not-so-great times. Negativity not only crushes creativity and an employee’s will to perform but also stops the development of dedication to a company’s success.

When it comes down to it, humans are relatively simple beings. Working in a positive environment with a good culture affects the way we think and how we act with one another. So, make your workplace a positive one!

RK strives to create a rewarding workplace for employees by hosting several employee-focused events and recognition ceremonies throughout the year, check them out here.

By: RK Service

Spring cleaning for drainage systems should be an annual practice for businesses. It can identify issues before they become major problems. As the weather becomes warmer, drains, pipes and equipment should be checked to make sure they aren’t damaged and are working properly.

SPRING WEATHER REVEALS PIPE DAMAGE

Extreme winters can often lead to freezing and cracked pipes that reveal themselves in spring time. Tree roots are also known to cause damage to drainage systems in spring time and in areas with old buildings. Endless thirsty roots clog up sewer lines, often causing serious problems. Large trees need a lot of water and are drawn to any moisture they can find. If there is a pipe that is leaking or seeping water, the roots will wrap themselves around and inside of it. If there are substantial roots underground, a thorough cleaning should keep the drainage system clear for about a year.

While drain cleaning services can vary in prices, having to dig up and replace a sewer line that is beyond repair may cost up to 50 times more than maintenance. A commercial plumber can do a camera inspection of the pipes to find the exact location of the issue and alleviate the need for extensive excavation.

12 IMPORTANT TASKS TO PERFORM EACH SPRING

Perform these twelve tasks each spring to ensure that your drainage systems will remain in good working order throughout the year.

1. Inspect pipes, faucets, drains and toilets for leaks or damage and repair as needed.
2. Remove mineral deposits that have built up.
3. Flush infrequently used drains, including floor drains.
4. Snake slow-moving drains to remove clogs.
5. Ensure that water heater temperature is no greater than 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy use.
6. Drain several gallons of water from water heater tanks to remove corrosion-causing sediment.
7. Replace water heater if it’s more than 15 years old.
8. Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking.
9. Flush infrequently used drains. If the drains are slow they should be snaked.
10. If there is a sump pump, make sure it operates properly by flushing the sump pit. The pump should quickly turn on, discharge the water then shut off.
11. Install a backflow valve in the floor drain in areas where sewers back up, preventing future backups.
12. Make sure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are cleaned out, open and free of debris.

Enlisting a commercial plumber to perform these tasks annually is a smart idea for restaurants, apartment buildings, high rises, office buildings, hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes and other commercial businesses.

RK Service performs a full spectrum of drain services including high-pressure water jetting and cable cleaning to remove grease and debris from pipes, line locates to pinpoint exactly where the issue is and system assessment services. All of our services can be requested on-demand with our 24-hour emergency service or can be covered under a Planned Maintenance Agreement, optimizing building efficiency and reducing the frequency of drain emergencies.

By: RK Service

In recent years, service providers have started offering facilities management partnerships—a much more comprehensive level of operations management than a variety of one-time services. This type of partnership transcends standard service agreements.

An effective facilities management partner can help you achieve long-term business goals, including:

• Reduced operational expenses with a variable cost structure
  A partner can evaluate your facility and make resource and cost adjustments as well as recommendations as market conditions change. They can offer scalable resources, technologies and specific expertise when needed.

• Peace-of-mind that only a top facilities management partner can provide
  The technical skills and broad knowledge of an experienced partner allow access to the best service practices and technical capabilities available.

• Improved processes and boost in productivity
  A partner can review your operations and offer recommendations to implement strategies that will boost productivity and reduce on-going overhead costs.

• Reassurance that your facilities services can expand as needed
  As a business grows, a good partner can handle more and more responsibilities, allowing businesses to focus on long-term goals instead of daily facilities operations.

Facilities management partnerships are affordable and improve facility functionality. They also offer an increase in the ability to utilize the latest technologies, stay fully staffed, reduce overhead and enhance every aspect of business operations, boosting the bottom line.

RK Service is the leading MEP facilities management partner in the Rocky Mountain region. We’ll partner with you to find the best solutions for your business and leave you feeling confident in your decisions.

By: RK Service

A planned maintenance agreement is a contract between a business owner and a service provider to perform maintenance services for that business. Services include plumbing, drain cleaning, HVAC and electrical repairs, water treatment and much more. The common advantages of establishing a partnership with a trusted maintenance team include improved building performance, occupant comfort, sustainability and lower total cost of ownership.

Not convinced that you need a service agreement? Below are the top benefits of a planned maintenance agreement.

1. Energy Efficiency: With regular service, your equipment will continue to run at peak efficiency.
2. Equipment Uptime: Regular maintenance can help to keep your equipment in good condition and running for many years to come.
3. Improved Air Quality: Regularly changing dirty filters will increase the air quality and make for a healthier environment.
4. Peace of Mind: Agreements come with scheduled maintenance so you won’t have to worry about remembering to call someone for regular service.
5. Priority Service: Companies are more likely to offer priority services to their existing customers with agreements. And in the case of emergencies, the technician will likely already know your equipment making it easier for a quick fix.
6. Lower Cost of Ownership: Due to increased efficiency you’re more likely to save on heating and cooling bills. You’ll also save on unnecessary equipment replacement costs.
7. Increased Satisfaction: By delivering consistent occupant comfort, tenant satisfaction and retention rates will increase.

With an agreement, technicians will typically perform regular maintenance tasks and supply you with a report of their findings, along with advice as to what should be done next. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of service, repairs and replacement for business owners.

RK Service will work with you to develop the best solution that fits your needs, keeping your equipment running at peak performance and conserving your operating budget.

By: RK Service

Managing mechanical systems involves a deep understanding of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the equipment. Asset management relates to the management and enhancement of those mechanical systems.

Importance of Optimal Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems are comprised of pumps and filters, among other equipment, that are responsible for the efficient flow of liquids and air throughout buildings. They provide water, heating, cooling and ventilation for occupants and remove waste from the building.

The operation and maintenance of mechanical systems are labor intensive and require a technical skill. While mechanical systems can contain components that are hidden inside walls or under floors, most key equipment is located in a utility room that is easily accessible for upkeep. To preserve mechanical assets over their life cycle, regular monitoring of equipment and maintenance needs to be performed, preferably by a certified technician. Large equipment that fails, such as a burst pipe, require urgent repair, as this type of failure could lead to flooding or loss of hot water for tenants.

Asset Management Challenges

Keeping tabs on mechanical assets can be a daunting task as they require extensive record keeping. Because mechanical systems contain many moving parts, they typically have the longest list of assets in the asset inventory, ranging from fans to boilers and pumps. Often, basic supplies are kept on-hand in mechanical rooms, such as replacement filters, but some buildings also have supply rooms for additional spare parts. All of these items, from large equipment to spare parts, need to be accounted for and tracked. Documents must be kept readily available for quick reference in day-to-day operations.

Tracking with Technology

Today, technology has enabled service providers to inventory and track all mechanical assets on a cloud-based platform with easy to use customer interfaces. Warranty status, repair and maintenance history, upcoming scheduled events and end-of-life (EOL) forecasts are all recorded and accessible from a single source.

RK Service offers dedicated account management and a full MEP scope that allows us to be expert advisors for companies looking to transform their current facilities services. Contact us at service@rkindustries.com to discuss your asset management needs and what we can do to help you reach your goals.

By: RK Electrical 

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that occurs when electric current travels through the air between two conductors or a conductor and the ground. More specifically, the arc flash is the heat and light created by an electrically energized arc.

What Causes An Arc Flash?

• Accidentally touching the wrong surface or dropping a tool
• Sparks from breaks or gaps
• Equipment failure from faulty installation or normal wear and tear
• Dust, condensation or corrosion

What Are The Dangers?

Arc flash injuries can be violent and often cause serious injury and even death.

FIVE MOST COMMON DANGERS TO WORKERS

• Being thrown to the ground, blown into a wall or off a ladder by large shock waves
• Concussions that cause loss of memory or brain trauma
• Ruptured eardrums due to the deafening blast can cause hearing loss
• Receiving a strong shock by accidentally touching energized conductors
• Skin burns caused by heat from the blast

Because of these dangers, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed specific approach boundaries designed to protect employees while working on or near energized equipment. The further from a potential blast that a worker is, the lesser chance they have of being severely injured.

Facility managers and safety teams should work together to explain risks to employees.

Qualified employees should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, use insulated tools and follow safety precautions when performing work on electrical equipment. The overall most effective way to eliminate the risk of an arc flash is to de-energize equipment before working on it.

DANGERS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

It is in the best interest of business owners to regularly maintain their equipment, continue safety training for employees and provide appropriate safety precautions for anyone working with electrical equipment. Some of the most common dangers for business owners resulting from an arc flash are:

• Fire spreading throughout the building/property
• Damage to nearby equipment due to flying objects from the blast
• Extreme heat melting materials and equipment
• Increased costs due to employee injuries and equipment damage

NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Compliance standards require building owners to complete an ARC flash risk assessment on the facility’s electrical distribution system to minimize the risk of arc flash, shock hazards and injuries. RK Electrical can conduct these complex studies and provide the reporting you need for safety compliance. Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com to schedule a risk assessment.

By: RK Service

Facilities management is the maintenance of buildings and equipment. It’s a complex and difficult job which is necessary to support and help improve the effectiveness of any business. Effective facilities management aids in providing a safe and efficient working environment; and contributes to the delivery of strategic and operational objectives.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT GOALS

Facilities teams often lack the appropriate resources needed in order to meet their facilities management goals. Many times they are overworked and can’t keep up with routine maintenance. They are too busy handling day to day duties and emergencies, requiring outside assistance in order to get back on track.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP

When companies need assistance reaching their facilities goals, they create a facilities management partnership. A strong partnership can formulate and realize the overall facilities management strategy. While there are many benefits to utilizing a facilities management partnership, these are the top five.

1. ASSET MANAGEMENT
   Keeping tabs on each mechanical asset is a daunting task. Today, technology has enabled service providers to inventory and track all mechanical assets on a cloud-based platform with easy to use customer Warranty status, repair and maintenance history, upcoming scheduled events and EOL forecasts are all recorded and accessible from a single source.

2. LONG-TERM CAPEX/OPEX BUDGET PLANNING
   Are you haunted by budget planning season? Eliminate the element of surprise with your CFO by creating a ten-year budget plan based on asset life expectancy. The cost of repairs and replacement are inevitable, the surprise doesn’t need to be.

3. STAFFING AUGMENTATION
   Hiring additional full-time employees can be very time consuming and expensive. A facilities management partnership reduces your staffing needs by allowing you access to licensed engineers and technicians when you need them for significantly less money and headache.

4. SCHEDULED SERVICES
   A facilities management partner will manage your ongoing maintenance schedule. Technicians will perform the maintenance tasks and supply you with a report of their findings, along with advice as to what should be done next.

5. ON-CALL SERVICES
   Find a trusted advisor who will be there when you need them. When situations arise that are outside of your skill set or you simply don’t have the coverage, a strong service partner will quickly mobilize for critical repairs and replacement.

RK Service is dedicated to maintaining an outstanding partnership in support of our clients. With our team of 80 technicians and 24-hour on-call emergency services, we are there for you when you need us the most. Utilizing our GPS-located vehicles, we’ll dispatch the nearest technician to assist you. Our diverse experience, dedicated account management and full MEP scope allow us to offer expert advice to companies looking to transform their current facilities services. A close and strategic partnership with us can limit risk and increase opportunities to add value. RK Service is backed by the power of RK, drawing on the knowledge of over 1,600 employees in a variety of trades. Contact us at servicesales@rkindustries.com to discuss your facilities management partnership needs and what we can do to help you reach your goals.

By: RK Service

Colorado is known for its severe spring and summer storms, and they typically include large hailstones. Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms pull rain up into frigid areas of the atmosphere where they freeze into ice pellets. When the storm can no longer support the weight of the hailstones or the updraft weakens, the hail falls to the ground. The larger the hailstones, the more damage they can do.

Hail can cause serious damage to a building’s roof or ground-mounted machinery and equipment. It often damages the facility’s condenser unit, reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This excess heat not only greatly reduces building efficiency and creates unhappy occupants, it is likely to cause the compressor and condenser fans to fail, resulting in much higher repair costs.

An RTU damaged in a major hail storm.

AFTER A BIG STORM YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT CHECKED!

• Assess equipment exposure:
  Conduct an on-site inspection to alert you of potential problems and possible solutions.
• Repair or replace equipment:
  Hire a qualified technician to perform necessary repairs or replace your damaged equipment, if necessary.
• Prevent damage from the next storm:
  Install hail guards to protect the longevity and energy efficiency of your equipment.
• Prolong asset life and reduce your operating costs: 
  Keeping up with planned maintenance is the most efficient way to keep your equipment up and running.

Contact RK Service at servicesales@rkindustries.com to conduct a free inspection of your rooftop or ground-mounted equipment, make any emergency repairs or replacements and help you prevent damage from the next storm. If you experienced additional hail damage to your roof or windows, our team can also connect you with other experienced and reputable contractors, getting you back in business as soon as possible.