Lighting maintenance is a way to cut costs. It also protects assets and helps remain compliant. It’s an integral part of any block manager’s modus operandi and can make a profound difference to block lighting in particular.
It’s obvious that regular checks, attending to problems as they arise and generally ensuring good housekeeping is uppermost on any ‘to do’ list, and is essential to proactive management.
If a block manager has reliable teams, the job of maintaining any premises becomes a whole lot easier. Buying into a regular maintenance supply contract will have a profound effect on energy saving, reduction in hassle, time saving and aesthetics.
Clients, whether they are potential buyers or tenants make snap decisions about where they want to live or any investment they are choosing to undertake. Small and seemingly insignificant considerations can make an enormous difference. Imagine walking into an entrance lobby or reception foyer that is poorly lit. Or worse still, imagine the effect of a mismatched lighting system that has been repaired ad hoc. Long shadows, poor colour and tone consistency can give the wrong impression. This in itself can cost money and will most likely have a detrimental effect on business.
Poorly lit corridors, light wells, staircases and public spaces are often the first thing people see and it’s like an advertisement for the block management system. Fittings that are constantly failing, lighting without sensors, dangerous wiring and old-fashioned systems can cost far more. If block lighting is updated isn’t it worth protecting that investment by putting a comprehensive maintenance system in place to save you money in the long term?
What should you look for in a block lighting maintenance team?
They should be compliant with all regulations, be able to undertake emergency lighting tests and ensure all emergency lighting requirements and statutory commitments are fulfilled. You should expect rapid reaction times but a proactive approach.
They should always offer clean, safe working practices with minimum disruption to the day to day, and should demonstrate competent understanding of your lighting systems.
They should also ensure correct commissioning of lighting controls are a must to consider for fitting and lamp life, energy saving and safety.
They will provide routine lighting maintenance to clean lamps in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and avoid dirt deprecation.
They should also know when to utilise spot re-lamping or group re-lamping.
Of course you could buy into a comprehensive service that includes: Initial survey, inventory built, light fittings referenced and mapped, and an update on every visit. Repairs covered by such a team include: statutory requirements, ie emergency lighting.
Jamie Willsdon is Managing Director at Future Lighting
