Tricks of the Trade Column

One facility manager with hard to reach lighting asks, "what lighting maintenance challenges have you encountered?"

Facilities Management Expert Kevin Folsom explains how and why the OSHA reporting requirements changed.

Facility managers must communicate how much money they will save in order to convince top management that these efforts can fund their lighting maintenance in perpetuity.

TFM Columnist Kevin Folsom provides advice on how to get started in the field of facilities management.

Facility managers are in the position to provide convenient and accessible tools to help break the chain of germ transmission. These tools can include hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, paper towels (drying with towels can reduce the spread of germs up to 77%), soap, and facial tissue.

A facility management professional asks TFM Columnist Kevin Folsom for advice on a computer based maintenance request system.

There are many WiFi stats that have come on the market in recent years with a varying degree of cost and capabilities. The question comes down to what you are looking to accomplish, and the user interface can be key.

Prioritizing facility management requests can be challenging if professionals don't have an effective help desk approach. Quick advice? The human touch works best.

Columnist Kevin Folsom provides both a long and short answer to this question about keeping ahead of maintenance schedules.

A global facility manager is looking for assistance with the detailed costs per square foot for renovations in existing office spaces in the U.S. and Latin America.

Creating facility management standards is a challenge that many professionals face. Folsom offers some assistance.

One reader writes to TFM Guru Folsom and asks, "What advice would you have regarding how to begin the transition from a construction career into facility management?"

While many facility management professionals have substantial "hands on" experience, certifications and accreditation advice is often appreciated.

Columnist Kevin Folsom helps get to the bottom of basic fire code requirements, if any, for buildings that are vacant.

Kevin Folsom makes energy management recommendations based on consumption, efficiency, and unit cost.

Facilities Management Guru Kevin Folsom introduces the concept of "servant leadership" to managers who are seeking ways to rate those in the profession.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom helps out one facility management professional who is struggling with roofing decisions. From the October 2013 issue.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom gives some suggestions to a facility manager who is dealing with sewage odors in several buildings. From the October 2013 issue.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom goes over the requirements for facility management licenses. From the September 2013 issue.

Is it possible to protect facilities when forklift operators treat their equipment like bumper cars? From the September 2013 issue.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom sorts through the various continuing education options for one operations manager. From the August 2013 issue.

Getting a concrete subfloor cleaned up enough for reuse requires the advice of Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom. From the August 2013 issue.

To smoke or not to smoke? That is the question. How should facility managers draw the line with electronic cigarettes? Folsom examines this issue. From the July 2013 issue.

Folsom goes through the basic steps of setting up a facility audit program and makes recommendations for a facility management professional in Dubai. From the July 2013 issue.

Folsom explains why leadership is among the most important character traits a manager can exhibit when disaster strikes his or her facility. From the June 2013 issue.

Facility Management Expert Kevin Folsom makes helpful suggestions to professionals who need to avoid quote burnout syndrome. From the June 2013 issue.

Tricks Of The Trade Columnist Kevin Folsom revisits the age old question about outsourcing and provides some pros and cons. From the May 2013 issue.

TFM Tricks of the Trade Columnist Kevin Folsom provides a cursory overview of the nuances of facilities maintenance. From the May 2013 issue.

Facility Management Expert Kevin Folsom talks about the age old issue of dealing with thermal complaints in the workplace. From the April 2013 issue.

Facility Management Expert Kevin Folsom shares some career tips regarding professional designations. From the April 2013 issue.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom gets imaginative and invites other fms to share stories on BYOD and proprietary information issues. From the March 2013 issue of Today's Facility Manager.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom provides pointers on how to select an outside auditor. From the March 2013 issue of Today's Facility Manager.

Tricks Columnist Kevin Folsom shares some helpful advice on one of his favorite topics: facility renewal planning!

What's the easiest way to deal with missing fire door tags? How do we address it? Do we have to replace the door, or can we just replace the tag?

Do you have any recommendations for flashing this HVAC unit? Is a double curb the only way to approach this situation?

Is there a common practice for changing light bulbs and ballasts located above cubicle office furniture? Many of our fixtures are above cubicles in such a way that “hanging” off of a ladder becomes a dangerous proposition.

How often do you recommend replacing the belts in roof fans? Additionally, how often should the ventilation system be cleaned?

Is there an industry standard for housekeepers and maintenance technicians per square foot of healthcare facilities?

Can you tell me what the general requirements or accepted practices are for locating evac plans?

What is it like to participate in a demand response program? Should facility managers prepare for any unwanted challenges or surprises?