| Annually, we provide a reminder for thoroughly inspecting the property to determine any critical or hidden damage that may have occurred due to weather conditions during the summer.
How has the roof fared in the baking by the sun; and in its reaction to strong winds and driving rain? In the past, you have been urged to maintain a carefully recorded roof warranty, maintenance and new installation documentation. Remember, if you take any action that penetrates or changes the roof configurations without involving the roofer who holds your warranty, you are on your own. Be sure the integrity of the roof has been maintained and you can enter the fall and winter season with a roof that will withstand the difference in temperatures and other weather conditions.
Carefully inspect all window frames, door frames, balconies, patios, decks, entrances, outdoor stairways, canopies, awnings, flag poles and other building features to be sure there has not been wind and water damage that could cause deterioration of metal or wooden structural members.
What is the condition of roadways, walk ways and parking area surfaces? Potholes must receive special attention as freezing and thawing action during the winter can create a major problem for vehicles and individuals trying to safely cross the parking and walkway approaches to the property. as an unattended pothole becomes a major break in the surface of the roadway or parking lot. Is the lighting adequate and in full working condition? If on a timer, verify the timing so as to provide lighting at a maximum level when needed.
When is the last time you had an electrical contractor do an infra-red scan of your hidden electrical elements? An unattended "hot spot" can be the source of a fire.
Verify that all fire extinguishers are in place and have been inspected and certified as in ready condition for a fire emergency. Be especially alert to dry chemical or foam units in the food service area. In spite of lectures to the contrary, there will be the tendency to grab a portable unit to hit a surface fire and avoid "dumping the hood system." There will be disagreement on this but your author sees no problem in doing this IF you have a follow-up program to immediately bring the extinguisher back to full capacity. Food and beverage will agree with me it is better than losing product and cleaning up a chemical dump. Needless to say, your protocol will prevail.
Check that all alarm systems are operating properly - smoke, heat, CO, flow, security and other special systems as may be required.
"Dust off" the OSHA mandates. Review with ALL employees the emergency evacuation program and the individual role in such an action. Review by department the HAZCOM program so all employees know the special care and personal protective equipment needed for use of chemical products on the job. Verify labeling on products, as required. Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are current and in a readily accessible form for the employee to review on a 24/7 basis. Also, maintain a full set of MSDS files at the front desk for review by emergency responders, as appropriate. Review your Bloodborne Pathogen protocol with affected employees. Similarly. check with affected employees on knowledge of, and compliance with Lock Out/ Tag Out and Permit Required Confined Spaces.
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TIME FOR END OF SUMMER INSPECTION