Case Study – FM confidential: our sterling work at a defence facility

For the past six years, Precision FM has been providing cleaning and support services at a high-security defence facility in Leicestershire. Delivering an array of facilities management solutions in this secure complex, Precision FM addresses demanding challenges in a unique environment.

The challenge at this defence facility

The nature of the work at this high-security defence complex is varied and requires reliable, consistent facilities management. The building’s owners needed maintenance and cleaning services that would fit around their important work and which could not be compromised by an interruption in delivery. It is essential that security managers at the site know who is present at all times, and why. If maintenance and cleaning were outsourced arbitrarily, these strict supervisory criteria may prove to be challenging.

Winning this prestigious contract presented us with an opportunity to move into the management of secure defence organisations.

Routine and responsive

Precision FM’s account management team worked with the facility’s owners to plan a routine maintenance schedule. An established work outline is appreciated by supervisors in such a sensitive environment, allowing security to ensure the FM team has the necessary security clearance and a clear overview of who will be on-site and when.

Whilst a calculated, trusted routine is valued, the facility’s owners also value how Precision FM can respond quickly to off-schedule repairs. As a medium-sized business, we can provide a responsive solution, tailored to such a sensitive complex’s precise, unequivocal demands.

Fire protection

Precision FM coordinates fire risk assessments across the defence building, utilising reputable subcontractors with whom we have a long-standing relationship.

We identify all possible fire causes, such as faulty electrical installations and poorly placed combustibles. Our PAT Testing identifies defective electronic equipment before it causes damage or injury.

Our partners ensure that the premises are serviced in compliance with building fire standards and that appropriate means of evacuation are present.

Fire detection systems and smoke alarms are checked across the premises, and a gathering point has been established and communicated to all staff.

Waste and water

Precision FM supplies a superior cleaning service adapted to meet specific operational constraints. This is realised through a continually high standard of service and a professional attitude to monitoring performance, using modern equipment and practices.

We advise the building’s managers which areas need higher levels of cleaning, information they can then use to inform their planning of space.

Our cleaning teams are up to date with all relevant health and safety and CQC compliance guidance and act in line with the Ministry of Defence’s recommendations for cleaning restricted areas.

Our water sanitation contractors deliver a comprehensive suite of water sanitation inspections. We schedule preventive action and maintenance services to screen and deter Legionella bacteria and other concerns in piping networks and storage units.

Regular on-site water risk assessments comprise an inspection of all installations linked to the water supply system, schematic surveys and recommendations for additional remedial work.

Power sorted

Our dedicated contractors for electrical maintenance visit the site to supply a comprehensive emergency light inspection solution.

We organise a complete yearly evaluation of installed emergency lighting fixtures on top of the regular “flick tests” that must be performed every month. Our people compile a detailed narrative showing each fixture and any defects identified.

A lightning protection system has been fitted to the structure to guard against damage to the building or harm to occupants from a lightning strike. This measure stops lightning from penetrating premises by providing a path of least resistance to the earth.

We inspect and monitor the lightning protection system of the facility. These checks are frequently integrated with other scheduled safety assessments at the location.

If corrective measures such as upgrading or replacing existing systems are necessary after the inspection, our team are well trained to facilitate this.

Transforming workplaces

Precision FM has received fantastic feedback from staff at the high-security site. As Brij Thankey, Chief Executive, explains:

“When we first took over from the incumbent FM supplier, there was a general sense that the on-site team had been left just to get on with things and that team morale was quite low.

“As a business, we are passionate about creating a positive working experience for all of our team members, and we set about trying to change things at the site.  We know how unsettling a change of provider can be, but we have a great deal of experience with TUPE transfers and aimed to make the transfer as seamless as possible.

“We aim to help all our team members develop and give them opportunities and a real desire to achieve. They are able to showcase their true talents and skills and this has subsequently created a genuine sense of employee loyalty.

“Keeping organisations like this defence facility running smoothly and managing the operational demands that different types of facilities demand requires an FM provider that can be adaptable and responsive. This, I believe, is a key advantage of a small to medium-sized FM business like ours.

“We refuse to rest on our laurels, though. Precision FM is always looking for new ways to innovate, streamline, and improve the working lives of the people who use the buildings we serve.”

To talk to us about how we could help your defence facility with facilities management, click here or call 0116 366 6508.