By Mackenna Moralez

Lately, “preventative maintenance” has become a buzz phrase among facilities management in recent months. While the phrase has been getting more attention, the actual service plays a huge role in a managers’ day-to-day. Having a plan in place for ongoing maintenance needs can help give not only managers peace of mind, but also patients, residents and other staff members. Healthcare Facilities Today talks with door and hardware manufacturers on the ways their products can help managers address maintenance needs.

Why should facilities managers perform regular maintenance on doors/hardware? Why is important to do within healthcare facilities? 

“Preventive maintenance programs are such an important part of keeping your doors in working order and simply give you peace of mind, giving you one less thing to worry about in your facility. Unplanned downtime is costly for all businesses, no matter the size. A preventive maintenance program helps avoid costly service calls for automatic doors and keeps them operational” 

— Ashley Estrada, product manager, Horton Automatics 

“Physical environments are purpose built, and the way people move throughout any building is important. But in healthcare facilities, access points can literally be a matter of life and death.  

Doors and door hardware are physical systems, and just like HVAC, elevators, fire safety, etc. they may be disposed to performance decline, malfunction or even failure over time and exposure to use and abuse. Proper care, proactive maintenance and regular testing should be table stakes for any healthcare facility.   “ 

— Paul Canon, industry leader – healthcare, SALTO Systems 

“Regular maintenance on door hardware ensures a longer life of the product, saves the facility money, and prevents accidents. By maintaining door hardware, facilities can reduce liabilities, especially in a high-stakes environment like hospitals.” 

— Uriah Parker, project sales manager – Midwest, Allegion 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of Healthcare Facilities Today.