It’s hard to believe, but spring is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to consider seasonal maintenance and spring cleaning before hotter weather arrives.

Being proactive and keeping your Post  facilities in good condition is smart. It not only benefits the longevity of your Post property, it also improves safety for employees, members and visitors to the Post.

Here’s a list of seasonal maintenance and spring cleaning tips for better safety for Post facilities to get you started.

Spring Cleaning Tips for the Post:

• Start with the entrances. Clean and vacuum entrance mats to remove soil, salt, dirt and grime, and replace any damaged mats that might create a trip hazard.
• Sweep and mop hard surface floors, then vacuum or steam clean interior carpets.
• Give the bathrooms and kitchen facilities a thorough cleaning.
• Disinfect all trash receptacles and trash areas to help avoid bug problems.
• Check the expiration dates on foods in the kitchen pantry and clean out what’s gone bad.
• Vacuum and dust air vents and replace any necessary HVAC filters.
• Dust and clean fans, baseboards, windowsills, light fixtures and furnishings.
• Clean and disinfect doorknobs and light switches.
• Take down old flyers and announcements.
• Organize the office space. File away important documents and shred and recycle unnecessary paperwork.
• Be sure to make a secure backup of any important electronic files and keep in a safe place.
• Use compressed air and disinfectant wipes to clean dust and grime from office electronics.
• Clean exterior windows and walls.
• Remove any leaves from walkways, parking and grass.
• Pressure wash walkways that get high traffic.

Seasonal Maintenance at the Post:

• Check emergency exit lights and signage.
• Test all smoke detectors and replace any batteries if needed.
• Check directional and safety signage and replace any signs that are missing or damaged.
• Check wood and tile floors for loose or uneven planks or tiles that could lead to a slip and fall accident.
• Examine carpet for loose corners, worn spots, bunching or fraying that could lead to someone tripping.
• Check tile grout and floor sealant and repair as needed.
• Take stock of facility consumables such as hand sanitizer, soap, bathroom tissue, paper towels, etc.
• Check the stock for office supplies like printer ink, paper, pens, notepads, etc.
• Get an HVAC inspection to check for air quality and minimize contaminant and allergen build-up.
• Service your AC units now before the summer rush, which can save the Post on energy cost, efficiency and the life of your equipment.
• Check the exterior of the building, pathways and lighting.
• Make sure drainage pipes are unclogged and free of debris.
• Examine the roof, awnings and overhangs for any damage from wind and snow or for any leaks.
• Mulch trees, shrubs and flowerbeds.
• Check the condition of the lawnmower, trimmer and blower and make sure they’re ready for summer.

Staying Safe While Cleaning

Before you start cleaning up around the Post, make sure to do so safely:

• Take your time working through the facility. Avoid rushing to get done faster which can lead to accidents, or pushing too hard without adequate breaks.
• Move heavy items, appliances and furniture safely if you will be cleaning under or behind them. Use proper lifting technique and know when to get assistance.
• Take more trips with lighter loads, rather than trying to carry too much all at once. It’s the best way to avoid an unnecessary fall and injury.
• Use ladders and step stools correctly according to their warning and instruction labels and always follow ladder safety guidelines.
• Make sure to keep the stairs, landings and walkways clear of clutter, trash, bags and boxes as you’re cleaning to prevent injury.
• Be careful walking on slick wet floors during and after cleaning and place wet floor signs to alert others of the hazard until the floor has dried.
• Use cleaning products safely. Make sure to read the labels, crack a window for extra ventilation and avoid mixing incompatible chemicals.
• Empty mop buckets and put away all cleaning supplies when you are finished. Avoid leaving them out where they could pose a trip or ingestion hazard.

A clean, organized and safe Post helps reduce the risk of accidents and claims and increase enjoyment for everyone. Your efforts will be much appreciated by your Post members and guests.