Designers and specifiers play a crucial role in determining the most appropriate floor coverings, including those for unique specialized areas with maintenance and slip-resistance concerns. Manufacturers of floor coverings have developed products that are designed to provide facilities with slip-resistance features. For example, slip-resistant vinyl flooring is specifically designed for traction and safety and is manufactured with a textured surface layer that might include chips of a mild abrasive material, such as aluminum oxide. Maintaining hard surface floors requires the right chemicals and equipment. The goal for housekeeping managers is to develop a strategic program of maintenance products, not just specific products that might be the cheapest.
Value comes in many forms.
Having floor-care chemicals that are compatible with each other, such as cleaners, strippers, and floor finishes, can save cost and improve performance. Specifiers should look at all costs closely, the product being purchased, and whether the facility got what it paid for. Managers should involve employees in the process of eliminating waste and inefficient chemicals and equipment. One effective tactic is to periodically evaluate products, equipment and procedures designed to improve efficiency to ensure that workers use materials that reduce airborne contamination, waste-disposal requirements and cost. Managers can simplify chemical and equipment purchases by standardizing to equipment and produces that are easy to maintain, use and service.