The most important aspects of facilities management are health and safety. First and foremost, people must be protected. Dangers can include unsafe ventilation or toxic air, a climate that is too hot or too cold, machinery that is outdated and liable to break or function improperly, improper fire detection and protection systems, improper signage that indicate exits and safe escape routes, and insufficient infrastructure.
Outside of health and safety, there are operations and costs that are also at stake if facilities are not properly managed. For instance, ageing hardware may be easier to replace or repair before it has completely broken down, which can halt or delay operations and contribute to revenue or productivity loss.
A facility manager also supports people in office environments, which can affect productivity and morale—some aspects, including office arrangements, are subject to codes and regulations that can significantly affect safety. Business continuity plans and emergency planning are also crucial to maintaining operations, continually gathering and analysing information, and avoiding downtime. It is also crucial to oversee the layout of the office, including access to bathrooms and drinking fountains, seating arrangements, any possible damage to infrastructure and managing space utilisation.