Scott Saunders, technical service manager at Watco, discusses the approach facilities managers (FMs) in the logistics sector should take to common repairs in the external areas of their facility.
Efficient operations in the logistics sector rely on structure and organisation throughout facilities, including their external areas which encompass car parks, walkways and loading bays. These spaces face a range of high-impact activity each day including the backwards and forwards movements of vehicles in turning areas, shutters which open and close regularly throughout the day and materials handling equipment carrying heavy loads. In addition to this weight and impact, external surfaces are also exposed to the elements throughout the changing seasons.
Asphalt and tarmac are commonly used for these surfaces as the aggregates they are made from make them very hardwearing. However, this does not make them completely resilient to wear and tear over time. Therefore, it is vital for facilities managers to act quickly and complete repairs as soon as damage is spotted. Even a small hole or crack in the tarmac can quickly worsen and develop into a large pothole. Vehicles crossing the area can become susceptible to damage leading to expensive repairs or damage to stock. Potholes can also be a trip hazard that cause injuries to workers and could lead to costly claims for the business.
Watco’s latest research suggests that these costs would be difficult for FMs in the sector to accommodate, with 86% in the retail distribution and logistics sector reporting having a budget cut of up to 50% in the past year. Over a third (37%) also agreed that budget cuts had posed a safety risk.
So what can FMs do to maintain control over surface damages and reduce accidents at their sites?
Prioritise repairs and act quickly
Finding the time to carry out repairs while juggling a big workload, with a reduced budget, is not easy. However, there are tactics that FMs can use to minimise costs and the impact on workloads, whilst reducing the risk of accidents.
Scheduling regular inspections as well as an annual risk assessment can help facilities managers spot any signs of damage inside the facility and in its external areas. This allows repairs to be carried out before the surface has the chance to deteriorate further, preventing the growth of hazards and costly damages later down the line. By training the wider team on how to conduct these inspections and allocating responsibilities via a rota, FMs can introduce this approach without overloading their own workloads. Empowering the team with the knowledge of what to look for and the impact it can have also encourages them to take greater responsibility for the health and safety of the site.
FMs should also consider drawing on third party support to reduce the burden on their own time. Suppliers can help by providing guidance on the most effective solutions to meet specific needs. On top of this, they can provide helpful resources. For example, Watco’s downloadable checklists which cover the most common hazards to look out for and how to overcome them. These can be provided to the facility team as a helpful resource to encourage greater proactivity.
Solutions for quick and easy repairs
Once damage has been spotted, the next challenge is to identify the right solution for quick and easy repairs, with minimal disruption to operations. When choosing a product, one of the most important considerations is the environment that the damage is in, and how this area is used.
In the case of asphalt repair materials, they tend to stay slightly soft once applied. This makes them unsuitable for areas where heavy or narrow-wheeled trolleys are regularly used as they can cause damage to the surface. Therefore, it is necessary to select a product that can withstand the heaviest traffic, such as Bitu-Mend Advanced which is a high-strength epoxy resin with aggregate. One of the key benefits of this product is that the affected area can be ready for use within 12 hours, minimising disruption to operations.
Some external areas also face more impact than others, which requires product consideration. Ramps regularly face the full force of heavy forklifts and trolleys, particularly at their base. Therefore damage to a ramp requires a robust repair that stands the test of time. For this, Concrex Asphalt Repair is ideal. The epoxy resin has an aggregate formulation that can withstand considerable impact that other repair methods will not. Its exceptional strength allows for thinner repairs too, providing plenty of product to work with. Its application also helps to create an anti-slip surface which helps to reduce accidents
Another factor to consider is whether another material is involved in the damaged area. Asphalt failure is common when it butts up against another material such as metal or concrete around manhole covers, drainage gullies, door thresholds or by metal tracks for roller shutter doors. These areas tend to shift under traffic or movement from the shutters operating, so conventional asphalt repair products will not be able to provide a long lasting solution. With regular movement, the sand and cement will break away, leaving an exposed area needing further repair. A powerful epoxy resin, like Concrex Asphalt Repair, is great for these areas as it will stick to metal and hold the repair in place. For extra strength, consider priming first with Tack Coat to make the job easier and provide a more permanent solution.
Adding the final touches
A facility’s car park and external areas are often the first impression that visitors or employees have of the site and can therefore significantly impact perception of the business. A well-maintained facility gives a good impression of your business, so it is important to consider the lasting look of repairs completed in these areas.
Asphalt fades as it ages and turns from a rich, dark colour to a lighter grey, especially when exposed to sunlight. This is a natural process and does not signal any sign of damage or cause for concern. However, when repairs are made they will become obvious and stand out as black patches. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of resurfacing the entire asphalt surface when a repair must be carried out, apply a bitumen-based surface dressing, such as Watco Black Top. It will provide a fresh black appearance and cover any repair patches or old line markings.
Line marking should also be used throughout external areas to enforce structure and reduce the risk of accidents. It can be used to map out parking and loading bays, as well as safe and efficient pathways for pedestrians. Watco Asphalt Paint Rapid is available in a variety of colours so can be used to clearly mark these areas, and mirror the colour coding used within the facility to demonstrate pathways and hazardous areas.
While asphalt is hard-wearing, there are lots of solutions FMs can use to maintain and repair these surfaces to reduce the risk of accidents, minimise the costs associated with repairs and support the smooth running of facility operations.
For more information on how to overcome damage to the outdoor areas of your facility and protect employees, download our free e-book here.
