Rosemary Killip

Rosemary Killip

How many of you as Facilities Managers have had to help building occupants through a real event like a fire, earthquake or terrorist attack to know what actually happens in an emergency, and to understand WHY fire alarms, emergency lights and other safety devices are installed?

Workplace safety has in some instances made people on-site "experts" and so people worry about tears in the carpet, or potential asbestos hazards in the workplace. But in reality there are more things right under ones nose that could be a safety issue.

Facilities managers have a constant battle with day-to-day items such as lifts not working, toilets flooding or air-con not working efficiently, that the “dangerous stuff” often goes unnoticed and thus is never complained about until it is too late.

Building occupants often do things to make themselves more comfortable, or to be more sustainable in their buildings or offices without thinking of the consequences. For example positioning a recycled paper bin in an office that obstructs a marked exit will mean that in the event of a fire, or other emergency, the occupants’ survival might be compromised.

Rosemary is an international speaker, author and training practitioner specialising in building law. She is a sought-after speaker for building conferences and a regular commentator on building compliance in New Zealand. She will be speaking about building safety and more, and providing tips for how you can keep things safe in your facility.