Safety Features That Modern Buildings Can’t Ignore

Creating a modern, functional, and more importantly, safe workplace is about more than just clean lines and architecture. Commercial spaces need to be of a higher safety standard than ever before in history, and this means bringing together architectural excellence with improved functionality that ensures those who use the building are safe without compromising design or the actual purpose of the building.

As regulations continue to evolve, more and more companies are taking a proactive approach to “getting it right the first time” and looking beyond minimum requirements and investing in upgrades that not only meet today’s standard but future ones and support long-term safety, reduce liability and still look aesthetically pleasing too.

Let’s take a look at the ways this is happening.

Clear, Well-Designed Walkways and Barriers

A huge consideration for any commercial property is the prevention of falls and collisions. 

So this means paying attention to the areas people walk in and ensuring there is a clear walkway that offers people a safe space to move through with added support: secure barriers to limit or slow the flow of traffic, especially in secure areas, compliant guardrails and materials designed to withstand high traffic areas.

For some, this is updating old fixtures with modern alternatives that are designed for this exact purpose: a glass handrail along stairs, clearer signage, fixtures that don’t impede the flow of traffic internally and externally. It all matters, and it all makes a notable difference in any space.

Improved Fire Safety Systems

In recent years, fire safety requirements have become much more sophisticated. Think sprinkler alarms, smoke control, and clearly marked evacuation routes. These all play a role, but so too do the materials used.

Designers and architects are choosing fire-resistant surfaces, updated doors, and improved compartmentalisation to help slow the spread of smoke and flames to give people more time to exit slowly.

On top of this building, owners are reviewing fire safety plans to meet current regulations and requirements, especially for commercial buildings with multiple businesses and standard occupancy patterns.

Smarter Access Control

Safety isn’t just protecting people from falls or helping them escape with ease in a fire or other emergency; it’s also protecting them from threats, too. This is where access control enters the picture. 

• Keyless entry systems
• Controlled access points
• Visitor management tools

All essential for modern businesses needing to know who is in the property, when and where and require access limiting to specific parts of the building or even the building entirely if it’s not for the public to use.

Thanks to technology, there is a wealth of options and support for access control needs on the business landscape to implement better security without everything else that comes with it.

Slip-Resistant Durable Flooring

This is an important one. The choice of flooring used needs to be a match for the type of activities occurring within the building. But there’s no denying commercial flooring can take a beating. However, switching flooring to materials that handle moisture, heavy foot traffic and constant cleaning will not only preserve the life of the flooring but make the entire building as safe as possible, especially in areas such as footwells, staircases and entry points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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