Building safety is more than just having a strong, protective structure that can withstand the forces of inclement and dangerous weather. In today’s modern world, there is a higher awareness of the threats and potential dangers around us. For this reason, commercial building safety now includes a vast scope of factors and considerations, from technological applications and AI, to security planning, protection, and more.

As a commercial office building owner, it is in your best interest to ensure your property is a safe and hazard-free environment for all. Whether you are planning a new build, or you wish to incorporate some security upgrades, there is no better time to get started than right now.

Continue reading to learn some tips for improving the security of a commercial office building.

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Commercial Building Security and Safety Planning

When it comes to building security, cameras and monitoring equipment are just the tip of the iceberg. It is important to apply a thorough design and quality construction plan to improve your property’s safety and security. A trusted and skilled commercial general construction management team can help you achieve this goal through comprehensive brainstorming, analysis, and preconstruction planning.

Here are some top, industry-endorsed tips and ideas to consider when deciding on building security renovations or improvements:

Parking Lots and Garages

Begin your security improvement planning outside in the parking lot or parking garage. Vehicles are potential weapons, and possible tools that can be used to commit crimes. For this reason, managing the traffic of vehicles on and off of your premises is an essential security consideration. It is suggested to incorporate types of parking lot and parking garage barriers to guide and direct traffic, as well as, prevent access to certain areas. Things like bollard posts, road markings, fences, barriers, and more can be strategically positioned in places that will provide enhanced security.

Building Access and Entrances

In addition to managing vehicular traffic on your property for the purpose of added safety and security, it is important to also apply the same security principles for foot traffic in and out of your commercial building. During your building security renovation planning, be sure to consider strategies to monitor or keep track of those who enter, exit, and access the building. Furthermore, strategies to prohibit building access, either for certain areas, certain individuals, or certain times, should also be considered. Things like turnstile areas, RFID key cards, badges, key fobs, and cameras have significant value. Cover all accessible and barred areas, such as roof access areas, maintenance rooms, utility rooms, stairwells, elevators, entry and exit doors, windows, break rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces like terraces, walkways, and courtyards.

Drywall Construction and Integrity

As mentioned, building security is more than just the strength of your building. However, the structural integrity of your property is still a vital part of your overall security plan. When considering renovations for improving your building’s safety and security, ask your commercial general contractor about the quality of your drywall and building materials. In the case of a natural disaster, fire, collision, or even gunfire, having strong walls can play a large role in resistance and recovery time. Building materials like brick and concrete make for the strongest of walls, while drywall is valuable in areas that do not require as much structural strength and endurance.

Reinforced Windows, Doors, and Glass

On the topic of quality building materials, another way to enhance your office building’s security is to ensure your doors and windows are secured. This is one of the simplest and straightforward methods of instantly improving your office’s security. By adding high-quality, innovative locking mechanisms on all accessible windows and doors is strongly recommended for all office buildings, regardless of size or occupancy. Furthermore, high-quality reinforced glass is another valuable upgrade to apply in your next commercial office building renovation.

Fire Protection and Safety

Protecting your building and its occupants against fires and hazardous smoke is a top priority, and even mandatory under local and state building codes. A state-of-the-art fire suppression and protection system should be in place, and fully-operational at all times. See our blog, “When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade” to learn more about the importance of incorporating or enhancing a fire sprinkler and smoke alarm system.

Trusted Commercial Office Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

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As a proprietor of a commercial or industrial property, you are faced with the responsibility of choosing the proper paint colors and coding for certain areas and materials within your complex. Although you can apply your own personal preference or business’s culture to interior drywall and painting, some areas require more specific colors for the purpose of safety.

Continue reading to review some of the recommended commercial and industrial paint colors, what they signify, and how you can get started with a professional update or remodel.

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Safety Colors and Codes

There are several areas inside a commercial or industrial property that might pose certain dangers or risks. For this reason, they must be clearly marked to inform and warn everyone around. Everything from low ceilings and scaffolding, to first aid stations, dangerous machinery, emergency exits, and more, are just a few common areas that are generally painting in code. Common safety colors include yellow, blue, red, orange, purple, and green.

Here is a quick guide to some common examples of safety colors:

Yellow – Yellow can denote physical hazards like scaffolding, low beams, railings, and more. It can also be used to denote heavy machinery and material handling equipment, such as hoists and cranes.

Red – Red is often used to signify fire protection systems and materials, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. It is also commonly used for emergency stop buttons on heavy or dangerous machinery. Red is also the color of danger, and used to denote hazardous areas like safety barricades and dangerous materials.

Orange – Orange is commonly used to identify parts on machines that are dangerous, as well as, safety start and stop buttons, rollers, gears, and more.

Purple – Purple is a color mostly used to denote radiation dangers, such as burial storage rooms and contaminated cans or equipment.

Green – Green is used to signify first aid stations, safety kits, gas and oxygen masks, and similar medical care resources.

Blue – The color blue is mostly used to identify areas of electrical controls and systems, such as HVAC systems, compressors, high pressure pumps, ovens, and more. It is also used for special repair areas, like maintenance rooms and construction projects.

Pipe Colors and Codes

The ASA recommends using the colors yellow, red, blue, and green to mark certain pipes and piping systems. For instance:

Red – Fire suppression apparatuses and equipment, like extinguishers and sprinklers.

Yellow – Hazardous or toxic materials that are, or potentially, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, extremely high heat, or under extreme pressure.

Blue – Protective equipment and materials other than fire safety and suppression.

Green – Materials that are not poisonous nor hazardous, such as water, glycols, and similar moderately-tempered and pressured constituents.

Recommended Banding Colors and Codes

As a preferred industry standard, here are some suggested banding color codes for pipes in a commercial and industrial building:

Ammonia – Purple, Red, and Purple
Fuel/Oil – Yellow, Black, and Yellow
Gas – Yellow, Brown, and Yellow
Oxygen – Green Line and a Yellow Stripe
Compressed Air – Green, Aluminum, and Green
Steam/High-Pressure – White, Orange, and White
Steam/Low-Pressure – Orange, White, and Orange
Freon – Purple, Yellow, and Purple
Waste – Black Waste – Black

Commercial Painting and Drywall Contractors You Can Trust in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you need new construction drywall installation, full-service interior painting, large-scale graffiti removal, or something in between, we are your solution to simple, effective, and affordable work you can trust. Our esteemed and experienced commercial general contractors serve corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. Request free information or to schedule a consultation, anytime.

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Security Tips for Commercial Office Buildings