Environmental concerns have led to the creation of invasive species removal programs and limit the types of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that grounds departments may use. Manufacturer-specific programs compute precise watering times and schedules based on regional climate, geography, soil compaction, slope conditions, and specific landscape features to optimize the use of water. Many new products have attachments, eliminating the need for several specialized pieces. Order snow-melting compounds suitable for the local winter conditions, and have them ready in their storage areas. Although a composting facility will require grounds space, special equipment, and staffing, it will prove useful in reducing the solid-waste stream. First is the type of area that must be maintained and the tasks associated with that maintenance. The maintenance problems of plant materials—trees, shrubs, ground covers, and vines—are directly related to the initial selection of the specific plant. Ensuring that the special needs of an educational setting and the flexibility of campus events can be accommodated can be difficult with contracted services. APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, Business Partner Code of Ethics & Conduct, ACUHO-I/APPA Housing Facilities Conference, Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP), APPA/NACUBO Key Facilities Metrics Survey and Report. Concrete pavements are widely used and can provide a durable, easily maintained surface. What works in one area may not work in another. Equipment maintenance personnel should be on duty to repair breakdowns and install plows. Special issues such as medical waste, hazardous materials, MSDS, and recycling will be included in the discussion. Success is most often achieved through leadership by staff well trained in forestry, turf, and horticultural practices, task management, equipment maintenance and management, human resources, work loading, and scheduling. I'm sure he would figure something out. Fountains and other water attractions are appealing and can add much to the quality of landscaped areas. Each of these areas requires special skills and knowledge for effective care and maintenance. This keeps the plant from settling out of plumb or to a level that will not drain. In some cases, this group may be aligned under an office of design or a unit called “University Architecture” or “Engineering.” Plant bed and turf maintenance groups are responsible for general upkeep for the grounds. Grounds managers face the dilemma of environmental concerns as they pertain to their area. Irrigation, good drainage, fertilization, aeration, over-seeding, top dressing, and chemical application are all necessary to maintain or increase the turf’s durability. Some special tasks that do not fall within this concept, such as chemical application, heavy pruning, or planting, may be handled by roving specialty crews, working in support of the area or zone crews. In new construction, the site is usually in poor condition for the establishment of turf. A well-maintained campus can be of great importance in attracting students and faculty. Of course, no maintenance program can ensure safe, playable turf on overused fields. Soil conditions determine many future maintenance problems. GroundsOpsStaff-2ed includes the five APPA Appearance Levels, the six standard grounds areas, worksheets for grounds inventory data in multiple units of measure, and much … Therefore, ramps and curb cuts should have the same priority as adjacent surfaces. Repetitive shifts in cold weather should last a maximum of about 12 hours. The established policy should include method of contact, response time expected, payment for overtime or compensatory time granted, and job responsibilities. It will include basic contracting principles, various types of procurement methods, and contract administration techniques. Courses will be structured to encourage discussion and audience participation. Successful grounds maintenance organizations are characterized by strong leadership, including well-trained and enthusiastic supervisors with adequate staffing and equipment. School grounds can be defined as the full extent (i.e., corner pin to corner pin) of all school property, including school sites, the central office, and other administrative or … Explore customer relations, quality control, scheduling and shift alternatives, and contract alternatives. Grounds maintenance organizations operate with varying degrees of success. For more information regarding the Hazard Communication Standard Program, contact your local or regional Occupational Safety and Health Administration Office. Pruning should be done to remove dead or damaged branches, retain original plant shape, control the size of the plant, or renew the plant. Each area of the country requires specific programs. We provide a … Turf maintenance may include mowing, edging, and trimming. Factory training for the equipment maintenance mechanics as well as the operators should be strongly considered when constructing the purchasing agreement. Placing stakes at walk intersections to guide operators when the area is entirely covered, or providing coffee and hot chocolate for employees during long hours of overtime, improves the operations efforts. All plants require maintenance in varying degrees. 4 talking about this. Many plants used in cultivated conditions require fertilization. Watering amounts are critical. Sunlight is the most desirable kind of light but may be unavailable. Cost factors must be considered to determine the economic feasibility of growth regulator use. Some campuses have created no-mow programs where turf is cut twice a year (fall and spring), reducing the amount of turf maintenance, which reduces chemical use and pollution from mowers. 206 Contracting for Maintenance Services (AIA approved for 1.5 Learning Units)This course will present a discussion of the contract alternative, when/why to contract, the types of services that are commonly contracted for, and competition issues in maintenance management. There are many chemicals that should not be mixed or will not mix for many reasons. As with any emergency procedure, careful advance planning is an essential element of a successful snow and ice control program. Many factors must be considered to ensure that the proper plant is chosen for a specific location. It also creates an environment conducive to insect and fungus disease growth. APPA offers an extensive collection of resources designed to help the facilities professional keep abreast of trends in the field, enhance your performance, and grow professionally. There are various architectural uses for plants, and architects and designers include interior foliage plants in their plans as a standard practice for several reasons. The facility grounds are usually what is first encountered and therefore influences first impressions. Appa (Chinese: 阿柏; pinyin: Ā Bǎi) is a fictional character on the Nickelodeon animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender and in the film The Last Airbender.In the series, Appa is the only known living sky flat-tailed flying bison, a species of animals that can fly naturally, and is the animal spirit guide of the protagonist, Aang. APPA GROUNDS STANDARDS Standardized Levels of Attention APPA: The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers has quantified workload measures into five standardized ‘levels of attention’. No-Mow Area, University of Michigan School of Music. In campus situations, particularly where budgets and human resources are limited, mowing often falls behind schedule. It is important that all of these factors be considered when evaluating equipment, as many varieties of equipment and materials are manufactured to clear, remove, and melt snow and ice. Site furniture is subject to all the effects of weather, so a regular program for cleaning, repainting, refurbishment, and replacement is important to include in any work plan. If artificial light is the sole source, fluorescent is better than incandescent. Just before the first snow or ice conditions are expected, hold a brief meeting of all employees and contractors to explain or review the mission and expectations of the operation and delineate responsibilities of the various crews. Theodore Weidner, PhD Purdue University. Grounds maintenance groups generally include a variety of disciplines. Many factors determine seed selection, including use of the lawn; mowing heights; available water and fertility rates; insect and fungus resistance; shade percentage; and intensity, soil factors, and drainage. Staking reduces losses caused by wind, people, and other physical problems. The grounds are maintained year round by a landscape specialist who performs all aspect of maintenance which includes but not limited to, Fertilization, pre-emergent, post- emergent, tree … Additional specialized crews may be necessary for maintaining site furniture, grafitti removal, emptying exterior trash cans, and litter removal which is often the most time consuming task on a college campus. In addition to general training applicable to all facilities staff, training should be provided for grounds staff in such specialized areas as the care and operation of grounds equipment; the most effective techniques for the planting, maintenance, and pruning of plant materials; the requirements of government regulations; and safety. 202 Maintenance & Operations of Building Systems (AIA approved for 1.5 Learning Units)This session will present an overview of the basic principles in maintaining and operating the various systems in higher education facilities. LEVEL l. State-of-the-art maintenance applied to a high-quality diverse landscape. Problem areas can be discussed and special requests or expectations presented. In the evenings, on weekends, and during nonbusiness hours, the responsibility for callback must be clearly established. The insect or other organism must be identified before proper treatment can be selected. TCO Article Archives. In addition, modern grounds managers must be aware of their operation’s effect on the environment, from such things as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and sand and salt during winter de-icing operations. Selecting grass for disease resistance is important, and a program of seasonal treatment should be established to cope with standard problems. Standards may be established on a campus-wide basis or individually according to buildings and functions. For instance, will tractors, commercial lawn mowers, and dump trucks be equipped for snow and ice control? Close supervision, inspections, and feedback to the contractor are all essential. Proper balance can only be reached by learning the peculiarities of individual plants. Any breach of this Code of … Selection of plants to withstand the various conditions is critical. It is now commonly known that the appearance of a college campus affects recruitment and the mental and physiological health of the students, faculty, and staff who live and work there. The brighter the light provided, the shorter the period of illumination required. These standards should specifically establish responsibility for management and enforcement of the program. Because funding for equipment is generally limited, it is important to select equipment that will be cost-effective. Is the landscape architect looking for a tree or a shrub? Related to fertilization is the introduction of various trace elements lacking or trapped in the soil. This problem often occurs in climates that expose surfaces to continued freeze-thaw cycles. Those responsibilities may include such functions as waste removal, recycling, moving, pest management, and special events support. Ivy’s value as insulation has not been determined but is significant. As summer passes, the cutting height should be raised to allow more leaf surface to remain. Although the idea of growing plants inside is not new, it has never been so popular. The electives will provide a more in-depth review of specific maintenance issues such as roof systems, mechanical/electrical systems, recycling, fire and life safety systems, emergency preparedness, and customer relations. Foliaged plants most often found in campus buildings are placed in public areas such as entrances, hallways, lobbies, and lounges. In addition to grounds maintenance staff, maintenance can require the participation of mechanical and electrical shops for care of pumps, nozzles, lighting, and other mechanical features. 203 Grounds Maintenance Programs (AIA approved for 1.5 Learning Units)Examine the basic issues related to an effective grounds maintenance program: turf and plant materials, necessary equipment, organization and staffing requirements, and grounds design guidelines. These insects can be a bother to the human inhabitants of the buildings covered by this ivy. Street and parking lot snow removal may be assigned to grounds maintenance crews or to a campus service group that operates heavier equipment and trucks. Iron is either not present in the soil or not available to the plant because of some other soil condition. Most plants can be sprayed with a mixture of one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with one gallon of water to help keep them clean, shiny, and healthy. State extension services can be one of the best sources of training assistance and materials that are both of high quality and specific to local area needs and conditions. Grounds maintenance employees, usually experienced with heavier equipment, should be responsible for snow removal from sidewalks and curb cuts. 205 Environmental Health & Safety Programs (AIA approved for 1.5 Learning Units)This course will provide a basic overview of plant safety (OSHA, confined space, workers comp, MSDS, shop safety rules) and campus safety including lighting, fire and life safety, and general security. It is important for all maintenance staff to understand where the high-priority areas are so that the maximum possible care is given to these areas and not wasted in areas of less importance. Washroom and shower … If human resources and budgets are still of primary concern after this management practice is applied, other measures may be taken. Review the impact of information systems, financial planning and reporting systems, and various administrative support systems. A number of effective cleaning materials are now available to seal surfaces, or to remove all types of paint and other marking materials. Intensity of fertilization varies according to individual plant requirements. In addition, birds, particularly pigeons, will nest in dense growths of this vine. Although it is often difficult to establish clear guidelines for all functions, it is important that grounds employees clearly understand their functions and management expectations concerning their performance. Our community firmly aligns with the principals and values of : integrity, honesty, respect, fairness, patience, nurturance, encouragement, growth & development, service, quality, and collaboration. This method allows for the design intent of the landscape architect to be met while making sure that the specified plants will thrive. Therefore, consultants must be completely familiar with the area and its problems. This again relates to improper plant selection. If they are followed, the lawn quality will improve. Light intensity and duration are crucial to plant health. Custodial … The same plants located in the proper soil will not develop chlorosis. Also, growth regulators of turf may cause physiological problems in certain areas. Ensuring an ample margin of excess capacity is the best policy when designing drainage systems, because future growth is likely to add hard-surfaced areas that increase runoff. One way to overcome this problem is to have the landscape architect describe the design intent of the plants they are proposing rather than specifying specific types of plants. The best management practice is to cut more often, thereby removing less of the grass blade per cutting. Additional pruning and training will be used for a host of other good reasons: to produce safe, structurally sound specimens; to create pleasing shapes that best display plants’ ornamental qualities; to stimulate vigorous growth and encourage other desirable habits (e.g., dense, bushy growth in hedging plants); and to enhance flowering and fruiting. As a result of research on turf grass varieties, new selections regularly come on the market. These simple devices allow the system to turn itself on and off at certain times of day and control the length of time each area is watered. Short-term leases or rentals will often be the most cost-effective way of obtaining equipment resources that are needed on a periodic or temporary basis. Second priority is usually assigned to power plant service areas, residence halls, and food services areas. Personnel to form crews for snow emergencies can come from several sources, and duties should be assigned to relate as closely as possible to normal assignments. Incorrect selection and application methods will result in damage to other plants. Preventive maintenance scheduling that may be less routine is effectively done by a computerized preventive maintenance program. Grounds sections are often charged with additional responsibilities not directly related to traditional services in order to use labor and equipment more economically. After priorities are set, scheduling can begin. Hand watering with hoses and sprinklers is an inefficient use of water as well as labor. Aang: Appa is a 10-ton flying bison. Plant bed maintenance may include weeding, watering, planting, light pruning, and general leaf and litter policing. Disease control is an important reason for pruning. Awareness of chemical compatibility will avoid many problems. Utilizing a piece of equipment that might otherwise sit idle in storage will greatly increase the equipment’s return on investment. Grounds managers must inspect the construction site before planting a new lawn and correct any abnormalities, or unforeseen problems will occur for years afterward. UNC Charlotte Facilities Management follows APPA maintenance and custodial guidelines. Explore various contracting alternatives. The Snow Fighter’s Handbook, available from the Salt Institute, contains information pertaining to all phases of snow control. Finally, many organizations are supported by an equipment maintenance shop, which may or may not be attached to the grounds department. For maintenance staff who have traditionally tried to maintain everything at a certain level, the new direction of spending more time in some areas and less in others can be difficult. Potential problems with irrigation include increased fungus growth, thatch accumulation, and soil compaction. Have a revision suggestion? Appa was a nobleman in the Kingdom of Hungary, who, according to a non-authentic charter, served as Judge royal in 1158, during the reign of Géza II of Hungary. Among the basic elements of a good plan are the following: To remain effective, a snow and ice removal plan should be reviewed and updated each fall, well in advance of winter weather, and the updated plan should form the basis for training all essential snow and ice control personnel. Outdoor art and displays represent a peculiar challenge. APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, Business Partner Code of Ethics & Conduct, ACUHO-I/APPA Housing Facilities Conference, Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP), APPA/NACUBO Key Facilities Metrics Survey and Report, Part I: General Administration and Management, Part III: Energy Utilities and Environmental Stewardship. 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