Have you ever found yourself wondering what all the acronyms in the facilities management world actually mean? From EICR to RIDDOR, our industry is full of abbreviations that we sometimes drop into conversations without realising they’re not always clear.
To keep things simple and transparent, we’ve put together this handy jargon buster. Like many industries, facilities management has its fair share of technical terms, so this guide is designed to make sure you always feel in the loop when speaking with our team.
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
An EICR is essentially a health check for your building’s electrical systems. Carried out by a qualified electrician, it highlights any faults, deterioration or areas that don’t meet safety standards. Depending on your type of premises, this inspection should be done every five to ten years: five years for commercial / industrial and rental properties and at change of occupancy. Think of it as an MOT for your electrics, keeping everything safe and compliant.
Remedials
Following an inspection like an EICR, you may need remedials. This means corrective work to fix any issues we may have identified. For example, replacing damaged wiring, upgrading outdated fuse boards or fitting new emergency lighting. It’s the action taken to ensure your building remains safe, compliant and functional.
LRA vs L8
When it comes to water safety, you may hear us mention LRA or L8.
- An LRA (Legionella Risk Assessment) is a survey of your water systems to check for conditions that could encourage Legionella bacteria growth. More on Legionella can be found in our blog on water assessments here.
- L8 is the Health and Safety Executive’s code of practice for controlling Legionella. In short: the LRA is the practical assessment and L8 is the guidance we follow to ensure compliance.
FRA (Fire Risk Assessment)
A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for most non-domestic properties. It identifies fire hazards, evaluates risks and sets out measures to protect people. An FRA isn’t just a tick-box exercise though and should be seen as a daily practice ensuring your premises staff, and visitors are as safe as possible.
Flick Test
Emergency lighting is critical in case of a power outage. A flick test is a quick, routine check where the mains power is turned off to ensure emergency lights come on as they should. It’s a simple but essential test that gives peace of mind should a real emergency occur.
PV (Photovoltaics)
PV refers to solar photovoltaic panels developed to convert sunlight into electricity. If your building has PV panels installed, we can help manage inspections, cleaning and maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Following manufacturer’s guidelines on maintenance is key to PV’s longevity.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
You’ll often hear us talk about HVAC systems, which are responsible for keeping indoor environments comfortable and safe. This covers everything from boilers and air conditioning units to ventilation systems. Regular maintenance ensures energy efficiency, good air quality, and a pleasant environment for everyone inside. If you’d like to find out more about maintaining your air conditioning, we’ve put together a useful guide of some of the most common problems that can be avoided before major repairs and problems occur – check it out here.
BMS (Building Management System)
A BMS is like the central nervous system of your building. It’s a computer-based system that monitors and controls things like heating, ventilation, lighting and security. A well-maintained BMS helps reduce energy consumption and improves comfort and we can help you getting the most out of it.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
COSHH regulations are about managing potentially dangerous substances in the workplace, from cleaning products to industrial chemicals. It is unfortunate that there are approximately 13,000 deaths associated with past workplace exposure to harmful substances so COSHH Regulations 2002 have been designed to protect people from harm by ensuring safe handling, storage as well as usage in the workplace.
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
Finally, you will hear us using RIDDOR frequently. It’s the regulation that requires employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises to report certain workplace incidents. This could include accidents, occupational diseases or dangerous near-misses. It’s about accountability and keeping workplaces safe so talk to us if you need assistance.
Facilities management can sometimes feel heavy on acronyms, but behind every term is a simple concept designed to protect people, keep buildings running smoothly and meet legal requirements. At SFM, we believe customers should feel confident in the services they’re receiving, so we’ll always explain what these terms mean in plain English.
If you’d like further clarity on any of the terms in this blog or would like to book an assessment, test or maintenance service, our team is here to help.
📞 Call us on 01444 812 171
📧 Email office@sussexfacilities.co.uk
