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How Safety and Service Go Hand-in-Hand
Exterior maintenance safety in extreme heat is a growing priority for facility managers as summer temperatures rise across the country.
Sidewalks still need to be cleaned. Parking garages continue to accumulate dirt and debris. Building entrances, exterior facades, and public gathering spaces require ongoing maintenance to preserve both appearance and safety.
For the teams performing that work, summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a safety consideration that requires planning, awareness, and teamwork.
At SOLID, safety is at the center of every project, whether we’re power washing a busy retail center, cleaning a parking structure, restoring exterior hard surfaces, or maintaining high-traffic public spaces.
Exterior Maintenance Doesn’t Stop for Summer
Many of the services that keep commercial properties looking their best happen outdoors and often during the hottest months of the year.
Power washing crews work around reflective surfaces, concrete, asphalt, and equipment that can amplify already high temperatures. Parking garages can trap heat throughout the day. Sidewalks, plazas, loading docks, and building entrances can become significantly hotter than the surrounding air temperature.
At the same time, facility managers are often preparing for increased summer traffic, special events, vacations, tourism, and heightened expectations for property appearance.
The work still needs to get done, but it needs to be done safely.
“The biggest thing is making sure our people pay attention to how they’re feeling and look out for each other,” says Jim Crippen, Safety Manager at SOLID. “If somebody starts getting overheated, we want them to say something before it becomes a bigger issue.”
The Hidden Risks of Heat Exposure
One of the challenges with heat-related illnesses is that they don’t always happen suddenly.
Often, the warning signs appear gradually.
A technician may start feeling tired earlier than normal. Concentration may begin to slip. Someone might experience dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, or nausea before realizing the impact the heat is having on their body.
That’s why awareness is so important.
“Most heat-related issues don’t happen all at once,” Crippen explains. “Usually there are warning signs. Our job is to make sure everybody knows what those signs are and isn’t afraid to speak up.”
Recognizing symptoms early can help prevent more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Safety Starts Before the Work Begins
Effective heat safety isn’t something that happens after temperatures climb. It begins before crews ever arrive on a job site.
At SOLID, summer safety discussions often start with planning.
Teams review weather conditions, discuss site-specific challenges, identify available shade and recovery areas, and make sure hydration resources are readily accessible throughout the workday.
Simple steps can make a significant difference:
- Drinking water consistently throughout the day
- Taking scheduled recovery breaks
- Monitoring weather and heat index conditions
- Wearing appropriate clothing and PPE
- Looking out for fellow team members
- Adjusting work practices when conditions warrant
When employees understand the risks and know what to watch for, they are better equipped to protect themselves and each other.
What This Means for Facility Managers
For facility managers, safety and service quality are closely connected.
The best maintenance providers understand that protecting employees is essential to delivering consistent results.
Whether maintaining a corporate campus, airport, healthcare facility, hospitality property, financial institution, retail center, or public venue, clients depend on service teams that can perform safely and professionally under a variety of conditions.
That’s particularly important as more organizations invest in exterior appearance and cleanliness initiatives.
Powerwashing, sidewalk cleaning, parking garage maintenance, and public space restoration have become increasingly important components of facility management programs. These services improve curb appeal, enhance visitor experiences, and help preserve valuable assets, but they also require teams to work in challenging outdoor environments.
Organizations that prioritize safety are better positioned to deliver those services consistently.
The Growing Importance of Power Washing and Public Space Maintenance
As facilities continue to focus on first impressions, exterior maintenance has become more visible than ever.
Property owners and facility managers increasingly recognize that sidewalks, entrances, plazas, parking structures, and building exteriors play a major role in how visitors perceive a property.
Power washing and exterior cleaning services help remove:
- Dirt and grime buildup
- Gum and stains
- Mold and mildew
- Environmental contaminants
- Oil and grease residue
- Seasonal debris
Maintaining these spaces improves both appearance and safety for building occupants and visitors.
However, performing this work during peak summer conditions requires a strong commitment to safety planning and execution.
“Our crews do a great job because they look out for one another,” says Crippen. “When it’s hot outside, you can’t just push through it. You have to drink water, take your breaks, and watch your teammates. That’s really what it comes down to.”
Building a Safety-First Culture
Safety isn’t driven by policies alone. It’s driven by culture.
A strong safety culture empowers employees to speak up, ask questions, and prioritize their well-being without hesitation.
That mindset benefits everyone, from field technicians and operations teams to facility managers and property owners.
“Taking care of our people is the first step in taking care of our clients,” says Roger Krick. “When our teams have the training, support, and resources they need to work safely, they’re able to focus on delivering the quality service our clients expect.”
Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Extreme heat will continue to be a reality for maintenance professionals across much of the country.
By emphasizing preparation, communication, hydration, and awareness, organizations can help protect employees while continuing to provide the services facilities depend on every day.
For SOLID, that commitment remains unchanged.
Because at the end of the day, maintaining facilities starts with protecting the people who maintain them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Heat and Exterior Maintenance
What are the biggest heat-related risks for exterior maintenance teams?
Working outdoors during periods of extreme heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and reduced concentration. Teams performing power washing, parking garage cleaning, sidewalk maintenance, and other exterior services should stay hydrated, take scheduled breaks, and recognize the early signs of heat-related illness.
How can facility managers help keep exterior maintenance teams safe?
Facility managers can support safe working conditions by scheduling work during cooler parts of the day when possible, ensuring access to drinking water and shaded recovery areas, and partnering with service providers that have established heat safety procedures and training programs.
Why is heat safety important during power washing projects?
Power washing often requires technicians to work for extended periods on concrete, asphalt, and other surfaces that absorb and radiate heat. A strong heat safety program helps protect employees while ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Where can I learn more about heat safety?
For additional guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses, visit these trusted resources:
Meet the Expert
Jim Crippen
Safety Manager | SOLID Surface Care
Jim Crippen serves as Safety Manager for SOLID Surface Care, where he works closely with field teams across the country to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jim helps develop safety programs, supports employee training, and works alongside operations teams to ensure technicians have the knowledge and resources to perform their work safely every day.
His practical, hands-on approach reflects SOLID’s commitment to protecting its people while delivering exceptional service to clients nationwide.
About SOLID’s Thought Leadership Series
SOLID’s Thought Leadership Series shares practical insights from the experts who help organizations protect, restore, and maintain commercial facilities every day. From safety and operations to hospitality, facility care, and surface restoration, our leaders share real-world perspectives to help property owners and facility managers make informed decisions.