Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

What responsibilities does the engineering department have in an on-premise laundry?

1. Customer service training and monitoring laundry safety

2. Maintaining equipment and managing utility costs

3. Supervising staff and scheduling shifts

4. Designing the laundry layout and purchasing supplies

The correct answer is: Maintaining equipment and managing utility costs

The responsibilities of the engineering department in an on-premise laundry primarily focus on maintaining equipment and managing utility costs, which are critical for the smooth operation of the facility. The engineering team ensures that all laundry machinery, such as washers, dryers, and presses, is functioning optimally, thereby minimizing downtime and preventing service interruptions that could affect operations. In addition, managing utility costs is vital in controlling operational expenses. The engineering department examines energy and water usage, seeking ways to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. This involves regularly assessing equipment performance and implementing energy-saving measures or upgrades, which can lead to significant cost savings over time. While the other options contain important functions potentially involving different departments—such as customer service training, staff scheduling, and design/layout considerations—the primary role of the engineering department is centered around the technical aspects and operational efficiency of the laundry equipment and associated utilities.