In the dynamic field of Facility Management (FM), clear and accurate communication is critical. Whether you're managing building operations, security, maintenance, or vendor contracts, the right vocabulary helps you execute your job efficiently and professionally.
This blog outlines the top 50 daily-use terms in Facility Management—each with definitions, examples, and use cases. From engineers to admin heads, this list is a must-know resource for anyone working in operations, infrastructure, or property management.
ЁЯза Why Vocabulary Matters in Facility Management
The Facility department interacts with vendors, employees, technicians, HR, compliance teams, and senior management. Using the right terms:
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Ensures tasks are understood correctly
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Enhances safety and SOP clarity
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Builds professionalism in reporting
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Speeds up issue resolution
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Supports audit and compliance readiness
Let’s dive into the essential 50 words you’ll encounter every day in Facility Management.
✅ 50 Daily-Use Words in Facility Management with Meaning & Examples
| # | Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HVAC | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | “HVAC servicing is scheduled for this weekend.” |
| 2 | AMC | Annual Maintenance Contract | “Renew the AMC for fire extinguishers.” |
| 3 | Access Control | Entry restriction system | “Access control logs are to be reviewed daily.” |
| 4 | Asset Management | Monitoring and control of physical assets | “Use asset tags for all IT equipment.” |
| 5 | BMS | Building Management System | “The BMS dashboard shows a fault in the chiller unit.” |
| 6 | Breakdown | Unexpected equipment failure | “There’s a breakdown in the diesel generator.” |
| 7 | Calibration | Measuring equipment accuracy | “Calibration of gas detectors is due.” |
| 8 | Checklist | Task completion sheet | “Fill the housekeeping checklist daily.” |
| 9 | Cleaning Roster | Cleaning duty schedule | “Update the pantry cleaning roster.” |
| 10 | Compliance | Following safety and legal rules | “Fire NOC is pending for compliance.” |
| 11 | Consumables | Short-term use items | “Pantry consumables like paper cups need refill.” |
| 12 | CCTV | Surveillance camera system | “CCTV backup is to be maintained for 30 days.” |
| 13 | Contractor | External service provider | “The lift contractor has been assigned for servicing.” |
| 14 | DG Set | Diesel Generator Set | “DG set is due for fuel top-up.” |
| 15 | Downtime | System/equipment non-operational time | “Server room AC had 1 hour of downtime.” |
| 16 | Elevator | Lift system | “AMC provider will audit all elevators next week.” |
| 17 | Energy Audit | Review of power consumption | “Conduct an annual energy audit of the premises.” |
| 18 | Escalation | Reporting an unresolved issue | “Escalate water leakage if not fixed in 4 hrs.” |
| 19 | Fire Drill | Emergency evacuation practice | “Next fire drill is on Friday at 4 PM.” |
| 20 | Fire Panel | Central fire alarm control board | “Check the fire panel for system health daily.” |
| 21 | Fixture | Fixed equipment like lights, fans | “Replace the restroom light fixture.” |
| 22 | Floor Plan | Building layout drawing | “Use the floor plan to identify emergency exits.” |
| 23 | Garbage Disposal | Waste collection & clearance | “Ensure regular garbage disposal after 7 PM.” |
| 24 | Generator | Backup power source | “Run the generator for 10 minutes every Sunday.” |
| 25 | Grease Trap | Wastewater filtering device | “The kitchen grease trap needs cleaning.” |
| 26 | Handyman | Skilled maintenance person | “Call the handyman for door lock repair.” |
| 27 | Housekeeping | Facility cleaning and upkeep | “Housekeeping staff rotation to be reviewed monthly.” |
| 28 | Incident Report | Written event log | “Submit an incident report for the glass breakage.” |
| 29 | Inventory | Stock record | “Stationery inventory is to be updated weekly.” |
| 30 | Janitor | Cleaning staff | “Janitor duty starts at 8 AM daily.” |
| 31 | Key Management | Lock/key tracking system | “Implement digital key management in server room.” |
| 32 | LED | Light Emitting Diode light | “Switch all office lights to LED bulbs.” |
| 33 | Lift License | Government permit to operate lift | “Lift license renewal due next month.” |
| 34 | MEP | Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing | “MEP contractor will inspect the new site.” |
| 35 | MIS Report | Data-based summary for management | “Facility MIS report due on 1st of every month.” |
| 36 | Monthly Inspection | Routine check of premises | “Document the monthly inspection in Excel.” |
| 37 | MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet | “Keep MSDS of all chemicals in janitor room.” |
| 38 | Occupancy Certificate | Legal usage permit for property | “Submit OC copy to the legal team.” |
| 39 | Parking Management | Vehicle space control | “Issue monthly parking stickers to employees.” |
| 40 | Pest Control | Insect and rodent treatment | “Pest control is due in pantry and basement.” |
| 41 | Preventive Maintenance | Scheduled repairs to prevent breakdown | “Schedule preventive maintenance of HVAC units.” |
| 42 | PPE | Personal Protective Equipment | “Technicians must wear PPE during DG servicing.” |
| 43 | Procurement | Buying materials or services | “Procurement of air purifiers for all floors needed.” |
| 44 | Recycling | Waste conversion process | “Initiate paper recycling for office waste.” |
| 45 | Relocation | Moving office/facility | “Relocation checklist to be prepared by admin.” |
| 46 | Restroom Hygiene | Washroom cleanliness protocol | “Check restroom hygiene checklist twice a day.” |
| 47 | Risk Assessment | Hazard identification | “Do a risk assessment of the electrical panel room.” |
| 48 | Safety Audit | Review of safety measures | “Conduct a quarterly safety audit.” |
| 49 | Signage | Informational signs in office | “Add emergency exit signage in the basement.” |
| 50 | Work Order | Official maintenance job instruction | “Issue a work order for window repairs.” |
ЁЯУК How to Use This Vocabulary
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ЁЯз╛ Email & Reports: Use correct terms to communicate with vendors and management
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ЁЯЫа Technician Instructions: Standard terms avoid errors in repairs and servicing
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ЁЯУЛ SOP & Compliance: Accurate words in documentation meet audit expectations
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ЁЯУЮ Vendor Calls: Clarity on AMC, BMS, CCTV, etc., builds better vendor trust
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ЁЯУЪ Training Sessions: Great for new employee orientation or safety sessions
ЁЯТ╝ Roles That Use These Words Daily
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Facility Manager
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Admin Head
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Site In-charge
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Property Manager
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Technical Officer
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Security Supervisor
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Housekeeping Head
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AMC Coordinator
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Maintenance Engineer
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Vendor Manager
ЁЯЪА Why You Should Master Facility Vocabulary
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Improves written & verbal communication
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Ensures clarity in compliance & inspection tasks
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Saves time during escalations
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Helps during vendor discussions and audits
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Boosts career confidence & growth
