FacilityBlog from Today's Facility Manager: The First Facility Management Blog

Council Formed To Address Infrared Heater Safety

2008-04-02T09:40:00.011-04:00

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced the development of the Infrared Heater Safety Council (IRSC). This safety education initiative will be dedicated to reducing fires caused by the misuse of infrared heating equipment used in commercial buildings.

The council was formed by gas-fired infrared heating equipment manufacturers who believed a program was needed to promote safe use of their products. The council administers a national safety campaign targeted to reach building inspectors, fire authorities and, through them, facility professionals.

“Infrared heating technology has a long history of safety and has been widely used to heat a variety of commercial and industrial buildings such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, fire stations, vehicle service facilities, and aircraft hangars,” said IRSC Chairman Joseph A. Wortman. “But like all gas burning products, infrared heaters have installation, operation, and service procedures that must be followed to ensure safety.”

The IRSC’s educational effort focuses attention on the safe use of infrared heaters, including their proper use, application, gas connections, ventilation, and clearances to combustibles. As part of the campaign, a pamphlet that highlights safety precautions, provides an overview of applicable codes and standards, and a safety checklist for fire inspectors, is being distributed to fire marshals and insurance company risk managers.

“We are pleased to support infrared heating manufacturers in the launch of this national safety campaign to reduce improper use of this heating equipment,” said Stephen Yurek, president of AHRI, “Many of the fires associated with infrared heaters are preventable, and for this reason our members want to be part of the solution and put a concerted effort behind safety education.”

To obtain a pamphlet or download a copy, visit IRSC’s Web site at www.irsafetycouncil.org.

About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute is the trade association representing manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment. AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s more than 350 member companies account for more than 90% of the residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufactured and sold in North America.

Lack of Corporate Support Hinders Safety Programs

2008-04-01T09:16:00.004-04:00

When asked what were the top six issues facing the safety and health profession today, members of the field ranked lack of C-suite support for occupational safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) initiatives as the number one issue.

In addition to lack of corporate buy in, the other top six issues facing the safety, health, and environmental profession are:

the aging profession/workforce;
lack of resources;
the need for more safety training and the need to increase a safety professional's ability to market his/her value/improve the "enforcer" image (a two way tie);
globalization without safety education and not enough time or funds for professional development (also a two way tie); and
a shortage of SH&E college programs, increased job demands/job burnout, and outdated PELS (a three way tie).

Survey participants observed a need for increased CEO and supervisory support of SH&E initiatives, one noted, "the top dog should hold employees accountable and businesses must integrate safety into the overall business plan."

Many survey participants feel there are not enough safety professionals being developed to meet the high demand for those with 10 to 15 years of experience, a demand expected to increase rapidly as "boomers" retire. Many also noted a lack of college programs to provide students with the training needed to enter into the SH&E profession.

Another noted, "Employers do not dedicate enough resources for safety training and tools, something that is very much needed in all industries." Others said SH&E professionals must take control and educate their co-workers, corporate management, contractors, and vendors of the value the SH&E professional provides and to go beyond the minimum. One noted, "We must improve our 'enforcer' image."

Another issue noted was the feeling of being overworked and stressed out. Some also noted a need to increase the availability of information on international safety rules and regulations.

Note: for those of you looking for an April Fools post on FacilityBlog, check out this one from the archives.

IAQ Council Announces ISO Compliance

2008-03-31T09:53:00.002-04:00

The American Indoor Air Quality Council has announced that its certifications are compliant with international standards for program operation developed by the International Organization for Standardization.

ISO standards 9000, 9001, 9004, 17000, and 17024 apply to organizations conducting personnel certification programs. The IAQ Council is the first certifying body in the indoor air quality industry to comply with these standards.

"The IAQ Council is dedicated to providing the most credible certifications in indoor air quality," said Charlie Wiles, IAQ Council executive director. "This announcement signals another important step in maintaining our credibility."

ISO-compliant certifying bodies must meet rigorous standards for program operation and maintenance, including independence from certification-related training, exclusion of trainers from participation in certification decisions, and documented procedures for safeguarding impartiality and confidentiality.

"Compliance with ISO standards sets IAQ Council certifications apart," said Wiles. "At the same time, it reflects practices that we have followed since the founding of our organization."

The American Indoor Air Quality Council is a non-profit certifying body founded in 1993 to serve the indoor air quality industry. The IAQ Council operates independent, third-party accredited certification programs for indoor environmental consultants, microbial consultants, microbial remediators, indoor air quality administrators, and residential mold inspectors.

Copper Now A Registered Antimicrobial

2008-03-27T10:11:00.003-04:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys with public health claims. These public health claims acknowledge that copper, brass, and bronze are capable of killing harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. Copper is the first solid surface material to receive this type of EPA registration, which is supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing.

The EPA registration is based on independent laboratory testing using EPA-prescribed protocols that demonstrate the metal's ability to kill specific disease causing bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is one of the most virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a common cause of hospital and community acquired infections.

Testing under EPA approved protocols demonstrates that copper, brasses, and bronzes are effective against a number of disease causing bacteria. For example, one study shows that on copper alloy surfaces, greater than 99.9% of MRSA “superbugs” are killed within two hours at room temperature.

The following statements are included in the registration: “When cleaned regularly, antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of (specific) bacteria within two hours and continue to kill more than 99% of (these) bacteria even after repeated contamination,” and, “The use of a copper alloy surface is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. The copper alloy surface material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination.”

Widely publicized statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate infections acquired in U.S. hospitals affect two million individuals every year and result in nearly 100,000 deaths annually. The use of copper alloys for frequently touched surfaces, as a supplement to existing CDC-prescribed hand washing and disinfection regimens, has far reaching implications. Potential uses that include door and furniture hardware, bed rails, intravenous (IV) stands, dispensers, faucets, sinks, and work stations, can help reduce the amount of disease causing bacteria in patient rooms.

Unlike coatings or other materials treatments, the antibacterial efficacy of copper metals won’t wear away: it can offer solid, long-term protection. Discussions are ongoing with major hospital equipment manufacturers about the development of appropriate copper based products.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Smoking Ban? Or Performance Art?

2008-03-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

This story contrasts a FacilityBlog Weird Wednesday post about a fast food chain in China that was losing business because of its smoke free policy. In Minnesota, bar owners are going to great lengths to undermine the state's new cigarette ban.

According to a 3/8/08 article from Ed Pilkington of The Guardian:

More than 100 bars across the state have started holding "theater nights" in which patrons are encouraged to dress up in period costume and project their voices, playbills are pinned on the walls, and bar paraphernalia makes up the props.

The bars are seeking to bypass a smoking ban introduced last October by exploiting a loophole that allows cigarettes to be puffed in theatrical productions.

The creative idea was the brainchild of Mark Benjamin, a lawyer who feels the policy infringes on the rights of citizens. (How do you like that, Poor Richard?)

Pilkington continues,

Bars have taken to calling their theater nights "Before the Ban", which allows them to claim that their customers are in character playing themselves before the October injunction came down. Black cloth is draped over entrances, with notices saying "Stage Entrance". And ashtrays are piled up under the label "Props". Other bars hand out badges to anyone who donates a dollar saying "Act Now!"

Officials in the state are warning makeshift "theaters" that they are still breaking the law, an act that could cost as much as $10,000 and result in the loss of the bar's operating license.

UPDATED 3/21: Manhattan Construction Crane Collapse Kills Seven

2008-03-17T10:10:00.008-04:00

A deadly construction accident on Saturday, March 15 has taken the lives of six construction workers and one woman in town for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. All missing people are now accounted for.

Despite several existing violations and numerous complaints from concerned neighbors, the accident is still under investigation. One possible cause may be the strength of a series of hoists and nylon straps used to hold a massive piece of steel designed, according to a report by William Neuman and Charles V. Bagli of the New York Times.

The vulnerability of the supports may have caused "a massive piece of steel designed to secure it to a new high-rise building to come loose and pancake on top of a second support nine stories below, shearing it free and creating a fatal imbalance that sent the 22-story crane toppling across a two-block area" of a densely populated Manhattan neighborhood near the United Nations complex, according to the Times article.

WNYC's Arun Venugopal reports, "The city had issued 13 violations over the last couple years to the construction site, and according to Mayor Bloomberg, there's nothing unusual about that. But local residents and officials say otherwise. A number of them had complained to the Department of Buildings about conditions at the site and say their concerns weren't taken seriously."

One dismissed complaint came from retired contractor, Bruce Silberblatt, who "warned the city 12 days ago the doomed crane on E. 51st St. wasn't properly braced, but the Buildings Department blew him off after making a cursory check," according to Rich Shapiro, staff writer for the New York Daily News. Silberblatt had been concerned for days about the lack of braces securing the crane at a construction site near his home.

Silberblatt says, "I think the Buildings Department is grossly negligent because they had been warned. They sent an inspector and they brushed it under the rug, so to speak. Now, I'm sitting here and, at last count, four people are dead and a couple buildings on 50th St. are completely wrecked."

This raw helicopter footage of the scene shows the extent of the accident.

U.S. statistics estimate that between 64 and 82 construction workers are killed and 263 injured each year working around cranes and derricks. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) members note that crane accidents are more likely to cause injuries and/or death than most other types of equipment, according to statistics, and that comprehensive training programs for crane operators are a must when it comes to preventing fatalities and injuries.

Certified crane operator and rigging trainer Greg Peters notes, "A national crane operator certification requirement will certainly lead to safer crane operations. The first step is to ensure that operators are being properly trained before attempting to achieve certification."

Peters noted an exchange he recently had with a colleague. “You know,” he said, “when my wife gets her nails done or hair cut, the individual providing the service has to hold a license. Yet, crane operators—who have the ability to hoist thousands of pounds of equipment hundreds of feet in the air—do not have to hold a recognized certification.” Strange, but true, Peters notes.

"In 2004, the Crane and Derricks Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee (C-DAC) completed its draft proposal for a revised crane and derrick standard for construction. The draft was then submitted to OSHA," according to Peters.

"The draft standard would create a crane operator certification requirement at the federal level. To date, 14 states have enacted legislation to require operator certification, but federal OSHA regulations contain no such provision. The existing rule for cranes and derricks in construction, codified in 29 CFR Part 1926.550 (Subpart N), dates to 1971 and is based primarily on industry consensus standards published from 1967 through 1969."

Peters adds, "When it comes to crane accidents, the obvious question is why do these accidents occur. After an accident, if you speak with an operator, investigative/review team or any observer in an effort to understand what happened and why, you will often find that the incident could have been prevented. Why, then, do so many crane incidents continue to occur? You can cite the typical laundry list of causes—complacency, pressure to get the job done, wrong equipment, etc.—but in my experience, in most cases, the accident is a result of lack of training.

"Based on my experience, the crane operator certification requirement is much needed," Peters writes. "In my case, my employer had a solid training program in place. Yet, when the state of California enacted a certification requirement, the firm began to prepare operators for the certification exams and found several training gaps that needed to be addressed. It is important to understand the difference between training and certification. Certification is not what makes an operator safe. What makes an operator safe is the training received before achieving the certification."

The benefits of requiring certified operators go well beyond the level of competence in skill ability and knowledge, Peters writes. For example, in some cases, a firm might qualify for general liability insurance premium discounts for having certified operators. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers crane operator certification.

The NCCCO certification process has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. All mobile crane operators must take a core exam, which features 90 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes and depending on the type of crane for which certification is sought, the candidate must also pass a specialty exam. In addition to the written exam, each operator must demonstrate proficiency operating the corresponding crane type by taking a practical exam. Candidates have up to 12 months to complete both exams (which can be taken in any order). Once certification is achieved, it is effective for five years, as long as medical compliance is maintained.

Peters notes, "Today’s cranes are engineered to achieve the maximum capacity to be lifted with the lightest amount of weight to be carried down a highway. As a result, the days of “running by the seat of your pants”—that is, of floating an outrigger to determine how much something weighs—are gone. If this technique were used on a modern-day crane, the crane would upset and crash well before the operator knew it was coming. To ensure safety, an operator must understand the load and the notes on it in order to correctly determine the crane’s net capacity, and to determine whether the weight of the load is under the net capacity allowed. If these procedures are not understood or not performed correctly, the result can be catastrophic."

ASSE member Van. A. Howell, CSP, observes that crane accidents are usually the result of failure to:

maintain the crane in a safe position;
properly inspect the crane;
properly calculate the load;
rig the load properly; and,
manually compute the load as a check-and-control-measure against the crane computer

UPDATE: Late Wednesday (3/19), Crane Inspector Edward Marquette was arrested for lying about inspecting the crane involved in the above accident. Apparently, he never carried out the March 4 inspection which might have prevented the accident. He has also been suspended from the Department of Buildings.

Survey Investigates Knowledge Of Matting Systems

2008-03-17T09:29:00.006-04:00

A recently released survey finds that most facility managers are well versed on the benefits of matting systems. The survey was conducted for Crown Mats and Matting during early February 2008. Nearly 120 people participated.

More than 95% of the respondents indicated they have mats installed at key building entries, and nearly 82% own, rather than rent, their mats.

Further, another survey question revealed that two-thirds know a high-performance matting system usually has a longer warranty and is more effective at capturing and trapping soil.

Among other findings:

91% know high-performance matting systems play a role in green cleaning.
70% understand that a "scraper mat" is placed outdoors to aggressively remove soils from shoes.
Similarly, 72% know a "wiper mat" is placed inside a facility to remove remaining soils, contaminants, and moisture from shoes.

One survey question asked how many people are hospitalized each day in the United States as a result of slips and falls. "Most of the respondents said it was 1,000 per day," says Tricozzi. "However, the correct answer is closer to 10,000, and many of these [accidents] could be prevented if an effective matting system was in place."

As to stopping soil, the respondents were evenly divided when asked how much money it costs to remove one pound of soil from a building. Half answered $250 to $500, while others thought it was $750. The correct answer, according to ISSA studies, is around $500.

The respondents were also asked what the term "Rule of 15s" means, as it applies to matting systems. A third said it means mats should be 15 feet long. However, the Rule of 15s actually means three mats-a scraper, a wiper/scraper, and a wiper-each five feet long, should be placed at all building entries. This was correctly answered by about 50% of respondents.

Fire-Lite Alarms Launches New Web Site

2008-03-17T09:18:00.005-04:00

The company, part of Honeywell’s Life Safety Group, has launched a new Web Site to offer multiple avenues of information, such as an interactive product information finder, documentation libraries, and a technical support area.

Data sheets, drawings, brochures, and agency listing information for the entire portfolio of Fire-Lite products can be found by way of the site’s Product Locator section. A categorized compilation of Documentation, from manuals to installation sheets, has been created to offer visitors an alternative way of locating product information. Under the Support area, the latest technical bulletins, training schedules, software updates, and interactive fire system configuration tools such as battery calculators and specification writers are available for download, free of charge.

Says Fire-Lite’s manager of communications, Marissa Guillen, “We worked hard to develop a site packed full of information that’s placed in clearly defined areas, as well as cross-referenced throughout the site. And now with users registering to receive RSS feeds on the latest postings, I see this site’s traffic increasing exponentially.”

The site is located at www.firelite.com.

New Video: How to Handle an Active Shooter

2008-03-10T10:29:00.003-04:00

The odds of being involved in an active shooter situation are similar to being struck by lightning. But lightning does strike, and active shooter situations do happen. When they do, the results are catastrophic.

While organizations and law enforcement agencies have revamped their prevention and response strategies to address this critical issue, history shows that the immediate action of people on the scene is the most effective way to minimize or stop the violence. The key to survival is a proactive mindset.

According to the security firm, Pinkerton, workplace violence costs employers at least $36 billion annually and affects over two million Americans every year. In response to this reality, the Center for Personal Protection and Safety created an instructional video designed to empower potential victims of workplace violence.

“Shots Fired – When Lightning Strikes” provides the individual employee or student with critical guidance on how to recognize and survive an active shooter incident. Realistic dramatizations depict the spectrum of decisive, proactive responses that can be used to increase the chances of survival. Steve Romano, FBI Chief Negotiator (retired), states, “You do have options, good options, to survive a situation like this.”

Randy Spivey, executive director of the Center for Personal Protection and Safety, noted that “a potential victim’s understanding of an active shooter or hostage event and a survival mindset are critical factors in determining whether they, and those around them, become victims or survivors of workplace aggressors.”

The Center for Personal Protection and Safety is composed of former U.S. Department of Defense and FBI officials responsible for much of the US Government’s current teaching and training on crisis negotiations, workplace violence, abduction prevention, and hostage survival situations. It is the parent organization of the Safe Travel Institute and National Hostage Survival Training Center.

Shots Fired! When Lightning Strikes... teaches the following topics:

Recognizing pre-incident indicators (“red flags”) in the workplace
Developing a survival mindset, a belief that you can take control and survive
Recognizing courses of action to take during an active shooter incident
Recognizing actions to take when law enforcement or SWAT teams respond

The program can be purchased from the Center for Personal Protection and Safety by calling (800) 990-4541.

Surviving A Hotel Fire

2008-03-05T09:31:00.003-05:00

Last week, the NBC Today Show aired a segment on Hotel Fire Safety hosted by Natalie Morales. The segment, entitled “Cause for Alarm – Surviving a Hotel Fire” included information on hotel fires and provided safety tips that consumers can use when traveling and also in their everyday lives at work, home, or in any public building.

Commentary from John Fannin, president of Wilmington, DE-based KCI Protection Technologies and CEO of SafePlace Corporation provided specific actions consumers can take to protect themselves from hotel fires.

This segment may provide an interesting perspective for facility managers at hotels. Click here to watch.

Salt Levels Depleted from Heavy Snow in Parts of U.S. and Canada

2008-02-26T09:45:00.003-05:00

The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) has had several reports of limited availability of rock salt in parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Canada. Due to above average amounts of snowfall this winter season, these areas are experiencing shortages in rock salt, a de-icing agent used to remove snow and ice from roads and parking lots.

Private contractors, who remove snow and ice from parking lots, commercial businesses, and retail establishments, are finding it increasingly difficult to get salt in some areas as heavy winter weather continues. The availability of salt is decreasing quickly as more and more snow falls, causing both economic and safety issues for contractors and their customers. Some SIMA members reported having to buy salt from other states, greatly increasing the cost of it.

Jim Monk, SIMA Board President, a Certified Snow Professional (CSP), and owner of Markham Property Services Limited in Markham, ON, says, “Availability of salt for private snow contractors is extremely limited this season. As a contractor and business owner, the impact of limited salt availability occurring across North America will be our company’s biggest challenge this year.”

With heavy winter storms still predicted for these areas and winter far from over, the lack of salt can create dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. “Salt shortages mean a lower level of service will be likely for most properties, resulting in more hazardous conditions,” says Monk, “We urge everyone to take the greatest care in driving and walking in these conditions, and we encourage property owners and facility managers to post signs and be extra vigilant this winter.”

People are urged to take caution while going out in heavy winter weather, as some areas are likely to be more slippery due to lack of salt.

Allsteel Joins Ergonomics Organization

2008-02-26T08:49:00.008-05:00

The contract furniture designer and manufacturer is now a member of the Office Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC), an industry council that researches the relationship between office work and discomfort, fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Allsteel is focused on creating ergonomic seating, workstations, and other office furniture that helps office workers to be more productive, more comfortable, and less likely to report injuries. The company became interested in OERC’s studies due to the involvement of a number of world-renowned researchers.

OERC is committed to better understanding the human and machine system that is comprised of the people who use office, information, and communication technologies in a broad range of settings. The organization helps companies manufacturing products in these areas stay informed about the latest findings and how to prevent discomfort, disease, and musculoskeletal disorders. Other OERC members include Steelcase, Herman Miller, Humanscale, Dell, Apple, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft.

The OERC was established in 1991 as a result of an increasing number of musculoskeletal disorders. Many of its members fit into the office furniture manufacturer category. According to Tom Albin, executive director of OERC, “We have a large range in our membership. Although our research is not always specific to each member’s area, it does provide a great value to our office furniture manufacturing clients. We are glad to have Allsteel on board.”

As an OERC member, Allsteel is able to make research recommendations to the committee, and specific requests for information about the newest trends and ergonomic issues related to the office environment.

According to Scott Openshaw, human factors and ergonomics manager at Allsteel, “The partnership between Allsteel and the OERC makes perfect sense as we’re both committed to creating ergonomic workplaces where employees can be comfortable and productive. The OERC’s cutting-edge research allows us to understand new trends and how we can apply those findings to designing ergonomic workplace solutions.”

ASSE Advocates For Mine Safety

2008-02-22T10:32:00.002-05:00

In a letter to Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor George Miller, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, offered comments on mining safety reform legislation, HR 2768 and HR 2769, recently under consideration by the Committee.

“Like all Americans, our member mine safety professionals are deeply troubled by any death in a mine. They go to work each day to do all they can to prevent these tragedies. Like you and the Committee members, they want to make sure all that can be done to prevent the loss of life and injuries in this nation’s mines is accomplished,” Thompson wrote.

Thompson said these comments reflect directly the experience and expertise of leading safety professionals in the mine industry who are members of ASSE’s Mine Practice Specialty, one of 13 practice specialties organized to help advance common principles of safety, health and environmental management to protect workers.

“Most of what is proposed in the bills will help prevent loss of life and injuries," Thompson said. "However, some provisions are not realistic given the current capabilities of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and may take away from the ability of these agencies to advance safety in realistic ways. A few provisions, though not directly safety issues, challenge the due process rights of mine owners and may be unnecessarily overbearing for the great majority of mines that work safely.”

Thompson noted in the letter that ASSE mine safety professional members strongly believe, however, that this legislation – as does the overall mine safety debate – misses a necessary approach to achieving safer mines. As our members see it, Thompson said, each time a mine disaster occurs, another serious mine safety problem comes to light that turns out to have been a known significant risk within the mining community.

“We urge the Committee to also look beyond specific fixes to establishing an overall approach to assessing safety and health risks across the mining industry that would be similar to the way a safety professional approaches a troubled worksite," Thompson said. "When a safety professional enters a worksite, professional training dictates that the first task is to make an assessment of the overall safety and health risks. By developing risk-based priorities, they are able to make the most effective use of resources to address the issues that most directly put workers in peril. An industry-wide safety analysis could very well result in an understanding for the need for Congress to re-open the Mine Act to readjust the direction and scope of mine regulation so that the resources of MSHA could focus more directly on the elements of the industry and the risks that truly represent a clear and present danger to miners."

In his letter Thompson discussed several issues including authority of inspectors; transition to a new generation of inspectors; a miner ombudsman; the pattern of violations; notification of abatement; failure to timely pay penalty assessments; penalties; a federal licensing advisory committee; rescue, recovery and incident investigation authority; respirable dust standards; air contaminants; asbestos; and hazard communication.

In urging Congress to consider including supplemental emergency response plans, Thompson noted, "ASSE understands the urgency with which the provisions aimed at improving the chance that miners will survive a mine accident have been included in this bill. Each provision is worthy of further action, as each has the potential to save lives. However, we urge you to amend the bill to make their implementation dependent on an industry-wide risk analysis to be conducted under the direction of NIOSH before placing these provisions into law. Our fear is that all these activities, if required in the time frames indicated, will overwhelm even the best efforts of NIOSH and MSHA to bring them about."

Crisis Management Training Tabletop Exercise

2008-02-22T10:04:00.005-05:00

With crisis management in the forefront, facility professionals are tapping as many resources as they can to address this vital issue. Two important tools for fms can be found here:

Read the January TFM feature by Victoria Hardy on Emergency Measures in a Post 9/11 World.
Register for Disaster Recovery Beyond Emergency Response, an interactive keynote session during the TFM Show in April.

Security Expert Felix P. Nater shares his brand of workplace violence prevention integrated into a desktop crisis simulation. Nater says, "This is a good exercise for evaluating the collective capabilities of your functional departments to collaborate in a crisis and measure your vulnerabilities."

To request a copy of this exercise, e-mail Nater at nater@naterassociates.com. To see how Nater's company can assist with Self-Paced Online Learning, click this link. To see his video, click this link.

Arc Flash Research Project Receives Contribution From Schneider Electric

2008-02-21T09:41:00.005-05:00

The Schneider Electric North American Operating Division has contributed $500,000 to become a Platinum Level sponsor of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project. The donation will help expand the knowledge of the electric arc phenomena and enhance worker safety through advances in the codes and standards relating to safe employee work practices.

“Schneider Electric’s contribution toward Arc Flash research aligns with its commitment to improving electrical standards and ongoing initiatives to protect worker safety,” said Jim Pauley, vice president, industry and government relations for Schneider Electric. “We believe this project will produce the data necessary to further our understanding of the arc flash phenomena, which will help us design safer components and provide better guidelines for safely maintaining electrical equipment.”

An arc flash is an electric current that is passed through air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. The flash is immediate, and the results can cause severe injury. According to IEEE research, more than 2,000 times per year, workers are admitted to burn centers for treatment of extended injuries caused by arc flash.

“We are very excited to welcome Schneider Electric as a sponsor of the Arc Flash project,” said Sue Vogel, director, Technical Committee Programs for the IEEE Standards Association. “Its contribution will help speed the work of this project and ensure a solution that will help save lives.”

The IEEE and the NFPA have joined forces to fund and support research and testing to better define arc flash hazards and protect electrical workers. The results of this collaborative project will provide information to improve electrical safety standards, predict the hazards associated with arching faults and accompanying arc blasts, and provide practical safeguards for employees in the workplace. The multiyear project is estimated to cost $6.5 million.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Dirty Keyboards Are Sick!

2008-02-20T08:56:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago (1/30/08), FacilityBlog featured a story arguing the feasibility of cleaning computer keyboards by running them through the dishwasher. There was even mention of one company, Seal Shield, that sells a dishwasher safe product, SILVER SEAL™, specifically designed to fight MRSA and other infectious bacteria, making it ideal for medical environments.

While this may not have prompted facility managers to take drastic action by throwing everyone's keyboards into the nearest Whirlpool®, the following news might at least motivate them to get out the antibacterial wipes and start spraying with disinfectant. With the latest strain of the flu breaking out across the country, many facilities are feeling the negative effects of employee absenteeism.

One possibly culprit? Dirty keyboards.

Back in early January (1/3/08), Steven Reinberg of HealthDay News, a service of National Library of Medicine (NLM), reported:

The highly contagious norovirus, often called the stomach flu, can be passed from one person to another through contact with commonly shared items such as computer keyboards and computer mice, U.S. health officials report. The virus, which is common in winter and is the most frequent cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea in the United States, is often contracted in schools, at work, and on cruise ships.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on a norovirus outbreak at a Washington, DC, elementary school last February [2007] in which some of the victims picked up the virus from contaminated computer equipment.

"There is evidence that shared objects and surfaces help transmit disease," said Dr. Shua Chai, a CDC epidemiologist and co-author of the report, published in the Jan. 4 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

"This is the first time that we have demonstrated that keyboards and computer mice can be a source of transmission of norovirus," he added.

Of the 314 students and 66 staffers at the D.C. school, 103 came down with the illness -- 79 students and 24 staff members. To find the sources of contamination, samples were taken from various surfaces around the school. In one first-grade classroom, a computer mouse and keyboard tested positive for norovirus, according to the report.

The virus can live on surfaces for several days, Chai said. To prevent infection with the virus, people should wash their hands after using shared objects, and computer keyboards and mice should be disinfected regularly with diluted bleach, he said.

"In addition, people who are ill should stay home for one to three days after they have had their last symptom, because they continue to shed the virus and can still contaminate objects," Chai added.

One infectious disease expert said norovirus is a common infection, second only to the common cold.

"These outbreaks are extremely common, and they occur in a variety of settings," said Dr. Pascal James Imperato, distinguished service professor, chairman of the department of preventive medicine and community health, and director of the master of public health program at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, in New York City.

Most outbreaks are food-borne, Imperato said. "A smaller percentage are due to person-to-person contact, and an even smaller proportion are water-borne," he said. "Outbreaks in schools account for about 12 percent of all the outbreaks."

Contamination of surfaces such as computer keyboards is fairly common, Imperato added.

Norovirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea that can last for several days. The virus is usually not serious, and most people get better without treatment. However, it can be life-threatening to infants, older people and those with weakened immune systems.

In New York City, an outbreak of norovirus has been ongoing since November. Some 500 infected people have been showing up each day at emergency rooms around the city, health department officials said.

"The best way to stop the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands regularly with soap and stay home from work or school if you are sick," Dr. Sharon Balter, director of enteric disease for the New York City Health Department's Bureau of Communicable Disease, said in a prepared statement. "Norovirus is common at this time of year and is not serious for most people, but it is important to take these steps to keep others from getting sick."

Imperato agreed. "Hand-washing remains the foundation of preventing the spread of norovirus," he said.

Another article from the FacilityBlog Wash Your Hands file.

Ohio Supreme Court Reviewing Landmark Asbestos Decision

2008-02-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

The asbestos lawsuit crisis facing the nation is far from over, but major strides have been made in Ohio to address the growing number of asbestos and "toxic tort" personal injury claims. Tens of thousands of claims are currently pending in Ohio alone, with the bulk of those cases filed in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), which has been called a haven for asbestos claims.

On Nov. 28, 2007, Attorney Richard Schuster argued before the Ohio Supreme Court in favor of applying the provisions of Ohio's medical criteria law, as passed in House Bill 292, to pending asbestos claims. A decision from the Court is expected 60 to 90 days following the Court date.

Ohio was the first state to pass this type of reform. If the Ohio Supreme Court decides that the new law may be applied to cases pending before the new law was enacted, 40,000 cases will be impacted. Experts predict a decision supporting retroactive application of medical criteria could lead to similar legislative initiatives being proposed in a number of other
states.

The purpose of Ohio's medical criteria law is to expedite the claims of those plaintiffs who are truly sick from asbestos exposure and to ensure financial resources are available for those who are sick now or who may become sick in the future. The law allows claimants who are sick now to bring claims, and it allows unimpaired claimants to bring court actions in the
future when medical criteria are met.

To find out more about this case, contact Schuster directly at (614) 464-5475.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Smoke Free Restaurant Chain May Go Out Of Business in China

2008-02-06T09:21:00.002-05:00

As China gears up for the Olympics in Beijing, certain measures have been put into place to help present a more inviting environment for tourists. In addition to a ban on spitting and an effort to encourage queues, there is a move to reduce cigarette smoking in public places.

Last October, the country banned smoking in taxis, and the effort has since spread to hospitals, schools, and government offices—places that have been relatively smoke free in many parts of the U.S. for years.

But the effort to clean the air, particularly in restaurants, has not been met with great success. In fact, one restaurant chain, Meizhou Dongpo, may go out of business because of its smoke free policy—the first of its kind in any food chain in the country.

According to a 1/18/08 report in Reuters.

The Chinese are the world's most enthusiastic smokers, with a growing market of more than 350 million, making it a magnet for cigarette companies and a focus of international health concerns. The occupancy rate at Meizhou Dongpo, a chain serving the spicy fare of southwest Sichuan province, had dropped to "about 80% of that enjoyed by other restaurants across the street" after it banned smoking in October, the China Daily quoted its manager as saying.

Beijing authorities had written to 30,000 restaurants asking them to put smoking bans in place, but not a single one had taken up the suggestion, the paper said.

While the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has promised a smoke free Olympics, natives are clearly not embracing the aggressive tactics to curb this national habit. What will be the fate of this restaurant? Here's an update.

Time to Come Clean, Guys

2008-02-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

According to a study conducted last September, one third of the men who use public rest rooms don't wash their hands before leaving. Women were more hygienically conscientious, with only 12% failing to wash after using the facilities.

These results are contrary to a Harris Interactive Study, where 92% of participants claimed to wash after using the rest room. "But researchers for the American Society for Microbiology found that only 77% actually do, when it comes to public restrooms. That's a 6% decline from a similar study in 2005." (Associated Press, 9/17/2007.)

Hand washing is widely believed to be one of the most effective ways to combat against the spread of infectious diseases. And high traffic public rest rooms are thought to be virtual germ incubators.

The findings of the survey, co-sponsored by the Soap and Detergent Association, were released to a meeting of infectious disease scientists on Monday, September 17, 2007. The findings were based on a study of 6,000 participants in four large cities around the country.

Details from the study (from the Associated Press, 9/17/07):
• Atlanta's Turner Field baseball stadium had the biggest hand washing gender gap. Only 57% of guys there washed up, compared to 95% of women.

• New York was Second City to Chicago in cleanliness. In rest rooms at the Windy City's Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry, 81% of men and women combined washed their hands, compared to 79% at the Big Apple's Penn and Grand Central train stations.

• At San Francisco's Ferry Terminal Farmers Market, 62.5% of men lathered up. Women did better, with 84%.

Thanks to TFM "Tricks of the Trade" Columnist Jim Elledge for providing this story.

Strong Growth For Fire Sprinkler Equipment

2008-02-04T09:14:00.000-05:00

Fire detection systems and sprinkler systems play a major role in active fire protection. More buildings in industrial, municipal, and residential areas are increasingly equipped with fire sprinkler systems, either as simple systems or more intelligent automatic systems. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems have become more and more crucial in the field of fire protection. New buildings are required by various building codes to have fire detection and sprinkler systems installed which could prevent further damages and help save lives, in case of a fire.

The market for fire sprinklers are expected to grow in the next few years, the major growth could be seen in residential sector, followed by municipal and industrial. The market itself has a specific structure, with manufacturers, distributors and installers. The study will cover these areas, along with new development in this field due to nanotechnology.

Helmut Kaiser Consultancy released a new study on fire sprinkler equipment and systems.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Cubicle Cooking/Desktop Dining Follow Up

2008-01-30T10:13:00.000-05:00

Last Friday (1/25/08), FacilityBlog featured a Friday Funny about Din-ink—the pen cap eating utensils made from renewable resources. This post prompted me to recall another promised follow up story to the cubicle cooking post featured last November. So here it is.

With all of that cubicle cooking and desktop dining going on, you can imagine how gunk (aka food particles) can collect in the computer keyboard. I confess, I see some unsavory residue in my keyboard at this very moment, and as I type this, I'm hearing one of my co-workers blast a keyboard with canned air.

"Ha, take that you crumbs!" she optimistically exclaims to herself. But those food particles never budge—at least not in the right way—and they just lodge themselves deeper into the crevices that out "nook and cranny" even the most fantastic English muffin. More drastic measures must be taken.

Now I'm not recommending you try this yourself, but I will say there are many brave souls who have done it with success. What am I talking about, you may wonder? Well, it's the idea that computer keyboards can be cleaned by running them through the dishwasher.

I have heard about this (and thought it was a joke) for a few years, but last June, NPR's Nell Greenfieldboyce did a segment on keyboards in the dishwasher and shared her own experiences with this soapy experiment.

Here is a snippet from her piece:

Studies show that computer keyboards have more bacteria than toilet seats. But it's hard to clean all those keys. So some people advocate an extreme solution: Throw your keyboard in your dishwasher.

At first glance, this seems insane. But the computer-keyboard-in-the-dishwasher advice is all over the Internet. And don't we wish it were true? My keyboard is an old Hewlett Packard that's encrusted with a kind of mysterious black grime. I thought, "Well, why not try my KitchenAid?'"

I ran the experiment one night. I put the keyboard on the top rack, cord and all, key-side down. I used a little soap, and hit "normal wash." (I didn't want to pots 'n' pans it.)

I was encouraged to do this by Scott Moschella, a computer guy who runs a blog called Plastic Bugs.

"I think now when you type 'keyboard' and 'dishwasher' into Google, my site comes up as one of the first results," Moschella says. "Clearly, you know, all it takes is one geek to do something stupid, and you've got a whole bunch of lemmings who are willing to jump off a cliff with you."

To read the rest of the NPR story, click this link.

While most keyboard companies do not recommend this method for cleaning a keyboard, one company, Seal Shield, sells what it calls a medical grade waterproof keyboard that is dishwasher safe. Its SILVER SEAL™ keyboard is designed to fight MRSA and other infectious bacteria, making it ideal for medical environments.

Click this link for a song by NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday Music Director Ned Wharton, who wrote this piece combining dishwashers and computers.

Are you willing to try this experiment? Or have you already done so? If you answered yes to either one of these questions, please share your results with other FacilityBlog visitors.

Does OSHA Require Protection of Employees from Inclement Weather?

2008-01-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

This post comes from the OSHA Advisor.

If you're wondering if it's your responsibility to protect employees from the elements, the answer is YES. Under OSHA's general duty clause, employers must protect employees from hazards in the workplace, including severe weather related exposures (like those associated with both hot and cold temperatures). As January creeps into February, it makes sense to discuss cold temperatures and their effects on your facilities staff—particularly those responsible for tasks that would subject them to the chill of the season.

Tips on how to protect employees include:
• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.

• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help employees.

• Train employees about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.

• Encourage employees to wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.

• Be sure that employees in extremely cold conditions take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.

• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.

• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.

• Use the buddy system: Work in pairs so that one employee can recognize danger signs.

• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol.

• Eat warm, high calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.

Remember that employees increase their risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Most of these recommendations are common sense, but the employer (i.e. supervisors and employees both) must be aware of the hazards and steps to take to combat the cold.

Why not take time during the next few weeks and develop training on cold weather and deliver to your employees? You’ll find it's time well spent!

For additional assistance with OSHA standards and employee training, check out the OSHA Navigator PRO compliance software.

BONUS FRIDAY FUNNY: Double Duty Utensils (Clever?!)

2008-01-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Just in case some of you didn't like the story about the warehouse full of fireproofing material that was destroyed by fire (see below), here's a follow up to the FacilityBlog Weird Wednesday story about Cubicle Cooking. Actually, this item is really a good idea, dreamed up by Andrea Cingoli, Paolo Emilio Bellisario, Cristian Cellini and Francesca Fontana for the DesignBoom Dining in 2015 contest. Winners were announced last Sunday (1/20/08) in Milan.

The product, called Din-ink, actually fits over a standard Bic Cristal-type pen cap and serves as a working utensil. As previously mentioned, it's great for "desk dining," but it's also made from renewable, edible resources like corn and potato starch.

From the designers:

Turn your favorite office tool from your desk in a common cutlery...this is Din-ink. A set of pen caps, including a fork-cap, a knife-cap and a spoon-cap, that replaces the normal pen cap during lunch time! All caps are made by annually renewable resources, like natural starch and fibres, to be 100% biodegradable and atoxic, warranting the best alimentary use. Dispensing each set in a compost friendly packaging, the whole set is designed to respect the environment. Now give your office ballpoint pen a good excuse to be gnawed by your teeth: use them for Din-ink.

The jury for DesignBoom Dining in 2015 was composed of Romeo Gigli, fashion designer (Italy), Toshiyuki Kita, industrial designer (Japan), Fulvio Pierangelini, celebrity chef (Italy), Cristoph Radl, graphic designer (Italy), and Luca Trazzi, designboom.

FRIDAY FUNNY: More Ironic Than Funny?

2008-01-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday (1/19/08), fire swept through a storage building at a manufacturing plant and destroyed the facility and its contents...spray on insulation and fireproofing material. Fortunately, there was no one inside the building at the time, although one firefighter did suffer minor burns.

"The building is a total loss," said Lexington Fire Chief Robert Hendricks. The aluminum sided facility, located in Lexington, KY, was owned by Bluegrass Station and had been leased to ThermoSpray for the past five years.

According to Beth Musgrave, a reporter for the Herald-Leader,

The owner of ThermoSpray was on site Saturday but declined to comment through the fire department. It is unclear how many people worked at the facility. According to ThermoSpray's Web site, the company has been in business for more than 20 years. It specialized in fire proofing and fire stopping products.

The post-fire company Web site appears to be putting more emphasis on its product's ability to provide thermal comfort, sound abatement, and condensation control. The ThermoSpray site does acknowledge the efforts of Bluegrass Station security and personnel and thanks the Fayette and Clark County Fire Departments for their assistance with the two alarm blaze.

The Push for Fire Safe Elevators in Skyscrapers

2008-01-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

Last Friday (1/18/08), NPR Morning Edition ran a segment fire safe elevators. This technology has been integrated into the Stratosphere Tower (the only location in the U.S. to date), and it may eventually become part of the safety code for all skyscrapers. The fastest elevators in the U.S., these lifts for the tallest building west of the Mississippi River travel at a speed of 1,800 feet per minute, creating significantly faster egress for pedestrians.

According to an article by Laurie Goldman and Sander Goldman in today's (1/21/08) Popular Science, "To make elevators fire safe, shafts are sheathed in concrete, studded with heat sensors, and pressurized to keep out smoke. Cars have heat- and water-resistant electronics." Sloping floors and drains would handle water, should the sprinkler system go off.

Fire safe elevators like those in the Stratosphere would surely save the lives of people with disabilities who have difficulty using stairwells in high rise buildings. For a population that has gotten slower and fatter, these elevators will speed evacuations. In an effort to assist firefighters, San Francisco has adopted a measure this year that will require all tall buildings to have at least one fire safe elevator.

Despite the benefits of fire safe elevators, some safety experts are concerned about the re-education process: nearly everyone has been trained to avoid elevators and head to the stairs in case of fire. One solution may be the development of a universal fire safe elevator symbol, but additional education efforts would be necessary.

For more on the NIST's official position on this issue, download this PDF by Richard W. Bukowski, P.E., FSFPE
f02034.pdf

For a look at some of the world's most interesting elevators, check out this link.