Common Misperceptions About Heart Attacks And Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Dr. Glenn W. Laub, a practicing cardiac surgeon and Defibtech CEO, said the roles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are commonly misperceived by the media and general public.

“As a cardiac surgeon and advocate of public access AEDs, I believe it’s very important to create awareness not only about what CPR and AEDs can do, but to correct a few common misperceptions about CPR and AEDs,” said Laub, who is chairman of cardiothoracic surgery and director of The Heart Hospital at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ.

“First, to understand CPR and AEDs, you must know the difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Quite often, in media reports of life saves involving an AED, I have seen a SCA victim described as having had a heart attack.

“Describing SCA and heart attack as synonymous is incorrect. SCA is an arrhythmia—a disorder of the heart’s electrical activity causing an abnormal heart beat—while a heart attack is a plumbing problem; an artery leading to the heart becomes clogged, causing an insufficient blood supply to the heart. In some cases, a heart attack can contribute to SCA.

“Second, the difference between SCA and a heart attack is important to consider in relation to CPR and AEDs because the rescue response to victims of each disorder can be very different. For example, recent news reports have suggested that CPR alone can save a SCA victim; that’s not correct – only a defibrillator can ‘reboot’ the heart, making it beat normally again. In SCA cases, CPR can only buy time, helping to support blood circulation until a defibrillator arrives and after the heart resumes its normal rhythm.

“When rescuers arrive on the scene, they have no way of knowing whether the victim has had SCA, a heart attack, or elements of both. In these cases, a rescuer with an AED can use it to analyze heart rhythm and determine whether or not a victim is suffering SCA. While an AED can bring an SCA victim’s heart rhythm back to normal, neither an AED or CPR can definitively treat a heart attack victim, because neither of these treatments can fully restore adequate blood flow and begin to mitigate the damage being done to the heart muscle while an attack is in progress. As in all situations involving emergency rescue, calling 9-1-1 is very important, because a heart attack victim must be transported to a hospital as quickly as possible for treatment to restore blood flow. This treatment commonly involves opening the blocked artery with surgery, medications, or with a percutaneous coronary intervention (balloon angioplasty and stent).

“Third, as communities and organizations across America consider responses to the threats posed by SCA and heart attack, they have to realize the raw numbers—proof that these disorders are reaching epidemic proportions. Most Americans, I believe, don’t grasp the extent and seriousness of heart disease, as well as how it can be prevented.

“According to cardiac care experts, heart attack strikes about 1.2 million Americans each year, with the majority of those surviving to receive in-hospital care. A majority survives because many heart attacks are mild and not lethal, and because many community members are trained on how to assist heart attack victims.

“SCA, on the other hand, doesn’t strike as many people as heart attack but claims 90% to 95% of its victims—more than 325,000 a year—more fatalities than car accidents, breast and prostate cancer, handgun violence, fires and AIDS combined. In many SCA cases, an AED is not available onsite and emergency medical services arrive too late to help. However, as many as 40,000 lives could be saved annually with broad public access to on-site defibrillators, according to estimates, because studies show that if victims are defibrillated within the first three to five minutes after arrest, 50% to 70% survive.

“Finally, to address two problems affecting more than 1.5 million Americans each year, we must remember that CPR is not a substitute for having an AED, just as having an AED is no substitute for individuals trained in CPR. We need both, along with carefully considered response plans involving trained AED/CPR rescuers in public buildings, workplaces, police and fire departments, schools and churches, health clubs, airports, hotels, restaurants, and wherever else large numbers of people frequently gather.

“With these actions, we can significantly increase the number of individuals surviving SCA and heart attacks. AEDs have become so easy to use that even a young child can be trained in minutes to save someone’s life. Thousands across the country have received AED/CPR training, and thousands more should take advantage of this opportunity. A life saved due to these efforts could be your own or that of someone you love.”

Scholarship For Ergonomics Students

Humantech, Inc. is assisting students in the pursuit of ergonomics-related education with its 2008-2009 ergonomics college scholarship program. Through the program, a $1,500 scholarship in each of three degree programs —undergraduate (junior and senior only), masters, and doctorate—will be awarded this coming fall.

“We at Humantech are very excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the education of emerging thought leaders pursuing studies in ergonomics related fields” said Josh Kerst, vice president. “This year we’ve defined the program even further to recognize students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctorate levels.”

Scholarship applicants must be pursuing degrees in ergonomics, human factors, kinesiology, human kinetics, industrial engineering, or a related field; demonstrate a passion for advancing the field of ergonomics; have a strong academic background; and supply an example of an original project or unique practical application in ergonomics.

Applications may be submitted online only, and the deadline for all entries is October 1, 2008. A panel of Humantech's ergonomics professionals will evaluate the entries and award the scholarships by November 30, 2008. For more information about the scholarship, visit www.humantech.com/scholarship.

The HON Company and Sherwin-Williams Offer New Design-Forward Color Program

Contract furniture designer and manufacturer The HON Company has put a colorful new spin on its metal product lines through a partnership with Sherwin-Williams. By teaming up with one of the biggest names in color, HON is working with Sherwin-Williams to offer a high tech color matching system on all metal casegoods and desk products. Through the new ColorCorrect program, designers and end users have the option to chose from 42 fashion forward, industry standard colors or specify any custom matched color they choose.

“Through this exciting partnership we now can match any color you like from wall paint to artwork, or even your favorite sweater,” said Fred Colony, vice president of metal casegoods. “If you want one unit in a custom color, or 100 units, we can create your customized paint color for any quantity.”

The ColorCorrect program offers three different levels—an expanded offering of HON’s core colors, the choice of industry standards, and custom colors for an array of design options. The precisely matched customized color will be applied using Sherwin-Williams’ durable PermaClad coating, which provides color, a tough mar-resistant finish, and high gloss.

“It’s the perfect partnership,” says Andy Maguire, vice president of marketing at Sherwin- Williams chemical coatings division. “HON is the expert in furniture. We are experts in paint color. We’re bringing them the color ingredients for their high quality products. It’s attractive to designers and architects, who like the latitude to pick from a wide range of colors for commercial interiors.”

“We do most of the tinting at our plants so we don’t have long lead times for custom matches,” Colony says. “And, if we can’t make it at the plant, there’s always a Sherwin-Williams store nearby to support us to ensure we stay on top of our standard lead times.”

What’s more, the two companies also share a sense of environmental responsibility. For years, Sherwin- Williams has produced coatings with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) to help reduce emissions. For more than 60 years HON has implemented sustainable practices to improve indoor air quality. For example, in 2006, HON became the first furniture manufacturer to have products certified in the Indoor Advantage™ program by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). HON’s manufactured storage products have achieved the highest level of certification—Indoor Advantage Gold—meeting the most stringent standards for furniture emissions in the United States.

The HON Company’s waste reduction efforts include recycling paint. In 2007, the company recycled more than 50,000 gallons of paint at its various manufacturing locations nationwide.

Lochinvar Corporation Honored By Department Of Defense

Lochinvar Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high efficiency water heaters, boilers, and pool heaters, has been named among the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The award will be presented to Lochinvar and 14 other employers at a formal ceremony on September 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

This year, a record number of National Guard and Reserve members or their family members nominated their employers for outstanding support. A national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials reviews the submissions and selects the recipients for the award. Included among the 2,199 nominations was a letter from William M. Jacobs, a manufacturing engineering manager at Lochinvar and a platoon sergeant for R Troop 4/278 Air Calvary Regiment Tennessee Army National Guard.

In his letter, Jacobs expresses his gratitude for Lochinvar's generosity and support that touched him, his unit and task force, as well as many others in the United States Military. "Before, during, and after my 16 month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, I've watched proudly as Lochinvar, its ownership, and employees have dedicated time, money, and resources without hesitation to help support the citizen soldiers and full time service members," stated Jacobs. "Words cannot express how much it means for me to be part of this organization, or the positive impact Lochinvar had and continues to have on the soldiers and service members of Tennessee and the United States of America."

From a significant monetary donation to help start up and support the unit Family Readiness Group, to multiple shipments of gifts, food, and supplies collected by employees, the Lochinvar team aimed to provide positive and uplifting moments during an otherwise less than comforting experience. When the unit sent a long list of requested items, Lochinvar employees fulfilled each request, including 200 pounds of top soil, grass seed, and fertilizer to build the only plot of grass in Kandahar, which was enjoyed by soldiers, airmen, and NATO forces throughout the Task Force. A library was created with the shipments of books and DVDs, which were made available to all of the soldiers. In an attempt to bring seasonal gifts to the troops, a holiday shipment brought the soldiers cards, wrapped presents, and a decorated 6" Christmas tree, and a summer shipment delivered inflatable pools to help fight the heat.

In addition to helping the troops, one Lochinvar employee's daughter even organized a drive at her high school to gather small stuffed animals for the children of Afghanistan. The stuffed animals were sent to a field hospital and given to injured children in an effort to lift their spirits.

"All of us at Lochinvar take great pride in our employees and their families who serve in the United States Military, and we aim to support them in any way possible," stated Bill Vallett, Jr., president of Lochinvar. "I'm so impressed with the generosity of each of our employees who stepped up and helped make a difference—the Freedom Award honors the outstanding efforts of each and every one of them."

To show their appreciation, Jacobs' unit flew an American flag on a combat mission while in Kandahar. The flag was sent to Lochinvar with a photo and certificate, which are prominently displayed in the employee entrance at the company's headquarters.

After Jacobs' return, the Lochinvar team continued its mission by adopting the unit of another employee's Marine daughter in Fallujah, Iraq. They continue to collect goods and supplies that are shipped overseas to troops fighting the war on terrorism.

In addition to the Freedom Award, Lochinvar has also been presented with the Patriot Award, Concord Minute Man trophy for Outstanding Support of the Unit, the Men and Women of Army National Guard, and the "Above and Beyond Award."

GE To Take Low Voltage Offerings On The Road

GE Consumer & Industrial’s Electrical Distribution business will travel to 31 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada by January 2009. Beginning in August, GE’s new Low Voltage Revolution Tour will travel more than 12,000 miles, spending between several days in each location. The tour will take the company's product portfolio directly to the home cities of electrical distributors and industrial end-users.

The tour will feature a 45-foot industrial trailer containing GE electrical distribution technology and applications, and each tour stop will include digital presentations from GE product managers as well as on-site product demonstrations. Industrial distributors, consulting engineers, original equipment manufacturers, and a variety of industrial end-users will have the opportunity to meet with GE representatives and interact with the low voltage lineup in person.

“We’ve been exploring various ways of getting our low voltage lineup in front of our customers and partners who need it most,” explains Dick Jackman, general manager of industrial products at GE. “The tour will give them a chance to touch and feel these new products and see how they can work for them.”

The Low Voltage Revolution Tour will feature a number of products from GE's electrical distribution portfolio. "Among these will be EntelliGuard® G circuit breakers—the newest in a line of low voltage power circuit breakers that evolved from the designs and practices of GE legacy breakers. These will be shown alongside EntelliGuard® TU Trip Units, which arm breakers with technology that provides system protection, local and remote monitoring, relaying, and communications.

Tour Schedule
The Low Voltage Revolution Tour will begin at GE's Electrical Distribution business in Plainville, CT, on August 4, 2008, and will finish at the same location on January 30, 2009. The stops are:

• August 4 - Plainville, CT
• August 5-8 - Philadelphia, PA
  
• August 11-14 - New York, NY
  
• August 15-20 - Boston, MA
  
• August 21-22 - Montreal, Canada
  
• August 26-27 - Toronto, Canada
  
• August 29-September 4 - Pittsburgh, PA
  
• September 5-8 - Cleveland, OH
  
• September 10-15 - Columbus, OH
• September 16-19 - Detroit, MI
  
• September 21-24 - Cincinnati, OH
  
• September 25-30 - Chicago, IL
  
• October 1-3 - Madison, WI
• October 6-8 - Minneapolis, MN
  
• October 10-13 - West Burlington, IA
• October 15-17 - Kansas City, MO
• October 21-24 - Denver, CO
  
• October 29-30 - Calgary, Canada
• November 3-4 - Vancouver, Canada
• November 6-11 - Seattle, WA
  
• November 14-19 - San Francisco, CA
  
• November 21-26 - Los Angeles, CA
  
• December 1-4 - Phoenix, AZ
  
• December 8-11 - Dallas, TX
  
• December 15-18 - Houston, TX
  
• December 22-24 - New Orleans, LA
  
• December 29-January 2 - Birmingham, AL
• January 5-8 - Nashville, TN
• January 12-15 - Tampa, FL
• January 19-22 - Raleigh, NC
• January 26-29 - Washington, DC
• January 30 - Plainville, CT

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: A Low Tech Solution To A High Tech Problem

This story comes from Alex Papadimoulis of The Stalled Server Room. It was originally posted on 6/24/08.

According to Papadimoulis, one company was forced to move from its second floor space to another location on the first floor of the same building when its lease came up. The request seemed easy enough, aside from the slight disruption caused by the move. However, there was an unfortunate sticking point; the company would not have space (or the money, for that matter) to move its server room and all of the accompanying equipment from the existing second floor location.

So here's the weird part. Papadimoulis reports, to accommodate the new second floor tenant (who wouldn't want to deal with the inconvenience of interruptions from people traipsing through to work on the server room):

"building management and the company's executives came up with an alternative: wall off the server room door and build a new one. It seemed simple enough, but there was, however, just one small hitch. The only available wall to install a door was adjacent to the women's restroom. Inside the handicapped stall." (Pictured below.)

Here is a copy of the memo sent by the building management company as an explanation for the "creative" space planning resolution.

From: ---- --------
Sent: Monday, May 5, 2008 4:37 PM
To: Everyone
Subject: Server Room Access

Hi all.

As you all are aware, we have new tenants that have moved into the 2nd floor suites. The access to the server room is now via the women’s bathroom.

There will be a sign on the woman’s door that can be changed from OPEN to CLOSED and vice versa.

Should you need to enter the server room, please change the sign to CLOSED. Once you are done, please change it back to OPEN.

Once you enter the bathroom, you will be able to access the server room via the handicapped stall. Please close the stall door prior to entry, just in case someone doesn’t see that the
bathroom is closed.

I know this isn’t ideal, but if we adhere to this protocol, I don’t think anyone will be disrupted.

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions.

---- --------
Building Management


Questions? Gee, where do we start?

Many thanks to Jo Katz for submitting this story to FacilityBlog.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Recycling Fluorescent Lamps

This Web Exclusive comes from Mark A. Ceaser of OMNI/ajax Absolute Sorbent Technologies, Inc.

Throughout the country, we have seen bans and regulatory control over the exposure of the public to hazardous risks. However, one of the most overlooked dangers surrounds each of us every day. It contains potentially dangerous amounts of mercury and can be found above your desk at work, in the lamp on your child’s nightstand, and even at your local supermarket. It is known to all of us as a fluorescent light bulb.

An analysis of the lighting industry shows a trend shifting from the usage of incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs. The transition is mentioned in our daily papers and on television.

Usage of fluorescent bulbs, however, is not entirely without risk. These bulbs contain mercury, an element that can have debilitating effects on humans upon prolonged exposure.

According to 40 CFR 261.24 of the Environmental Protection Agency, most of these lamps contain enough mercury to warrant them as hazardous. The risks associated with disposing mercury in landfill are far reaching, since the substance can eventually reach both the air and groundwater.

In order to establish the necessity for a national fluorescent bulb recycling law, three key components must be addressed. First, the hazards and commonality of mercury exposure; second, the safest and most effective disposal of mercury via recycling; and finally, the need to update current guidelines. Furthermore, a national fluorescent bulb recycling law would not only help the environment, but it would also promote new business growth and job opportunities, as well.

The citations of the hazards of mercury exposure are well documented and compelling. Mercury poisoning has been linked to autism and proven to cause neurological damage and death.

Mercury alternatives are being researched and tested, but its use is still found primarily in precise measuring devices, such as thermometers, sphygmomanometer and barometers, dental amalgams, mercury switches and, most commonly, fluorescent bulbs (including compact fluorescent bulbs or CFLs).

Because of its unique properties, the most effective way to dispose of mercury bearing wastes is through recycling. This process requires the separation of the mercury waste from other compounds by a process called “retorting.” When recycling fluorescent bulbs, the entire bulb is crushed, the glass and metal end caps are removed from the waste, and the resulting residue is then processed by a series of heating cycles to produce elemental mercury with a purity of 99.99%.

Unfortunately, the illegal disposal of mercury wastes continues, resulting in unnecessary exposure to people and the planet. However, a grassroots movement to protect the environment has created momentum to generate a national law prohibiting the disposal of fluorescent bulbs in landfills.

In fluorescent lighting, mercury content was used to reduce the extent that light bulbs produced, and, as a result, “in the late 1990s, bulbs contained less than 50% of the mercury used in those manufactured in the mid-1980s.” (Reese)

Despite the reduced amount of mercury in these lamps, the question arises—are fluorescent bulbs hazardous? Under current federal and multiple state laws, mercury containing lamps may be considered a hazardous waste. In addition, they contain other materials, such as lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are harmful to human health and the environment.

As stated in the Federal Register, “mercury has proven mobile in municipal solid waste landfill environments, migrating in leachate to contaminate ambient groundwater at concentrations exceeding the federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) used for drinking water."

The challenge of preventing the release of toxic materials into the environment during proper disposal demands recycling as the sensible option, which ultimately presents a business opportunity. The Department of Health offers generators the option of classifying spent lamps as either hazardous wastes or universal wastes. By practicing pollution prevention (P2) by reduction of waste generation at the source, the Universal Waste Rule (UWR) streamlines the requirements for management of waste fluorescent lighting.

On July 27, 1994, the EPA proposed two approaches for the controlling of mercury containing lamps. (Federal Register) The guidelines of the UWR encourage the collection and recycling of certain hazardous wastes. The UWR is advantageous, because it facilitates a reduction of administrative requirements for record keeping and crisis awareness.

Furthermore, education makes the data collection process easier. This leads to the elimination of manifesting requirements, unless the lamps are transported out of state or in states that do not recognize lamps as a universal waste.

In addition, there would be an increase in on-site storage time available for spent bulbs by adhering to this regulation. This gives an entity up to one year to accumulate its waste lamps prior to disposal.

If a facility chooses to store spent bulbs, strict UWR guidelines require that the mercury not be released into the environment. The lamps must be stored in a sealed, shockproof container to prevent breakage. Containers must be clearly labeled as “Universal Waste Lamps” or “Hazardous Waste” and stored in an appropriate location.

The manufacturers of fluorescent tubes are also responsible for the proper labeling of mercury containing lamps to alert customers to their hazards. In 2003, “members of NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) capitulated to the challenge of Vermont’s Mercury Reduction Act that required lamp manufacturers to label mercury containing lamps sold in that state.” (Truini). With the labeling of the symbol “Hg” on each lamp, individuals are able to recognize products contain mercury.


On September 26, 2006, a forum hosted by Environmental Protection discussed changes in the waste industry. Jim Hattler, COO of Mercury Waste Solutions Inc., offered an example of how regulatory changes affect waste fluorescent bulb management practices.

According to Hattler, a change to the use of compact fluorescent bulbs with a major hotel had a profound effect on cost and energy savings. He states, “There are over 125,000 hotel rooms. Each one has an average of five bulbs. If they replace their incandescents with compact fluorescents, it’s the equivalent of taking 22 thousand cars off the road. It’s the equivalent of taking 32 million pounds of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.” (Neville)

By converting from incandescents to fluorescents, there are obvious energy savings. With fluorescent bulb recycling, there is an obvious, inevitable environmental advantage.

The Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers is a not for-profit organization dedicated to educating governments, municipalities, and private businesses in the practice of recycling mercury devices.

The ALMR’s Lamp Outreach program has exposed the hazards of not recycling and, subsequently, prompted nine states to take legislative action to draft laws banning the landfill disposal of fluorescent bulbs. With the partnering of businesses and government, a collaborate plan to eliminate fluorescent bulbs in landfills is underway.

To encourage recycling further, the manufacturers, who then in turn pass the costs to the consumers, will initially absorb the cost of recycling. The consumer can then return the spent bulbs to their purchase point of origin. International manufacturing company, IKEA Corporation, has led this initiative of businesses to promote recycling.

Wendy Rogers, public relations representative from the Woodbridge, VA, IKEA, stated, “Sweden has been recycling for 20 years and has recently pushed for its stores in the States to recycle. There is a bin for the bulbs in every IKEA (29 in the US). Once the bin at the VA store gets full, VIM (the recycler) comes and picks up the spent bulbs.” IKEA works locally with the Clean County Community Council in Virginia, and each U.S. IKEA location recycles similarly.

This grass roots movement has recently added every Menard's in Minnesota to its growing list. All 36 stores in the state will put used CFLs in a special container, which will then be picked up by a company that recycles them safely. The program is a partnership between Great River Energy, Menard's and the Minnesota Center for Energy and the Environment.

Domestically, General Electric has proposed the EPA to develop a national recycling plan for mercury containing CFLs. The company produces both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs and, with an eye towards reducing the amount of greenhouse gases generated by the use of incandescent bulbs, is encouraging CFL usage.

The increased usage of CFLs, however, means an increase of mercury into the waste stream. Due to the trend toward CFL usage, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has stated, “the increase in sales of CFLs could increase to 100 million units a year.” (LexisNexis)

In response to complaints that recycling efforts have not kept pace, critics emphasize the danger of mercury in the bulbs. A CFL has about 5 milligrams of mercury -- about one five-hundredth the amount of mercury in an old oral thermometer. A few businesses and localized communities see the benefits of recycling, but in order to eliminate separate mercury releases from human activities, a national recycling program has to be established.

Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-MN) introduced such a proposal on September 29, 2006. H.R. 6261 which would “require EPA and the Department of Transportation to review tracking, storage, and packaging standards of mercury waste, and the recycling of all mercury devices, including light bulbs.” (LexisNexis).

When asked if state regulations such as the New York Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law encourage recycling, Paul Abernathy, director of the ALMR, says that state policies, which are more stringent than the federal policy, are vital. “Only federal legislation that forces the EPA to act will help, and no one knows when or if that will happen, so states are our last hope. The ALMR has targeted 12 states to existing policy states like California or New York to make it clear that dumping is no good and only recycling can assure proper management,” said Abernathy. Furthermore he continued, “Another major factor is enforcement, and we aren't seeing much of that either. A little enforcement with some media attention will help a lot.”

To encourage universal recycling, creating an easy method for people is key. Recycling at work generally involves expending additional time, space, effort, and even money. Low disposal fees leave disposal an inexpensive method.

Creating accessible recycling facilities is as necessary as educating the public on the importance of proper disposal for the welfare of the community. Making products with recycled material slows the depletion of non-renewable resources such as metal, oil and natural gas, and reduces the encroachment of new mining and drilling operations.

Generally, it takes less energy to make products with recycled materials than virgin materials. Using less energy by recycling typically translates to the generation of less pollution, such as in the air, in water, etc. With a rising global population -- forecast to reach 8.2 billion by 2030 from 6.7 billion now -- the generation of waste is increasing rapidly, offering big potential for recycling.

"The scarcity of virgin materials will soon become an issue," Henrik Harjula of the Environment Directorate of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development told a Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) conference. He continues, "The world's copper resources would last for another 60 years, silver 29 years, zinc 46 years while tin deposits would be exhausted in 40 years," he said.

Nicholas Stern, an author of an influential report on climate change states, "The half a billion or more tons of greenhouse gas emissions that you avoid through recycling has a value of $40 or more per ton." The turnover of the recycling industry, including paper and plastics, per year amounts to around $160 billion and it handles over 600 million tons of raw materials. Thanks to the recycling industry, the world already saves the equivalent of 1.8% of global fossil fuel emissions.” (Reuters)

These conditions do not escape fluorescent bulb recycling, as the individual factors of science, business and government are brought together to benefit the environment and the quality of life for all.

Whether you are an individual, an organization, a business, or a government, there are numerous steps that can be taken to reduce mankind’s carbon footprint. The significance of this must be taken to heart. The first step to solving this problem could be as simple as screwing in a light bulb.

Works Cited
-Abernathy, Paul. E-mail interview. 15 Mar. 2007.
-Neville, Angela “A 360-Degree View of Our Industry.” Environmental Protection, January/February 2007: 20-22.
-Rogers, Wendy. Telephone interview. 12 Feb. 2007.
-Reese Jr., Robert G. “Mercury,” U.S. Geological Survey, 24 Jan. 2007. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mercury/430498.pdf.
-Reeves, Dawn “GE Pushes for EPA Mercury Plan on Eve of Major Agency Bulb Campaign” Inside EPA. 23 Feb. 2007, http://marywood1.marywood.edu:2092/universe/printdoc.
-Stablum, Anna “Climate Change Spurs Scrap Metal Recycling.” Reuters, 4 Jun. 2008. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL0488184720080604.
-Truini, Joe “Lamp Makers Adding Labels.” Waste News, 3 Feb. 2003: 3.
-United States of America, Federal Register, "Hazardous Waste Management System; Modification of the Hazardous Waste Program; Hazardous Waste Lamps; Final Rule Environmental Protection Agency," 6 Jul. 1999: 36467.

Shaw Hospitality Group to Sponsor College Design Flooring Contest

Shaw Hospitality Group is teaming with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York to find unique hospitality carpet designs from some of the school’s brightest, up and coming design students. The winners of the inaugural “The Language of Design Challenge” will be awarded cash prizes, as well as the opportunity to have their winning carpet design displayed at hospitality industry trade shows.

“At Shaw Hospitality Group we focus on an ongoing infusion of fresh, creative thinking and unique perspectives in flooring design,” said Desiree Worsley, Shaw Hospitality Group vice president of marketing. “This design contest with such a well respected school is a unique opportunity to discover talented new artists and to raise awareness of the potential careers in pattern design for the floor covering industry.”

The students were given six 2009 color forecasts from LA Colors From Amsterdam and asked to design a signature rug, three broadloom designs, and an optional border design, based on one of these color pallets. The designs must be original works suitable for the hospitality market for public spaces, such as ballrooms, guest corridors, and meeting rooms. Students are also required to complete a brief design concept explaining their inspiration for their submission.

Competition judges include: Hospitality Design Magazine editor-in-chief Michael Adams; Catherine Stein of The Color Council; Teresa Viserious, principal of Viserious Design; Thom Filicia, renowned interior designer and design expert on the hit television show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy; and Deborah Hernandez, adjunct professor at FIT.

The competition, which began in April, allows students to research trade shows, hotels, Web sites, and retail stores throughout the spring and summer to spot design and color trends. Entries will be submitted and judged in December. Judging will be based on creativity, color, pattern, and scale related to floor covering in the hospitality industry.

Gerflor Ramps Up Conservation Effort

Gerflor, a global leader in the design and manufacture of vinyl resilient floor coverings, recently announced its Sample Reuse Program exclusively through its website at www.gerflor-us.com. By visiting the environment section of the website, visitors can print off a prepaid U.S. postage label and return Gerflor vinyl flooring samples to its Atlanta office for reuse and redistribution. The Sample Reuse Program aims to reduce environmental impact and creates a new way to achieve sustainable results.

“For more than 20 years, Gerflor has been committed to the concept of creating environmentally friendly products by making the strategic decision to place ‘green' issues at the top of its agenda,” said Alan Fennell, president of commercial flooring. “The Sample Reuse Program is yet another way we show our commitment to the environment and further extends our leadership in developing sustainability practices.”

“When designing a space, we use samples to convey concepts or ideas to colleagues and clients,” said Robyn Dubick, interior designer, CR Goodman Associates. “With Gerflor’s new Sample Reuse Program, we have the opportunity to return unused samples that will ultimately help conserve natural resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment.”

Steps for mailing samples back to Gerflor:
• Print off the prepaid United States Postage label and instructions
• Pack the samples back into the original packaging or other box/envelope
• Give package to your mail delivery person or drop it off at the nearest post office

Gerflor has the largest collection of commercial vinyl flooring products in the world, with offerings ideally suited for health care, education, retail, corporate, and public spaces. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor provides unique product and design solutions and is present in 100 countries around the globe with more than 1,700 employees.

Henry Green Named NIBS President

NIBS’ Board Chairman Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, announced that Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA, has been selected as the next president and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences. Green succeeds David A. Harris, FAIA, who has served as NIBS president since 1988.

Skaggs said, “Green is an outstanding choice as the Institute’s next president. He has served in a variety of voluntary positions at NIBS, including its board chairman in 2002 and 2003. His consensus building skills and his knowledge of the building industry and the building process are unparalleled. His proven executive leadership and management abilities are well suited to our needs and his background with NIBS will enable him to hit the ground running.”

Green said, "I am pleased the Board of Directors has selected me to serve in this important capacity. The work NIBS performs is work that I have subscribed to achieve throughout my career because it improves our building industry. I am looking forward to a long and thriving relationship with the NIBS Board of Directors, its members, and the industry."

Since 1989, Green has served as the executive director of the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes. In that position, he has provided executive management and oversight for construction codes programs in the State of Michigan including the development and implementation of construction codes and standards, building inspection programs, and public education programs. Prior to his current position, Green held other positions of increasing responsibility with the Bureau since 1977.

As a volunteer, Green has served as the president of the International Code Council (ICC) and president of one of ICC’s legacy organizations, the Building Officials and Code Administrators, International. His contributions and accomplishments have been widely recognized by numerous awards and honors from a host of building industry organizations.

Retiring president Harris said, “I couldn’t be happier for NIBS and for Henry. He is highly respected by the staff and by leaders of the building community. He is well known to the sectors of the building industry we have traditionally worked with, and he is innovative and anxious to reach out to work with new sectors to help improve other parts of our vast industry. And there will be no ‘learning curve’ with Henry as he is very knowledgeable about our industry and he thoroughly understands NIBS’ councils and programs,” Harris continued.

The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. NIBS serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology.

GREENGUARD Certifies Six New KI Product Lines

The Green Bay, WI-based company received GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification® for low emitting products by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) for recent introductions.

Added to the list of KI's already GREENGUARD certified products:
Two classroom seating collections, Dorsal® and Intellect Wave™; two lines of tables, Inquire® and Athens®; storage collection, Smart Touch™; and the new Strive® Seating Collection.

GREENGUARD Certification is a referenced standard for furniture and other interior product manufacturers specified in projects based upon the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System.

“As more facility managers seek LEED certification, they need environmentally friendly products that can help them achieve it,” said Norman Nance, IIDA, AP, vice president-marketing, KI. “KI is continuing to design furniture that encompasses customers’ needs for products that are safe, aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and help earn points toward LEED certification.”

To achieve GREENGUARD Certification, each product passed a series of demanding tests required by GEI that determined the products have low chemical emissions. GEI will monitor these products each quarter to ensure it maintains low emitting status.

GEI’s methodology for testing and certifying furniture was developed and validated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Verification Program. Realistic, worst-case configurations of a product’s components and materials are developed and placed in the environmental testing chambers.

Manufacturer Takes Aggressive Steps To Make U.S. Plant More Efficient

U.S. Products, manufacturers of professional floor, carpet, restoration, and auto detailing/ cleaning equipment, announced that they have taken a number of steps to streamline and standardize their U.S. manufacturing operations in order to lower production costs.

The goal is to help the company compete with manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world. “Our goal is to keep our current manufacturing facility ‘lean’ so we can make it cost competitive and still keep a tight control over quality,” says Bob Menges, Vice President of Operations.

According to Menges, the nuts and bolts of the more efficient manufacturing system come down to:

• Reducing employee setup times, eliminating wasted movements, and making tools and materials readily available
• Eliminating non-value added steps in the manufacturing process
• Eliminating unnecessary handling and assembly line activities
• Standardizing parts and components
• Being more proactive on inventory control
  

Result of “Lean” Manufacturing
With the leaner assembly line system in place, the company has recently begun production of a new product line, the Advantage Series of extractors and hard surface cleaners. The line includes many of the features and benefits found in the company’s other machines. These include instant heat, variable pressure control, circuit locators, and rotationally molded bodies and tanks but at a reduced cost.

“However, we found we were able to lower production costs with the Advantage line by taking advantage of our lean manufacturing system,” says Menges. “It helped us pass many of these cost savings on to our distributors and end customers.”

In addition, Menges says the new lean manufacturing system may help free capital that can be used for research and development, employee training, and more new product development.

About U.S. Products a Nilfisk Advance Company
U.S. Products has been manufacturing carpet, drapery, upholstery, restoration, and ceiling cleaning equipment for more than 25 years. The company is known for its internal heating systems that deliver 212 degrees at the wand tip, components, and solid state circuitry for operation and equipment control.

Friday Funny: Happy July 4th!

Well, this has nothing to do with facility management, but FacilityBlog can't miss the opportunity to wish visitors a happy July 4th (in the form of a Friday Funny, of course).

Shift Changes To Save Gas

Changes in your employee work schedules can help ease the pain of today’s high gasoline costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to a four day week with 10 hour shifts or to a three or four day week with 12 hour shifts can reduce weekly gas costs by up to 30%.

Recently, using hourly staffing requirements, Shift Schedules created a template to schedule student interns and residents in the Emergency Medicine Department of an internationally renowned hospital in Baltimore. According to the Chief Resident Tina Latimer MD MPH, “Shift Schedules single handedly solved the scheduling problems which have plagued our residency program for years.”

Shift Schedules now offers scheduling templates to help businesses find the exact schedule they need to provide the shift coverage required for their business. The templates fit seamlessly into the Template Scheduling spreadsheets to create employee schedules for up to a year. Outputs include individual schedules, group schedules and a file to import into the Microsoft Outlook Calendar, your PDA or your Smart Phone.

The templates are very popular with businesses and organizations that need to staff their operation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and also very useful in situations requiring less than 24x7 shift coverage. The template packages include hundreds of schedules that provide the same number of people each day of the week for businesses with constant daily staffing requirements.

Shift Schedules has been creating spreadsheets for scheduling people to daily shifts and tasks since 1998 when it was started to serve the scheduling needs of people in need of simple scheduling tools. It has since grown to provide dozens of unique Excel spreadsheets and scheduling templates.

Flooring Company Acquires Burke Industries

Mannington Mills recently announced its acquisition of Burke Industries, a manufacturer of resilient based products including rubber flooring tiles, wall base, treads, and accessories.

“The acquisition of Burke is a perfect fit in our strategic growth as a full-flooring resource for the contract sector,” said Jack Ganley, president of Mannington Commercial. “Not only are we delighted to be able to expand the range of flooring choices we already offer designers and architects, but we’re excited to be able to wed the superb caliber and functionality of Burke products with Mannington’s exceptional color and design expertise. This promises to yield strong future style contenders for our brand and increased flooring solutions for the marketplace.”

In addition to product synergy, the companies have complementary histories as well as commitments to the future, noted Burke President and CEO Bob Pitman. “The similarities in our corporate cultures and experiences are a big advantage,” he said.

Tom Davis, president and CEO of Mannington Mills based in Salem, NJ, agrees. “Both companies rely on the value of being good people to do business with, which is exemplified not only with words, but with actions. Additionally, both companies have a strong commitment to environmental innovation and practices, closing the loop on our respective materials by developing new and improved ways for recycling the products we use and integrating a variety of recycle streams.

Davis said that Burke, based in San Jose, CA, with a second facility in Eustis, FL, will maintain its brand identity and become a Mannington subsidiary, and that operations at both locations will continue. No other terms of the acquisition were disclosed.

Telkonet Promotes Jeff Sobieski to Chief Operating Officer

Telkonet, Inc., a provider of centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation, and proactive support services, announced yesterday that it has appointed Jeff Sobieski as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Formerly Executive Vice President (EVP) of Energy Management, Sobieski has been with Telkonet since March 2007 and is taking over as COO following Dottie Cleal's resignation in May due to immediate family health issues.

Telkonet's President and CEO Jason Tienor commented, "Our business is seeing dramatic change with energy management related opportunities permeating almost all aspects of our product lines and many of our business functions and opportunities. Jeff assumed the post of EVP of Energy Management in December 2007, with responsibility for evolving the road map to realize continued growth and efficiencies across the energy management products and operations. He also led the drive to secure high level business for our energy management solution, as well as developing the road map for our new networked platform, preparing Telkonet for strong growth in this area.

"As Telkonet continues to implement additional operational efficiencies, the separate roles of EVP of Energy Management and COO are increasingly redundant and therefore, we have consolidated these into a single role held by Jeff Sobieski. We look forward to his continued strong contributions to help Telkonet realize its success and achieve new milestones.”

As COO, Sobieski will work out of Telkonet's offices in both Germantown, PA and Milwaukee, WI. Commenting on his new role, Sobieski said, "I am gratified by the Board's confidence in me, and regard this as a great honor and opportunity. As an existing part of the team, I can bring my organizational knowledge and established relationships into play, accelerating the process of uniting the company and establishing cross functional communication."

Prior to joining Telkonet, Sobieski was Chief Information Officer at EthoStream, which he co-founded with Jason Tienor in 2002. His career includes co-founding Interactive SolutionZ, a Milwaukee-based IT consulting firm, and a number of high level consulting and system development projects, including positions within major corporations in the medical and insurance industries. Jeff holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a MBA from Marquette University.

BBB Helps IAQ Council Fight Fraud

The American Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Council is welcoming assistance in its fight against consumer fraud from a new direction—the Better Business Bureau.

Local Better Business Bureaus around the country are contacting the IAQ Council office to verify claims of certification found on company Web sites. In cases where the claims are inaccurate, some BBBs are giving companies as little as 14 days to correct the errors or risk an unfavorable rating. The IAQ Council has responded by encouraging its certificants to make sure that their Web sites are accurate and up to date.

"IAQ Council certifications are valuable assets," said Charlie Wiles, IAQ Council executive director. "It is very important to represent them properly."

Details that often trigger a Better Business Bureau investigation include the following:

• Claiming certifications that have expired (the IAQ Council certifies for two-year periods);
• Claiming that a company is IAQ Council certified (the IAQ Council certifies individuals only);
• Claiming certification by the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) or the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO). (These organizations turned their certification programs over to the IAQ Council in 2006);
• Failing to identify the certifying body that sponsors a certification program (IAQ Council certifications should be named and listed as such).

The IAQ Council's Web site features an updated list of current certificate holders and their companies. The list can be accessed at this link.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: There's Something Fishy About This Desk

Danish office furniture designers SØren Kjær has introduced MILK, "a desk that will redefine what is expected of office furniture in the 21st century." Produced by Danish office furnishings giant Holmris, MILK offers an unusual synthesis of design, function, and customizable features.

Kjær was inspired to create MILK when he recognized a need for a desk that combined a sleek aesthetic with smart function and quality construction.

MILK is comprised of a monolithic rectangular top, finished in white or black high gloss lacquer that rests on a sleek aluminum pedestal base. The base is available in stationary or mobile versions. The mobile base allows the user to raise and lower the desk height at the touch of a button, adjusting electronically to accommodate sitting or standing. MILK easily adapts to users of different heights for ergonomic purposes.

The desk surface is customizable as well. Each top incorporates four built-in containers that offer numerous organizational possibilities. These cubbies are inset into the surface of the desktop, giving the user a place to keep essentials close without sacrificing desk space.

These containers can be customized in a number of ways. MILK offers lids in aluminum, chrome, black, purple, white, and frosted acrylic, or glass. A power supply can be threaded into a cubby, creating a discrete spot to charge an iPod or cell phone.

One or more of these dedicated cubby spaces can be further personalized with practical and playful accessories. MILK has created a built-in waste bin; pencil holder; shallow and a deep divided accessory trays; and even a fish tank.

MILK’s built-in cable exits allow power cords, firewires, and broadband cables to be neatly bundled together and kept hidden underneath the desk, while still being easily accessible from the desktop. A slot is integrated into the body of the desktop, creating a handy shallow space to store folders, notepads, and files that are in constant rotation for quick and easy access.

The product is on display at dkVOGUE’s New York contract showroom. Kim Nielsen, founder and CEO of dkVOGUE observes, “With its distinctive combination of adaptable elements, modern design, and exceptional Danish craftsmanship, this desk is truly an industry first.” dkVOGUE is the exclusive distributor of the product in the U.S.

Companies Get Together To Help Phoenix Charity

While children undergo medical care at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, many parents will be staying next door at the new Ronald McDonald House. The facility, whichi is located on the hospital campus and opened in June, provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill and injured children receiving treatment at the hospital.

To make the facility’s building controls and security system integrate with each other and to provide a comfortable and safe environment for occupants, Tridium and its West coast distributor, Controlco, donated their Vykon Facility Automation and Security solutions to the new House. The Vykon solutions also integrate with the CCTV equipment donated by Dedicated Micros. A significant portion of the job labor and install was also donated by Controlco’s local Vykon Systems Integrator in Phoenix, Dataline Resource. This 17,300 square foot location will be one of the first Ronald McDonald facilities to combine this powerful combination of technology.

“This new Ronald McDonald House in Phoenix is a leading example of what can be accomplished by integrating access control, closed circuit television (CCTV), and building controls all in one facility through one platform,” said Andy McMahon, Controlco’s Area Sales Manager. “By using the Vykon Solutions, the builders have been able to select best of breed products, making this a leading edge project in the realm of controls integration.”

“Tridium is pleased to partner with Controlco on this very special project. Installing Vykon enables the local managers to integrate a variety of systems into one unified solution, reducing cost and overhead. This allows the house staff to focus on what is important—the patients and their families,” said Marc Petock, Tridium’s Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix For the past 20 years, Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix has offered a comfortable, welcoming and affordable haven for families who come to this “home-away-from-home.” The families stay for days, weeks, sometimes months at a time, while their children undergo medical treatment at Valley hospitals. They are asked to pay just $10 a day to stay at the House, but no family is ever turned away because of their inability to pay. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix is a non profit organization supported by individual, corporate and foundation donations.

Salvaging Flood Damaged Electrical Equipment

In acknowledgment of the hazards associated with working around electrical equipment that has been exposed to flood water, experts at Littelfuse, Inc., are offering the following instructions for a safe restoration.

Flood waters are generally contaminated and leave conductive and/or corrosive residues inside equipment that can produce shock and fire hazards. Affected equipment should be replaced or refurbished to avoid risk of fire and shock.

Workers should replace any fuses that were submerged, even if they look dry on the outside. Fuses contain filler materials such as sand to quench the arcs that form when the fuse elements open. The filler material may absorb water and compromise the fuse's ability to interrupt an overload or short circuit safely. Because of the fuse's body design, the filler material will not dry out, so all fuses need to be replaced.

Experts advise against mixing fuse brands in a three-phase application. Instead, electricians should replace all three fuses with the UL Class and rating from the same manufacturer, mainly because performance between fuses can vary slightly.

To enhance performance and reliability, replace all non-current limiting fuses such as old style UL Class H or Class K5 with Class RK5 or more current-limiting Class RK1 fuses. Class RK1 fuses have the same physical dimensions as UL Class H, K5, and RK5 fuses, but provide better protection for personnel and equipment. By standardizing on Class RK1 fuses, the job of preparing equipment for restart is simplified, and contract electricians need to stock only one type of fuse.

Here is a checklist of additional electrical system restoration tips:
1. Make sure the power is actually off. Before evacuation, power should have been shut off at the main service switch. If the switch was left in the "on" position and the utility disconnected power outside the building, have the facility inspected by an electrician to make sure that the power is actually "off" before other workers enter the premises. After power has been shut off by the power utility, the utility will need written authorization before restoring electric service.

2. Inspect the surrounding area for standing water. Flood cleanup usually begins when locations are still wet. Because water conducts electricity, using an appliance such as a wet vacuum or power saw at the cleanup location may be hazardous. To protect workers, companies should use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

3. Identify electrical equipment that was or may have been submerged. It is hazardous to allow equipment simply to dry and then re-energize it. Some equipment can never be reused and must be replaced. Any reusable electrical equipment or appliances that have been wet should not be used until they have been serviced by an electrician or a service center authorized by the equipment manufacturer.

4. Inspect electrical equipment that was not submerged. Even if electrical equipment was not submerged, it should be inspected by a qualified person to determine whether moisture has entered the enclosures.

5. Replace or refurbish large electrical equipment, such as:

• switchgear panel boards;
• motor control centers; or
  
• motors transformers.

6. Replace small components of wiring infrastructure:

• receptacles;
• switches;
• light fixtures; or
  
• dimmers.

7. Replace circuit protection devices and power distribution devices:

• fuses;
• disconnect switches;
• GFCIs;
• arc fault circuit interrupters;
• surge protection devices; or
  
• molded case circuit breakers.

8. Examine bus ways and replace or recondition them. Bus ways with powder coated bars may be reconditioned and reused. Bus way with Mylar wrapped bars must be replaced, since water and corrosive contaminants cannot be removed effectively from beneath the wrapping.

9. Inspect motor control equipment and replace or refurbish. Components containing semiconductors and transistors must be replaced. This includes electronically controlled and solid state contactors and starters. Overload relays must also be replaced. Some motor control equipment can be refurbished and reused. Adjustable speed drives (not the electronic kind) can be saved, as well as manual and magnetic controllers and motor control centers.

10. Inspect power equipment. Electronic trip units of low voltage power breakers must be replaced. High voltage circuit breakers (AC); low voltage power circuit breakers; protective relays, meters, and current transformers may be refurbished and reused, as may low voltage and medium voltage switchgear.

11. Replace dry type transformers, and analyze liquid filled transformers. All dry type transformers regardless of kVA ratings, all dry type control circuit transformers and all cast resin transformers must be replaced. For liquid filled transformers, analysis of the insulating medium is required for evaluation.

12. Replace wire, cable, or flexible cord. Wire or cable listed for dry locations (such as NM-B) must be replaced. Wire or cable that is suitable for wet locations may be refurbished and reused, provided the ends of the wire or cable have not been exposed to water and the wire is not damaged.

13. Replace or refurbish other devices. Signaling, protection, and communications systems must be replaced. Cable trays (replace damaged labels), fire pump controllers and motors may be refurbished and reused.

More detailed information on what equipment may be refurbished and reused and what must be replaced is available in a set of NEMA guidelines entitled "Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment."

It is extremely important for professionals to follow the necessary precautions when working on flood damaged electrical equipment. The conditions this environment presents make this a time to be especially aware of safety procedures. Following this checklist for electrical system restoration will reduce hazards for both equipment and personnel.

Trane’s Top Tips for Summer Safety

Every cooling season, accident rates rise among facility staff and contractors. This is due to heavy cooling season workloads and the rush to respond to unscheduled maintenance. Summer brings more on site accidents of all types, and it’s critical that facility managers (fms) are prepared.

“Even under the pressure of a cooling emergency, take time to plan ahead, especially for safety,” says Bob Murphy, Trane safety leader. “No one goes to work expecting to get hurt. Safety is good for individual business and for practicing at customer sites. One of the most proactive things you could do before starting equipment repair or replacement is to ensure you have the right tools and personal safety equipment."

Murphy recommends:

• Wearing the proper head protection for all conditions. MSA Hard Hats offer protection for the most stringent requirements of Class E Electrical Rating which is tested to withstand 20,000 volts.
• Conducting a job site audit for every new project to insure you will work in safe conditions.
• Using a strong glove when working with metals—lacerations and scrapes are the number one injuries. The Terminator Glove, made of Dyneema the world’s strongest fiber, can protect hands against injury and can be laundered for repeated use and a long life.
• Having what you need before starting a new project including: tools, equipment, approach boundaries, guards, barriers, PPE, knowledge, training or personnel.
• Wearing proper eye protection. Nearly 70% of eye injuries occur from flying particles and can be prevented by wearing the right safety glasses. Nemysis Eye Protection and AO Safety Eyewear provide wrap around styles to insure flying particles don’t reach the eyes.
• Training your 5 + 1 senses to recognize hazards including: sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, and common.
• Keeping cool. Heat illness is indicated by: fatigue, confusion, nausea, fainting, clammy skin, and low blood pressure. When these signs of heat stress are present, stop exerting, move to a cooler place, and drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes. Electrolytes are crucial to maintaining healthy muscles and a productive energy level. To help stay cool, use a MiraCool Bandana—which helps keep the body cool and comfortable for up to 48 hours.
• Notify others when you observe unsafe actions. Use the S.T.A.R. (Stop, Talk, Agree, Recognize) method to help correct it.
  

Kimball Office Donates To Chicago Lighthouse

The $10,000 gift from the office furniture manufacturer will help support 24 programs for visually impaired children and adults. Chicago Lighthouse is a social service agency dedicated to assisting people with visual challenges. Programs offered include the nation’s oldest low vision clinic, a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities, and a legal clinic helping blind people fight discrimination.

The gift from Kimball Office was part of its “See People at Work” activities during the recent NeoCon trade show in Chicago. The company notes that the amount of the gift was made possible, in part, by the record number of designers and facility managers who visited its Wells Street showroom. Kimball Office donated $10 for every scanned visitor.

"All of us here at the Chicago Lighthouse appreciate this very generous donation from Kimball Office. It will assist our efforts in helping people who are blind or visually impaired lead richer, more independent lives,” says Lighthouse public relations director, Dominic Calabrese.

“Respect, dignity and service are among our core values,” says Jeff Fenwick, vice president/ general manager, Kimball Office. “We’re honored to be able to support the Chicago Lighthouse in giving Chicagoland’s visually impaired children and adults the skills they need to be valued members of the community.”