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).

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.

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.
  

GE Consumer & Industrial Active In Midwest Flood Region

In the wake of the devastation caused by recent, massive flooding across parts of the Midwest, GE Consumer & Industrial’s Electrical Distribution business has initiated an emergency response action plan to help restore power and provide needed electrical equipment throughout the affected region.

GE’s initiative calls for an immediate influx of resources to the areas most in need. Local GE representatives are helping distributor customers communicate with business end-users about damaged equipment and safety warnings. Various GE distributors are bringing in extra inventory to support relief efforts.

For concerned businesses and consumers, GE has compiled a collection of important safety and contact information at www.geelectrical.com/emergencyresponse. The site offers tips on the evaluation and handling of water-damaged electrical equipment as well as links to applicable National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Web site content and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

GE's customer support and emergency call team is available to any affected citizen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-GE-1-STOP (431-7867).

The GE Foundation has also announced it will be donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the relief efforts. In addition, a number of GE representatives have traveled to the region to assist with electrical equipment damage assessments and other disaster relief efforts.

Fire-Lite Free Training

Fire-Lite Alarms, part of Honeywell’s Life Safety Group, plans to host more than 25 educational sessions throughout the U.S., free of charge. From fire alarm basics to detailed hands on training, course offerings are designed for every level of industry professional. Dates, locations and descriptions for Fire-Lite classes for the remainder of 2008 are as follows:

Location: Class Name, Dates
Baltimore, MD: MiniScan, July 8-10
Ft. Lauderdale, FL: MiniScan, July 8-10
San Francisco, CA: Super Academy, July 22-24
Little Rock, AR: SuperLite, August 12-13
Salt Lake City, UT: MiniScan, August 19-21
Portland, OR: MiniScan, August 26-28
Charlotte, NC: MiniScan, August 26-28
Columbus, OH: SuperLite, September 8-9
Denver, CO: MiniScan, September 9-11
Indianapolis, IN: SuperLite, September 11-12
Atlanta, GA: MiniScan, September 16-18
San Antonio, TX: SuperLite, September 23-24
Louisville, KY: MiniScan, September 23-25
Richmond, VA: MiniScan, Sep 30-Oct 2
Ft. Myers, FL: MiniScan, October 7-9
Houston, TX: SuperLite, October 7-8
Milwaukee, WI: SuperLite, October 13-14
Chicago, IL: SuperLite, October 16-17
Fresno, CA: SuperLite, October 22-23
Dallas, TX: SuperLite, October 28-29
Long Island, NY: Super Academy, November 5-7
San Diego, CA English: Mini Scan with optional Basic Fire, November 11-14
San Diego, CA Spanish Mini Scan with optional Basic Fire, November 11-14
Jacksonville, FL: MiniScan, November 18-20
Memphis, TN: MiniScan, November 18-20
Miami, FL: MiniScan, December 2-4
Oakland, CA: MiniScan, December 9-11.
Northford, CT: Super Academy, December 16-18

MiniScan Academy (3 Days)
A three day training on Fire-Lite's conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels and voice evacuation systems. Power supply fundamentals, product features, installation methods, programming, and troubleshooting are taught through practical hands on exercises. Installation and configuration of Fire-Lite’s IPDACT, a module that enables the transmission of alarms from a fire alarm control panel via any IP network line (i.e. ADSL, cable, Internet), is also covered.

SuperLite Academy (2 Days)
A two day course featuring instruction and hands-on exercises in the capabilities, installation, programming and troubleshooting of all Fire-Lite manufactured addressable control panels. The SuperLite Academy will wrap up with two hours of installation and configuration training on Fire-Lite’s IPDACT module that enables the transmission of alarms from a fire alarm control panel via any IP network line (i.e. ADSL, cable, Internet).

Super Academy (3 Days)

(Day 1) Training begins with a Basic Fire Alarm Technology course covering common fire system components, fundamentals of voice evacuation, and various NFPA and ADA codes. Although part of the Super Academy curriculum, individuals seeking basic fire alarm information can opt to attend this on day course.

(Day 2-3) A two day module covering Fire-Lite’s voice evacuation systems and full line of addressable fire alarm control panels. Attendees will receive instruction on features and capabilities of all addressable panels, plus perform hands on exercises in wiring, programming, and troubleshooting.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Darwin Award Honorable Mentions

For anyone unfamiliar with the Darwin Awards, this honor has been bestowed upon those members of the human race who have done a great service to mankind by accidentally removing themselves from the gene pool. The awards have been around since the mid 1980s, but they really hit their stride when the Internet became the ideal circulation vehicle for all kinds of tall tales, urban legends, and sordid truths.

While genuine Darwin Award winners enjoy both the thrill of victory (achieving a remarkable feat under extreme circumstances) and the agony of defeat (typically in the form of their own demise), the following photographs should give you an idea of the general concept. They also illustrate a complete disregard for safety and lack of common sense in facilities maintenance settings.

From the "should it be necessary to apply for a safety license to use a ladder?" file:

During a heat wave, desperate times warrant desperate measures:













Lesson learned: don't park one of those trucks on the side of a hill and then get into the bucket at the top...













Nothing like this has ever happened in your parking lot, right?












When you're hating your job, think about switching places with this guy:


















And finally, from the "how the heck did that happen?" file:



Let this be a warning to you and the members of your facilities departments!

Thanks to TFM FM Frequency Columnist Jeff Crane for submitting this Friday Funny.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Tips For Those Affected By Midwest Flooding

This Web Exclusive comes from Bill Begal, 2007 Phoenix Award winner for innovation in restoration and president of Begal Enterprises, Inc. This collection of "best practices" is based on Begal's experiences with past clients. So while it may seem like common sense, it could help businesses or individuals who have never faced such a massive loss.

Begal adds, "The purpose [of these tips] is to assist any friends, family members, or associates that may have flood damage and are not sure of what to do, where to turn, or even where to begin."

• Get a notebook and keep track of any and all dates, times, and persons that you talk to in regards to your claim.
• Get a copy of your insurance policy. This will define and determine your limits as well as your rights and responsibilities to and from your insurance company.
• Speak/sit down with your adjuster.
• Define who is taking responsibility for your loss.
• What are your responsibilities and duties to comply as well as make a smooth and seamless process?
• Ask what is the process for listing and valuating your T/L (total loss) personal property. Do not throw ANYTHING away; everything has value.
• Follow up EVERY meeting and conversation with an e-mail to memorialize and capture what was discussed and might have been agreed to. This will eliminate confusion and misunderstandings later on.
• Define and get an explanation of what is necessary to be reimbursed for any lost rent or interruption of business.
• Ask your adjuster for a sufficient advance for purchases that are necessary. Include enough money to assist with your first month and security deposit for a temporary dwelling.
• Save ALL receipts for any and all meals, hotels, purchases, toiletries, vitamins, cosmetics etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment if you are entering a disaster zone: gloves, hard hat, approved respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
• Refer to the EPA Web site to answer questions on mold and how to clean or disinfect properly.
• NEVER EVER open a refrigerator or freezer that has been off for more than a week to 10 days. The smell will knock you over.
• DO NOT TAKE ANY FOOD, PRESCRIPTIONS, or COSMETICS FROM THE BUILDING that have gotten wet or been exposed to an unusual amount of moisture or heat.
• ALWAYS remember that it is your decision, NOT the adjusters, as to which service provider can assist you.
• NO ONE can demand or force you to use a particular company at any time for any reason.
• Check references for any and all companies that you retain to perform work on your behalf.

Begal, who is based in Rockville, MD, regularly assists those who are dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, and acknowledges, "The recovery process can be overwhelming when all you have appears to be damaged or ruined." His company is currently preparing to mobilize labor and equipment with in the next week, as national clients have requested assistance in different areas in Iowa and Missouri. He can be contacted directly toll-free at 888-BEGAL44.

Support Builds for Code Grant

Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, along with Representatives John Boozman (R-AR) Michael Capuano (D-MA) Betty McCollum (D-MN), Robert Scott (D-VA) and Pete Stark (D-CA) are the latest co-sponsors of the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 (CBCAG). If approved, CBCAG funds would be dedicated to training “First Preventers,” building and fire safety officials who prevent harm by ensuring compliance with safety codes before disasters occur. The bill would make possible recruitment and training in under-served communities in greatest need of officials to assure safety through code compliance.

“In so many communities, there simply aren’t enough resources for building safety,” said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. “You can adopt codes, but if you don’t have trained people on the ground to ensure compliance and provide support, it doesn’t matter.”

The CBCAG authorizes a competitive grant through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help local governments hire, train, and equip code officials to save lives and protect property. Introduced last December by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS), the CBCAG would aid communities that see their resources over-stretched (or lack resources altogether in the face of building booms or major rebuilds after a disaster).

“I firmly believe that this legislation will help ensure the safety of buildings across the country and ultimately will reduce the cost to the American taxpayer after a disaster,” said Congressman Moore. “Responsible building codes are a wise investment and the right thing to do for our communities, which is why I appreciate the Chairman’s support of this important initiative and look forward to working with him in the future to try to advance this legislation through the House.”

“It’s been proven over and over again that houses built to code and inspected properly stand up to natural disasters,” said Code Council President Steve Shapiro, Director of Codes Compliance for Hampton, VA. “Studies show that every federal tax dollar spent on mitigation grants saves the community four dollars in recovery and rebuilding costs.”

The CBCAG currently awaits action by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. For more information, visit this link.

FRIDAY FUNNY: CDC Alert from CNN

CDC Alert

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically. This virus is called Weary Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues, or anyone else via any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT.

This virus will wipe out your private life completely. If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave the premises, take two good friends to the nearest liquor store, and purchase one or both of the antidotes - Work Isolating Neutralizer Extract (WINE) and/or Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system.

You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

Many thanks to Evelyn Schwartz (my mom!) for submitting today's Friday Funny. (Do you think she's trying to tell me something?)

Move Made To Place AEDs In Critical Public Areas

In an effort to strengthen the “chain of survival” in communities across the nation, Defibtech and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) recently launched an effort to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to communities with critical needs.

Announcing the effort during the first-ever National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week (which is this week, June 1-7, 2008), Defibtech CEO Dr. Glenn W. Laub said the effort will address the dangers posed by sudden cardiac arrest and correct some common misperceptions about the roles of CPR and AEDs.

Chris Chiames, SCAA executive director, said the association will work through its 25 local chapters and affiliates to identify communities where AEDs are needed to strengthen the “chain of survival,” which includes 911 services, individuals trained in CPR, public access defibrillators, and medical services including emergency, recovery, and preventive care. “Using its grassroots network, SCAA will identify areas where public access defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

Bush Urged to Reappoint Howard Director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

After learning changes may be made in D.C. despite the advances in workplace safety efforts at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the leadership of Dr. John Howard, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) urges President George Bush to renew Howard’s appointment.

“ASSE has seen a significant advancement of the mission of NIOSH within the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under the creative and dedicated leadership of Dr. Howard,” ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, said in his letter to President Bush. “Dr. Howard has been instrumental in unleashing a wealth of talent at NIOSH and helping bring together the research and educational resources of NIOSH to the day-to-day practice of our members in workplaces across the nation.”

ASSE recently learned that CDC’s leadership will not renew Dr. Howard’s six-year appointment as NIOSH Director.

“We do not know why such a highly competent leader and administrator of an agency that has been, by any measure, a success in the eyes of our members and the entire safety and health community should not be reappointed,” Thompson wrote. “The very positive impact your Administration has had on occupational safety and health through Dr. Howard should be allowed to continue to the end and beyond this Administration. We can think of no more fitting legacy for your Administration’s success in providing leadership in occupational safety and health than by allowing Dr. Howard to continue in this role.”

In his letter Thompson reviewed a number of NIOSH accomplishments under Dr. Howard including:

1. Greatly improved integration of the safety and health community in setting NIOSH’s research agenda as evidenced by the significantly increased involvement of ASSE members and others in safety and health in the NORA agenda-setting process;
2. Leadership in addressing the safety and health risks of emerging technologies, most notably nanotechnology;
3. Increased accountability for NIOSH’s research programs by inviting examination through the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine, thereby assuring that this nation’s investment in occupational safety and health research is well placed; and,
4. Active outreach to safety and health practitioners and bringing the research results funded through NIOSH directly to the job site where ASSE members work.

This Time It's For Real

King Kong no longer roars. And Marty McFly won't be able to find 1.21 jigawatts to go back in time to fix it since Marty's Hill Valley doesn't exist any more. This happened as a result of a fire Sunday on the back lot at Universal Studios in Los Angeles in which a noted set used for "Back to the Future" and dozens of other films and television productions was destroyed, as was the King Kong exhibit on the famous studio tour.

The early Sunday morning blaze raged for hours as it burned across the equivalent of two city blocks, but what made the fire so difficult to put out was the lack of pressure to fire hoses and an overloaded sprinkler system. The sprinkler system for these sets had been installed as a result of a fire in 1990. Yet, they did not do the job when the time came.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and county Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman have ordered an inquiry into whether the lack of water pressure in Universal's fire protection system allowed the blaze to get out of control at the studio and theme park. Universal did not offer comment on the system's operation, or lack thereof.

Freeman told the Times: "It appears the fire this morning overwhelmed fire-protection features. We're going to readily and quickly reevaluate that and see if that had any impact on the water pressure."

This type of incident should give facility managers a push forward into looking at their fire management programs and fire suppression systems. Despite all the new technology involving detection, alarms, and sprinklers, the equipment must function when needed. Making sure all is in working order, testing the system regularly, and consistently evaluating what works best is a solid way to make sure that your facility doesn't end up like the king of the beasts.

Photo by Mike Meadows, Associated Press.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Facility Managers Know Better (We Hope!)

Most of the time, it takes the trained eye of a professional inspector to identify defects or potential hazards within a facility. On some occasions, however, certain maintenance issues are easy to spot. And in private residences, where untrained homeowners act as D-I-Y facility managers, well, the results can sometimes be catastrophes waiting to happen.

Each year, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) releases unusual home inspection discoveries from the field. The photos below were submitted by ASHI Certified Inspectors and published in ASHI’s publication, the ASHI Reporter. Photos appear monthly in ASHI’s “Postcards from the Field” section.

“Some of the most unusual discoveries I’ve made as a home inspector have happened while I was inspecting dark crawl spaces, attics, and roofs,” said Brion Grant, 2008 ASHI president. “From time to time, though, I spot some pretty unusual and potentially dangerous issues simply by walking into a room.”

Monumentally Bad Planning
Electrical outlets come in all shapes and sizes, but even John Fryer, an ASHI Certified Inspector from Oakland, CA, was stumped by this unique contraption. While Silicone Valley (the site of this finding) is lauded as a premier location for creative minds and innovation, this improvised design is more dangerous than ingenious.

ASHI’s founder, Ron Passaro of Bethel, CT, advised the owner of this home to take caution when walking out this door. Watch out, that first step can be a little tricky.


Fun With Water
Each year, ASHI emphasizes the importance of winterizing outdoor faucets as part of an ongoing winter maintenance regimen. While inspecting this home in Hopedale, MA, however, ASHI Certified Inspector Ron Cook concluded that this homeowner did not heed the Society’s advice.

The owner of this home in Bartlett, TN, does not appear to believe in the expression “all things in moderation.” There are six hoses connected to the faucet shown here. ASHI Certified Inspector Brandon Dyles said the homeowner was hoping it would pass as a “sprinkler system.”

KA-BOOM!
The junction box shown here is the “Grand Central Station” of junction boxes with more wires coming and going than ASHI Certified Inspector Garet Denise of Littleton, CO, cared to count. Surprisingly, this is the work of a licensed contractor and was approved by the local municipal inspector.

Oops. A licensed contractor. Reminds me of my first house, which was owned by a former engineer from a company I will mention by initials only: G.E. The kitchen was wired in such a way that the dishwasher would only run when you turned on the wall oven. Needless to say, this gentleman's friendship with the inspector was the only reason he was able to get the Certificate of Occupancy required in order to sell the house. His engineering prowess was certainly dubious, at best.

Have you seen anything like this during your tenure in the facility management profession? Send your photos to us!

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Wayfinding Strategies For Emergency Evacuations

Today's WEB EXCLUSIVE was submitted by Paul Moor, commercial manager, Evactools Limited.


Good evacuation maps save lives. Ineffective evacuation signage can confuse users and can be fatal during emergencies.

Some of the most common reasons for confusing evacuation maps include:
• Use of single orientation for all maps, irrespective of the maps location;
• Use of CAD floor plans as maps;
• No external reference; or
• Lack of reference to the readers position.

One key problem with existing map design is the use of a single reading orientation for all maps in all locations. The orientation is typically "north-up." which at least gives some orientation. However, the results are that when traveling south, the next exit on the left in reality is on the right.

Further complications arise when, in an attempt to make the evacuation map more relevant to the user, copies of the building's two-dimensional CAD floor plans are used. These often fail to be oriented to the basic "north-up" level, compounding confusion and resulting in false information being presented to the reader.

The aim of any evacuation map is to aid the safe egress from a building to an area of safe shelter. Correctly oriented, user-centered evacuation maps remove many of the barriers to effective wayfinding and aid successful evacuations.

How can Evacuation Maps be Improved?
To compare any map to the real world, the map has to be mentally noted and rotated to fit the building space as it is presented to the user. This can be difficult and time consuming, especially for children, the elderly, and for those with cognitive impairments. For these groups, this task is virtually impossible. Every second that occupants are delayed increases the risk that they lose their lives.

Effective evacuation or emergency wayfinding is accomplished by providing easy to interpret, informative signage at key decision points from the user’s location to a place of safety. As buildings become more complex, the need to introduce efficient wayfinding solutions that aid navigation increases.

During emergencies, effective navigation to a place of safety is vitally important. The lack of detailed knowledge of these complex environments or being in unfamiliar surroundings hinders a safe and effective evacuation.

Such complex environments result in the occupants becoming unaware of the most suitable means of escape, often opting to make use of the most familiar exits (such as building entrances), and ignoring closer or more appropriate emergency exits. The provision of effective evacuation maps in complex environments is essential for aiding emergency wayfinding and reducing the amount of time required to evacuate.

Evacuation maps should provide clear, concise information that the occupant may not have previously been aware of, providing options, suggestions, and the opportunity to decide on the best possible route for evacuation.

Existing wayfinding aids in the built environment may be difficult to access. For those who read in a different language, text based instructions are barriers. If the information is not provided in formats accessible to a wide range of abilities, its effectiveness is compromised. The provision of inaccessible signage during an emergency is a significant and foreseeable risk to the safety of the occupants of that building.

In an attempt to overcome these barriers, maps can be provided as an aid to wayfinding. While a significant improvement on the text based approach, many people have problems interpreting two dimensional maps which require mental translation and relation to a three dimensional space.

Three dimensional, egocentric (the tendency to perceive, understand, and interpret the world in terms of self) or "bird's-eye’"overview allows the user to view the building from various vantage points. These aid the interpretation of the map, allowing people to locate emergency equipment and exits in direct relation to their location and direction of travel. This 3D overview provides a more dynamic image that facilitates faster, easier to recognize, and more intelligibly perceptible and useful information than the standard "flat" two dimensional floor plan.

Complication Through Symmetry
Symmetrically designed buildings, while seemingly simplistic, can prove confusing during evacuations unless specific visual references are made to their internal and external orientation. These environments benefit from the designation of exit zones, color coded exits, and evacuation maps that clearly mark paths to the closest and alternate emergency exits.

Evacuation maps should be placed in relation to the path of travel. It is important to ensure that the maps are placed at regular intervals rather than relying on one centrally accessible map. This is especially important in large or complex buildings.

With an ever varying risk profile, the assumption that all emergency exits are available is one that introduces significant risk to the safe evacuation of building occupants. With the increasing number of non fire related incidents necessitating the closure of one or more emergency exits, the need to navigate from a closed exit to the next closest safe exit needs careful consideration and planning. Failing to provide adequate guidance at these exit points compromises the safety of occupants unfamiliar with the floor layout and location of alternative exits.

The reliability of evacuation information is critical to the safe evacuation of the building's occupants. Information should be legible and accurate. Changes to the building's infrastructure or internal layout should be reflected in the relevant evacuation maps at the time of the change. Failure to maintain the maps in line with building changes introduces foreseeable risk.

All public information becomes a part of the occupant’s information on how to use and navigate the environment. The representation of this public information needs to be consistent to be clear. Evacuation maps must agree with facility maps and current floor plans. With occupants attending meetings in other buildings or floors, this consistency aids the quick identification of evacuation instructions and facilitates effective evacuations in potentially unfamiliar environments.

Recommendations
• The simpler the map, the more accessible it becomes;
• Correct use of "You are here" markers significantly improves recognition of the user's location and best route to safety;
• Evacuation maps should be placed in common areas to aid occupant’s familiarity;
• Additional evacuation signs should be placed at each emergency exit to aid navigation to alternate exits;
• Evacuation maps should be oriented to ensure decisions on quickest route to safety are correct;
• Identify the building, floor, and/or room number on the evacuation map;
• Ensure that information on the map is reliable and regularly maintained;
• Map placement should be at a level that is accessible by wheelchair users;
• Consider including a map of the assembly areas as an addition to the evacuation map.

Contact the author by sending an e-mail to paul@evactools.com.

SFPE Supports Federal Legislation Aimed at Enhancing Building Safety

Each year in the United States, more than 3,000 people die, thousands are injured, and over $10 billion in property is lost as a result of fire. As a way to enhance public safety in buildings and reduce these losses from fire, a bill – the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007 – has been introduced in the U.S. Congress. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) supports this bill that would improve building and fire code enforcement in jurisdictions throughout the country.

“Improved code enforcement will lead to better design and construction practices,” said Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with SFPE. “As a result, our nation’s schools, hospitals, shopping centers, homes, and high-rise buildings will be better protected.”

This legislation will authorize a grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If enacted and funded, this law would provide locally matched federal grants to jurisdictions that seek to upgrade their local building and fire code administration and enforcement resources. These grants would provide $100 million per year over five years to help local governments employee building and fire code officials.

“Many fire protection engineers work as building and code officials to help build and maintain fire safe communities,” said Jelenewicz. “If this bill is enacted, many communities will have the opportunity to employee fire protection engineers as part of a community’s code enforcement team.”

This House version of this legislation was sponsored by Congressman Dennis Moore (Kansas) and was referred to the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee (H.R. 4461). The Senate version (S. 2458) was sponsored by Senator Mary Landrieu (Louisiana) and was referred to the Senate Banking Committee.

Cannon Hygiene Launches New Web Site

The site is part of the England-based company's introduction to the United States market. Located at www.cannonhygiene.us, the site is designed to provide information on the company's full range of products and services.

Cannon Hygiene, based in Atlanta, GA, is a franchise now located in eight U.S. states and Puerto Rico.* The company provides comprehensive restroom hygiene services and products for commercial, educational, medical, and government facilities.

The new Web site includes descriptions, images, and video of the company's products and services, as well as detailed information on how cleaning professionals and others can become Cannon Hygiene franchises.

"Although we're new to the U.S., Cannon Hygiene is actually more than 50 years old and is well established in more than 30 countries around the world," says Doug Calvert, president of Cannon Hygiene, Inc. "However, visitors will find the information on the new site is very specific to the U.S."

The site includes information about the negative health and environmental impacts of improperly handling and disposing of sanitary waste. And it addresses the potentially harmful bacteria and viruses that can be contracted by cleaning professionals and users when improperly handled.

"Our goal is to take restroom hygiene to a higher level," adds Calvert. "We believe that our industry must take a leadership role in protecting health and promoting restroom hygiene. Hopefully, the site reflects this as well."

* Illinois, Maryland, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Massachusetts, and Georgia

About Cannon Hygiene, Inc.
Cannon Hygiene is one of the world's top restroom hygiene service businesses. Based in Lancashire, England, it is responsible for maintaining health and hygiene standards for some of Britain's royal households including Buckingham Palace. Today the company's products are found in more than 30 countries around the world. Cannon Hygiene's wide range of products and services is tailored to the needs of companies and organizations large and small.

New Video Surveillance Network Helps Illinois Mall

Merchants, assets, and shoppers at the one million square foot Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, Ill., have been better served since the installation this month of a new wireless video surveillance system. Multiple network cameras inside and outside the mall deter theft, provide footage for review of insurance claims, enable rapid response to incidents and emergencies, and serve as an efficiency improvement tool. At the heart of this installation is a wireless network provided by Firetide Inc.

Over the past few years Golf Mill added exclusive restaurants, a movie theatre, an off track betting facility, and a 24 Hour Fitness location, resulting in increased vehicle and visitor traffic and requiring additional security measures. To avoid the costly process of ripping up newly installed floors to lay network cables for video surveillance, mall management—General Growth Properties in tandem with ownership—opted for Firetide's wireless network. Solutions provider Secure Integrations installed network cameras from Axis Communications in overt locations around the 120 specialty shops, four department stores, and 89 acres of parking spaces and connected them wirelessly over the Firetide network to the central security office in the mall.

''Our Firetide wireless surveillance system is a great tool to assist our tenants and customers,'' said Michael D. Williams, senior general manager at General Growth Properties. ''Whatever the situation – someone slipping and falling, shoplifting, or a major incident – our security staff can respond quickly and proactively.''

Mall security officers monitor the camera system, and video analytics software alerts officers when unauthorized movements are detected. During patrols, officers can access the video feed on PDAs, allowing them to view feeds from any location and making the officers significantly more efficient.

''Using cable and analog CCTVs would have cost a minimum of three times more in one million square feet of retail space,'' said Eugene Szatkowski, president of Secure Integrations. ''A wired system would have required the installation of multiple digital video recorders around the mall. Firetide wireless mesh nodes and access points together with the Axis cameras provide a cost-effective and flexible alternative and support what we believe to be the largest wireless security network in a retail environment.''

If any part of the network needs to be relocated, a Firetide node and Axis camera can be moved in a day. The Axis network cameras feature motion detection, audio detection, and tampering alarms, providing an additional set of tools for security personnel. Video footage is stored for 30 days, but any time an incident takes place, the evidence can be cataloged for up to two years. The system uses digital storage, which makes it easier to e-mail and distribute the video. Mall officials also use the footage to monitor traffic flows, helping event planners and security operations to anticipate and better manage crowds.

New CareerBuilder Study Indicates Fattest Jobs

Swimsuit season is right around the corner, and for many people that means one thing: dieting. In an office setting, though, cutting back on calories and finding time to exercise can seem like an impassable hurdle, as a new CareerBuilder.com survey reports that 45% of workers have gained weight at their current jobs, similar to last year’s findings. The survey was conducted from February 11 through March 13, 2008 among 7,688 workers.

Twenty-six percent of employees report they have gained more than 10 pounds, and 12% say they gained more than 20 pounds while in their present positions. Comparing genders, women are more likely (50%) than men (42%) to say they have gained weight at their current jobs.

Comparing industries, 53% of financial services employees and 52% of government employees say they have gained weight in their current positions—the highest recorded weight gain among industries surveyed. Retail and leisure and hospitality had the lowest percentage of employees gain weight in their current roles, at 36% and 41%, respectively.

"Weight gain can be quite common in the workplace, especially when the winter months keep most of us cooped up all day and calorie-laden treats seem to wait around every corner," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com. "As the weather warms up and people are more likely to get in a healthy mindset, it's a great time of year to be more aware of your health, get active and be more cognizant of your food choices."

Eating habits can often be a culprit in workplace weight gain. Nearly two-in-five (38%) percent of employees surveyed eat out for lunch twice or more per week, making it difficult to control portions and calorie intake. An additional 12% buy their lunch out of a vending machine at least once a week.

Snacking can also be a slippery slope for those trying to cut back on calories, as two-thirds (66%) of employees surveyed snack at least once a day, while nearly 25% snack at least twice a day.

One of the ways employees can cut back on workplace weight gain is by heading to the gym during lunch hour, but according to the survey, only 9% of employees work up a sweat in the middle of the day.

More employees may be inclined to take advantage of gym facilities during lunch and outside of work, though, as 28% of companies now provide gym passes, workout facilities, or wellness benefits.

Haefner recommends the following tips for fending off workplace weight gain:

• Start the day off right - Eating a high-protein and fiber-filled breakfast can provide the energy you need to get you to lunch and avoid the temptation of break room donuts, candy, or other high-fat treats.
• Stay hydrated - Sometimes a snack craving can be mistaken for dehydration. Be sure to keep water or another healthy beverage at your desk throughout the day so that you can hydrate freely.
• Write it down - Keeping nutrition and food journal can help you track how your snacks and meals add up during the day, allowing you to notice when you overindulge.
• Mix up your routine - Every little bit of activity helps, so take the stairs to your floor, walk over to co-workers instead of calling or e-mailing them, or try parking your car farther away from the office.
• Keep your cool - Stress can fuel poor eating habits, as you can tend to overeat or make inadequate food choices when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Try to manage stress with regular exercise and speak with a supervisor if you’re workload is drowning you.

In Darkness, Where is the Light?

China has tried for years to show Western society that it is a modern nation, adding McDonald's, replacing bicycles with cars, erecting glass office towers, and inviting the world to see it all when Beijing hosts the Olympics in August. This presents a superficial first impression as the Chinese government hides its third world characteristics behind a curtain of capitalism and advancement.

The 7.9-magnitude earthquake which struck the Sichuan province earlier this week and its resulting destruction is a result of what happens when a rapidly developing country refuses to learn from its past and ignores its citizens. For centuries, China has been one of the most active earthquake zones in the world. The deadliest earthquake in modern history struck Tangshan in 1976, registering 7.8 on the Richter Scale (although some estimates outside of China have it as high as 8.2) and "officially" claiming the lives of a quarter of a million people. That estimate is low, and several reports state nearly 750,000 people perished as a result of that disaster.

That quake from over 30 years ago forced the national government to create tougher building codes. Weimin Dong of Risk Management Solutions, who has served on technical committees at the Earthquake Engineering Institute in California and studied earthquake-related insurance issues in China, told Newsweek's Katie Paul about the construction problem:

China's earthquake design code was not enforced until 1978...Before 1954, there was no design code. From 1964 to 1978, there was a very rudimentary design code. After 1978, that was a wake up call. But in a lot of rural areas, a lot of the buildings were old and were built before that. The requirement for intensity seven (on a scale of 1-10, with a 10 building to withstand the most severe earthquake) is only for new buildings. Many of the buildings in the area were not designed for earthquakes at all.

Why were so many structures designed only to withstand a seven? Dong explained that much of it has to do with expense, "You have to have larger beam sizes and everything else, so it's a cost consideration. After the Tangshan quake, China did spend a lot of money to retrofit brick buildings...So when you go to China, you see all these older brick buildings; there are concrete columns on the corner and ring beams around the buildings to try to keep the building from collapsing. They did a lot of this kind of retrofitting nationwide, but mostly in the cities."

For all the complaining that goes on about codes and regulations and the related construction costs, sometimes having too many people looking out for your safety beats having no one care. It is much better to have to follow the local fire inspector toting a clipboard than walking next to a casket carrying your child.

Shoddy building practices and ignorance of code enforcement contributed to the loss of over 20,000 people this week, while several thousand more remain unaccounted for underneath the cement of schools and apartment buildings. Can you imagine what it must be like to have to search for your loved ones in the aftermath of the devastation while you look up and see a government building standing as undisturbed as ever?

The pros and cons of building codes are a part of everyday life for facility managers (fms). The rules affect how fms do their jobs, and love them or despise them the codes are not going away any time soon. How do building codes affect you daily? Has the earthquake made you reassess how you view codes? Please post your comments.

ASSE Raises Concerns Over OSHA Proposed Confined Space Rule

In a letter sent to the Assistant Secretary of Labor Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) said the proposed rule on Confined Spaces in Construction recently published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is unduly complicated, introduces unnecessary new terminology and requirements that are burdensome, and fails to recognize current safety practices that have proven successful in practice both in general industry and in construction.

"These comments reflect the front-line experience of our members who strive to help protect workers on job sites across the country in all industries, including construction," ASSE President Michael W. Thompson, CSP, said in the letter. "They also reflect the expertise of the members of the ANSI Z117 Accredited Standards Committee for Confined Space Entry, for which ASSE serves as the Secretariat."

ASSE is responsible for several American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Committees including the Z117 Committee for 'Confined Spaces' as well as the A10 Committee for 'Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations'.

"This rule, if adopted without significant changes, would provide for a significantly lower level of safety than what is currently required throughout the construction industry by the Z117.1-2003 standard," Thompson wrote. "Rulemaking that provides less worker protections than that provided by a widely adopted voluntary consensus standard like Z117.1 goes against OSHA’s duty established under the 'National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995'."

This Act states that all federal agencies and departments shall use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies, using such technical standards as a means to carry out policy objectives or activities determined by the agencies and departments.

Further, rather than adding clarity or advancing safety consistent with current industry safety practices, Thompson wrote, the changes offered in this proposed rule instead add a new level of complexity to the work of our members and employers while adding little new to the approaches already successfully being used to address confined space risks. It also fails to address important confined space topics including harmonization of confined space classifications, hazard assessment, assignment of responsibilities, and the continued allowance of a chest harness as part of a vertical confined space rescue effort.

According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) "Confined Space" refers to a space which by design has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces include but are not limited to storage tanks, compartments of ships, process vessels, pits, silos, vats, degreasers, reaction vessels, boilers, ventilation and exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, underground utility vaults, and pipelines.

Thompson was also concerned that this rule is not in harmony with the widely accepted Z117.1-2003 consensus standard 'Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces'. A comparison of Z117.1 to the proposed rule demonstrates that the existing General Industry regulations together with Z117.1 does have the necessary scope, breadth and detail to help employers manage successfully confined space safety matters within the construction industry. It is apparent that the standards used in OSHA’s evaluations were outdated 1977 and 1989 standards no longer affirmed by the Z117 Committee. The Committee published 1995 and 2003 editions that have been used by OSHA to support over 50 general duty clause citations issued by compliance officers to employers.

In the letter, Thompson included examples of how Z117.1 has been used by OSHA with regard to the General Duty Clause and provided comments from ASSE members that reflect the variety of misdirected conclusions and statements found in the proposed rule.

"Taken as a whole, they point to rulemaking that is not complete and that has not been undertaken with the purpose of finding a way to work with those who are experts in confined space safety in order to advance properly this nation’s commitment to protecting workers," Thompson said. "ASSE is deeply concerned that OSHA decided against using terminology and definitions in its proposed standard that have existed for decades, are widely used in the safety and health community and in industry when addressing confined space risks to workers. Creating a new lexicon for this very particular safety area can only result in confusion and add to the potential for risk, not limit it.

"Nevertheless, rulemaking that is not consistent with current industry practices, especially when a widely respected voluntary consensus standard reflects those practices, does not advance workplace safety and health in a way we know OSHA wants its standards to do," Thompson concluded. "We look forward to working with you and to the revision of this proposed rule that affects the many workers in this country."

For more information on the Z117 Committee and the Z117.1-2003 standard please go to www.asse.org.

IAQ Council Lists Qualifying Companies

The American Indoor Air Quality Council (IAQ Council) is posting the names of IAQ consulting and remediation companies that employ at least one individual with a board-awarded IAQ Council certification.

The search engine, located at www.iaqcouncil.org/locator/companies.htm, provides direct hyperlinks to companies. Visitors to the site enter a zip code to see a list of qualifying companies located within 100 miles of the zip code entered.

"Thousands of companies already benefit from the knowledge and experience of Council-certified professionals," said Charlie Wiles, IAQ Council executive director. "Our new search engine enhances this benefit by making their companies more visible on the Internet."

About the IAQ Council
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. The IAQ Council certifies more than 5,000 professionals in the United States, Canada, and overseas.