Sustainable Operations - May 2013
NFPA sprinkler system maintenance standard gets a revamp for 2014 edition
Significant revisions to standard NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, have been put into place for the 2014 edition.
5/31/2013
Experts shed light on best practices for LED lighting applications
The challenge for maintenance and engineering managers is making sense of new LED products and their manufacturers, and then specifying the most appropriate products for particular facility applications.
5/30/2013
NFPA, OSHA work to reduce confusion over hazard labeling
Hazardous materials labeling guidelines recently adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have the potential to cause confusion and expose individuals to harm through misunderstanding of hazard levels, according to NFPA.
5/30/2013
Expert offers tips for choosing electronic key management systems
The challenge of key management lies in balancing the daily operational needs of your facility while still maintaining control of who has what keys, when they have them, what they can access and when they are returned.
5/29/2013
Changes in paints, coatings offer opportunities for facility managers
New regulations and advancements in paints and coatings can offer managers the opportunity to revisit their planning processes and implement cost-saving tactics that produce longer-lasting, better-looking applications.
5/29/2013
Study finds bacteria on hospital towels can survive laundering
Viable bacteria on hospital towels used for cleaning patient rooms can survive the laundering process, according to study.
5/29/2013
ASHRAE expands its building energy labeling program
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) building energy labeling program has expanded to include an As Designed label in addition to its current In Operation label.
5/24/2013
Hospitals must carefully site and protect emergency power supply systems
Hardening emergency power supply systems against all the likely threats they might face is imperative in safeguarding power to critical facilities such as hospitals.
5/24/2013
Patient participation in gardening at hospitals can improve health outcomes
A significant healing effect can be achieved by giving patients access to a gardening space, whether as simple as a container garden or a much more involved garden plan.
5/23/2013
Training offered on efficient lighting in facilities for energy savings
The Energy Center of Wisconsin will offer the program, "Efficient facility lighting for energy savings and productivity," June 4 and 5.
5/22/2013
Free education program offered on energy efficiency in healthcare facilities
The Energy Center of Wisconsin will offer a free program specifically discussing energy efficiency in healthcare facilities June 27 in Madison, Wis.
5/21/2013
Submission deadline extended for facility management awards
Maintenance Solutions magazine Achievement Awards honor the accomplishments of facility management professionals in the areas of maintenance, engineering and grounds management.
5/21/2013
"HazCom for Healthcare" training DVD explains new OSHA standard
DuPont offers a training DVD to help employees in healthcare facilities better understand the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard.
5/15/2013
Healthy Facilities, Floor Safety institutes partner to prevent slips and falls
The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) has formed an educational partnership with the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) to help promote national standards for floor care related to floor safety.
5/15/2013
New tools aid hospital environmental services in infection prevention
More cleaning product manufacturers are increasing their offerings of training and monitoring services to help hospital EVS teams meet the demands related to HAIs.
5/13/2013
Free webinar to discuss energy benchmarking in healthcare facilities
Healthcare Facilities Today will host the free webinar "Healthcare Facility Benchmarking: How to Get Started" at 1 p.m. Eastern on May 21.
5/10/2013
Emergency department layouts may require changes to meet new standards
New standards from the Joint Commission will require hospitals to enhance patient flow through the emergency department by January 2014.
5/9/2013
Healthcare Smart Water Leadership Summit to be accessible via streaming
The Healthcare Smart Water Leadership Summit, to be held June 6 - 7 in Chicago, will now also be available via live streaming for those unable to attend in person.
5/7/2013
ASHRAE systems manual guideline open for public comment
ASHRAE guideline on how to create a facility systems manual is open for public comment through June 2, 2013.
5/7/2013
Healthcare can learn from Harvard's efforts to cut foodservice energy costs
The healthcare foodservice sector can learn some valuable lessons from an energy reduction initiative at Harvard University.
5/7/2013
Healthcare can learn from Harvard's efforts to cut foodservice energy costs
The healthcare foodservice sector can learn some valuable lessons from an energy reduction initiative at Harvard University.
5/7/2013
Healthier Hospitals Initiative to host info session on its challenge programs
A sharing call, titled "What is the Right HHI Challenge for Your Facility?" will be held May 17 at 2 p.m. Eastern to review each of the HHI challenges, data submission requirements and other details.
5/6/2013
Wireless access technology uniquely benefits long-term care facilities
Replacing physical keys with wireless access-control systems in long-term care facilities has many benefits for both residents and care providers.
5/6/2013
Perception of hospital cleanliness can impact patient satisfaction
Cleanliness delivered by a pleasant environmental services staff can help promote satisfaction among consumers and distinguish a hospital from its competition.
5/3/2013
Hospitals pledge to serve healthier, more sustainable foods
Hospitals nationwide are making strides to serve healthier, more sustainable foods — with a sometimes unexpected benefit to the bottom line.
5/1/2013