Large-scale urban fires, like wildfires or chemical fires as recently experienced in East Palestine, Ohio, may pose unique hazards to nearby communities not just during the fire, but in its aftermath. While people may primarily associate air and water contamination with the combustion products of a fire, there is an often-overlooked hazard of residual dust. This dust can be hazardous to communities since it contains a chemical history of the fire and can settle in soil, migrate into waterways, and infiltrate homes and buildings. By doing so, the dust may present chronic or long-term health risks for the community that require careful mitigation over time.
The Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes shares some tips for managing dust removal and exposure. CIRI reference materials also include how to make an economical DIY air cleaner for particle removal.
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In the world of facilities management (FM), risk is everywhere you turn, and no two facilities have the exact same set of needs. That’s why OpenWorks is harnessing the power of data to help customers make proactive decisions that reduce uncertainty and risk. The national facilities management company recently introduced the OpenWorks Portal, a digital hub where communication occurs in real time among OpenWorks, its customers and the facility services providers who support them.
The OpenWorks Portal enhances interaction and visibility among all parties involved in each customer relationship. With the customer at the center, OpenWorks provides operational oversight and expertise while professional franchise owners and independent service providers focus on making facilities safer, cleaner and more compliant. The Portal is expected to add a new layer of confidence for customers, reinforcing OpenWorks’ impressive 99% customer retention rate.
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As an HVACR professional, having the proper work attire is essential. Not only do you need apparel that will keep you comfortable and safe while on the job site, but it can also impact customer perception of your professionalism and skill set. With this in mind, facility managers and industry professionals need to be sure they are outfitting their team with garments that meet both the needs of their workers and customers alike, says workwear provider All Seasons Uniforms.
The following article discusses all aspects of proper work apparel for HVACR pros — including what materials to look for, standard features found across different items, advice for selecting sizes and styles that fit best, and FAQs about selecting appropriate clothing items from uniform suppliers who specialize in HVACR apparel. From facility managers to technicians, proper workwear helps you look professional and provides an extra layer of protection against common hazards you may encounter while on the job.
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Security expert Abloy UK supplied NHS Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, with the eCLIQ electromechanical solution for their on-site facilities management and security. Abloy UK recommended eCLIQ, a web-based locking and key management solution. The system was installed throughout the estate, with 82 locks fitted by Raigmore’s FM team and 42 keys issued to staff and contractors. Installation was reportedly easy as the cylinders do not require a power output.
eCLIQ uses web management software providing valuable insights into when, where and by whom the keys are used. Facilities managers have a detailed overview and control of access across the hospital as the system logs the time and user of the key every time it is used. If problems occur, it is easy to determine who last entered the room to find out more information in a substantially reduced time. The risk of unauthorized access is reduced with web management software controlling the validation and revoking of keys. Likewise, former employees who do not return their key will no longer have access, because their key can simply be removed from the system.
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The Book of the Week from FMLink's new Books section is from the Costbooks category. This collection of peer-reviewed books has been curated by the editorial team at FMLink to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the Costbooks topic.
In the midst of rampant inflation, supply chain snarls, labor shortages, and steep wage increases, estimating and budgeting construction projects can be a real nightmare.
The risk of losing money as the result of an inaccurate bid or estimate has never been greater. But the 2023 BNi General Construction Costbook + Bronze Database bundle can help you take control of this chaos. The 33rd edition presents precise details for virtually every component used in construction, with the costs for material, labor and equipment clearly broken down, to help you quickly and confidently prepare bids, check prices and calculate the impact of change orders.
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The light commercial RealMAX atmospheric gas water heater line offers real capacity — a true 30, 40 or 50 gallons based on the model. It also offers optimized burner performance so hot water is quickly replenished; durable design to prevent anode rod corrosion; SmartShield Safety System with automatic shutoff; gas system status self-diagnostics; and a rust-proof drain valve; as well as quick delivery and easy installation.
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The 54th edition of the leading platform for commercial interior design and facilities planning returns June 12-14 to THE MART in Chicago when NeoCon 2023 unites the design community to experience groundbreaking commercial interiors products, educational programming and industry gathering. During NeoCon, major commercial solutions manufacturers as well as emerging companies will showcase thousands of new products and services in categories including furniture, flooring, fabrics, interior building products, interior finishes and technology.
Facilities management and design professionals representing markets ranging from workplace, healthcare, education, public space and government to hospitality and retail converge each year at NeoCon to source products, network with suppliers and learn about new trends and building codes.
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At this year's AHR Expo, French connected refrigeration company Matelex was singled out as one of three finalists for an Innovation Award in the category of Refrigeration. In Atlanta, U.S. representative David Reitz spoke about PolarBox and PolarVisor — two products that work together — in a presentation titled Benefits of Proactive Refrigeration Maintenance to Your Bottom Line and Workforce. He referred to the company’s track record in the industry, its experience installing over 4,000 systems worldwide, and recent accolades such as Matelex’s 2020 AHR Expo Innovation Award in the category of Tools and Instruments.
PolarBox is a remote monitoring device for refrigeration installations. With measurements taken every 5 seconds and data analysis tools, the PolarBox learns the normal operation of an installation in order to identify drifts and alert operators. This simplifies the management of refrigeration installations, improves performance and drastically reduces environmental impact. A visual dashboard capable of viewing multiple installations along with tips for improvements and reminders is available with the accompanying PolarVisor web app.
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