Institutional
Reducing the risk of Legionella
Any water source in a building that can be aerosolized may be a Legionella risk, particularly where the water is dirty, remains still or is not exposed to a ...
Rise up
Studies examining the effectiveness of implementing ceiling lifts have found decreases in injury rates, decreases in workers’ compensation claims, perceived decreases in the risk of injury and improved morale with a decrease in absenteeism.
The ergo impact of IT on health care
Are today’s health care professionals at greater risk for repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal problems than their predecessors? Yes, says Adam Labelle, an associate ergonomist with workplace furniture and accessories ...
Intellectual properties
Building automation systems enable buildings to generate limitless data and information on nearly every aspect of a building and then share it among systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire facility.
Legislation gets to the heart of health and safety
Manitoba is the first Canadian province to mandate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in specific facilities.
Clean smarter with microfibre mopheads
While often more expensive than traditional cleaning cloths and mopheads, microfibre products tend to be more absorbent, use significantly less chemicals and water, and clean surfaces more effectively.
Understanding carpet warranties
Over the years, carpet warranties have changed considerably, limiting their liability. In some cases, the manufacturer will: specify what type of cleaning is appropriate to maintain the warranty; require cleaning receipts to indicate when and ...
New smartphone app prevents fraud
Scam Detector is a free smartphone application that exposes in detail more than 550 of the world’s most notorious scams. The company behind the app also updates it regularly with the newest scams.
TV service providers to jostle in new markets
A recent decision from the CRTC puts TV service providers in a better position to compete in some commercial and institutional buildings.
Specifying an effective sound masking system
To ensure a sound masking system works as expected, a clear set of performance standards should be established prior to procurement. If not, the system may not provide the desired level of speech privacy or noise control.
Recommissioning finds qualitative quick fixes
Recommissioning focuses on right-sizing a building’s mechanical and electrical systems and their operation for today’s conditions.
Energy audits
An energy audit is the logical first step in helping to reduce a facility’s utility costs and carbon footprint, and justify capital expenditures. Here are 10 things every building manager should know before embarking on an energy audit.
The new landscape of energy conservation
The Ontario Power Authority has introduced a number of new conservation programs to help consumers and businesses save money, better manage their electricity use, reduce their impact on the environment and help ensure the province has ...
ISO 50001 energy management systems standard
The ISO 50001 energy management systems standard initially focuses more on commitment to performance than performance itself.
Core sunlighting
Core sunlighting is a system that gathers natural sunlight, concentrates it and delivers it deep into a building’s interior, not just the area along ...
Determining an aging building’s fate
The key to deciding an aging building's fate is to understand, through accurate data and analysis, the condition, function and usage of the building.
The enemy within
Recent research has found that bedbugs can carry bacteria that have historically proven lethal to humans. This has raised the bar for integrated pest control providers. They now must kill the bedbugs and the potentially deadly microbes they carry.