Canadian Facility Management & Design

LIGHT THERAPY

SITEFOCUS ON CHALLENGES PAVE THE WAY

SEATING

FOR A SUN-FILLED NEW WING AT CHINOOK REGIONAL HOSPITAL

MANAGING

SKILL SETS THE POSITIVE

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STRATEGIC PLACEMENT

HOW TO INCREASE THE USE OF SOAP AND SANITIZER DISPENSERS

WHY SOME LED LAMPS FAIL

REALIZE PROMISED BENEFITS, AVOID PREMATURE PA R T O F T H E REPLACEMENT

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CANADIAN FACILITY MANAGEMENT & DESIGN

[ contents ]

MONTH 2012

COVER PHOTO: ANDREW LATREILLE / COURTESY: PERKINS+WILL/GROUP 2/KRA

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On the cover: The new front entrance to Chinook Regional Hospital features a deep overhang. Page 16.

XX 16 Illuminated artwork panels differentiate between departments to provide wayfinding.

12 HAND HYGIENE IN HEALTHCARE How the strategic placement of sanitizer dispensers can increase their use.

16 AN ADDITION WITH SURGICAL PRECISION

14

Inside the intensification of Chinook Regional Hospital’s fully developed site.

22 AN RX FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT Reduce utility bills in healthcare environments without sacrificing patient comfort.

24 HVAC-BASED DEHUMIDIFICATION

The right solution can improve IAQ and reduce HAIs.

26 FOUR REASONS LED LAMPS FAIL

26

Why some products don’t live up to their promised cost and energy savings.

28 BIG COMFORT, SMALL SPACE

New healthcare furniture makes the most out of limited real estate in hospitals.

columns

departments

4 OBSERVATIONS 8 FM ERGONOMICS 14 FM EDUCATION 22 ENERGY 30 LAST WORD

6 FOUNDATIONS 21 INFOGUIDE

[ observations ]

BY MICHELLE ERVIN

LIGHT THERAPY

T

he constraints of Chinook Regional Hospital’s existing site, which was already built out, ultimately produced some of the best features of its redevelopment. That was after completing an addition and renovation while the healthcare facility remained in operation.

A five-storey addition enclosed the healthcare facility’s courtyard with a long and narrow footprint that created significant daylighting opportunities. This bright spot of the design was complemented by a simple layout that contributed to ease of wayfinding and reduced the distance between nurses and patients.

The design also upended the traditional hospital format of a big box in which central elevators offload people into the centre of the building, where maps must be consulted to navigate the maze of corridors, said Kristen Reite, principal-in-charge, formerly with Perkins+Will, currently with KRA. Perkins+Will worked on the project with Group2 Architecture.

In fact, Reite’s efforts to take the institutional feel out of this institutional architecture — the subject of this month’s cover story — are quite intentional.

Elements such as light scoops on the rooftop terrace have a major impact on the patient and staff experience, Reite pointed out. And these elements might have been sacrificed to the budget had the project not been pursuing LEED for Healthcare certification.

Also in this healthcare-themed issue are articles on how to prevent hand strain among lab techs, where to locate sanitizer dispensers to increase their use and ways to manage energy in power-intensive hospital facilities. Plus, turn to page 28 to find a round-up of the latest healthcare furniture, including sleepers and recliners.

The redevelopment of Chinook Regional Hospital reflects an increasing recognition of the positive effects of daylighting on building occupants. Patients at the healthcare facility looking for light at the end of the tunnel, as it were, will also find light at the end of the hallway.

MICHELLE ERVIN

michellee@mediaedge.ca

SEPTEMBER 2016 Volume 31, Issue No. 5 PUBLISHERS: Stephanie Philbin stephaniep@mediaedge.ca Sean Foley seanf@mediaedge.ca EDITOR: Michelle Ervin Tel (416) 512-8186 ext 254 michellee@mediaedge.ca SENIOR DESIGNER: Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca DESIGNER: Jennifer Carter jenc@mediaedge.ca WEBDESIGNER: Rick Evangelista ricke@mediaedge.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER: Rachel Selbie rachels@mediaedge.ca DIGITAL & SALES COORDINATOR: Paula Miyake paulam@mediaedge.ca CIRCULATION: Maria Siassina circulation@mediaedge.ca (416) 512-8186 ext. 246 PRESIDENT: Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca GROUP PUBLISHER: Melissa Valentini melissav@mediaedge.ca DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA: Steven Chester stevenc@mediaedge.ca EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Barry Brennand, Merlin Consulting Group; Jaan Meri, P.Eng., Consultant; Alex K. Lam, MRAIC, The OCB Network; Janine Reaburn, LoyaltyOne, LEED ® AP

Canadian Facility Management & Design (CFM&D) magazine is published seven times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc., 5255 Yonge Street., Suite 1000, Toronto ON M2N 6P4; Tel (416) 512-8186; Fax 416-512-8344; email: circulation@mediaedge.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS Canada 1 yr $50* 2 yr $90* USA 1 yr $75* 2 yr $140* Int 1 yr $100* 2 yr $180* * Plus applicable taxes.

Authors: CFM&D magazine accepts unsolicited query letters and article suggestions. Manufacturers: Those wishing to have their products reviewed should contact the publisher or send information to the attention of the editor. Sworn Statement of Circulation: Available from the publisher upon written request. Although Canadian Facility Management & Design makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published, we cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions, however caused. Printed in Canada.

Copyright 2016 Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement no. 40063056 ISSN 1193-7505

4 CFM&D September 2016

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: MediaEdge Communications Inc., 5255 Yonge St., www.cfmd.ca Suite 1000, Toronto, ON M2N 6P4

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» foundations » FACILITY MANAGEMENT MARKET BY THE NUMBERS A report released this month projects that the value of the global facility management market will close to double over the next five years.

Published by MarketsandMarkets, the report breaks down the market by solution, service and region, among other features. It forecasts that by solution, maintenance management will lead growth; by service, the managed service market will lead growth; and by region, the Asia-Pacific Region will lead growth. Here are some of its headline stats:

USD $28.9BIL

USD $56.67BIL

14.42%

The estimated value of the facility management market in 2016.

Ontario’s Mackenzie Health is working with Sodexo Canada to build a ‘smart’ system for delivering support services with increased efficiency and flexibility for improved patient care, according to a Sept. 7 news release.

“The intent is to create a non-clinical support service environment that is context aware, highly personalized to patient needs and adaptive to change,” said Richard Tam, executive vice-president and chief administrative officer, Mackenzie Health.

As Sodexo Canada develops and tests technological solutions, the goal is to automate requests for support services including bio med and physical plant maintenance, patient transport and security. Requests input into the hospital’s patient flow system would be marked with the time, scheduled and routed via mobile device to the right support staff.

The project will see the hospital’s call centre get functional upgrades and have its call centre IT systems integrated into its electronic medical record. The call centre and electronic medical record direct internal service requests and manage patient scheduling, respectively.

“Mackenzie Health is among Canada’s most innovative healthcare facilities and the patient-centred systems we develop and deploy as part of this exciting project will ultimately benefit healthcare delivery in communities far beyond York Region,” said Brian Kimmett, VP of healthcare for Sodexo Canada.

The estimated value of the facility management market by 2021.

JOHNSON CONTROLS, TYCO MERGER COMPLETE

The estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at which the facility management market is expected to rise.

The report, “Facility Management Market

by Solution (Asset & Inventory, Workplace & Relocation, Strategic Planning & Project, Sustainability, Real Estate & Lease, Maintenance), Service, Deployment Type, Business Size, Vertical, and Region – Global Forecast to 2021,” is available in full for purchase at: http://www.marketsandmarkets. com/Market-Reports/facilities-managementmarket-1030.html.

6 CFM&D September 2016

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PURSUES ‘SMART’ SYSTEM FOR HOSPITAL SUPPORT SERVICES

The new Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) began operations on Sept. 6 following the successful merger of the building efficiency solutions provider of the same name and fire and security solutions provider Tyco.

In a press release, the company said the move positioned it as a leader in integrated solutions, products and technology for the buildings and energy sectors. The merger gives the new entity best-in-class capabilities in controls, energy storage, fire, HVAC and security for commercial buildings, government and large institutions, among a broad range of end markets.

In the short term, it sees the potential to achieve growth by taking advantage of the cross-selling opportunities, complementary branch and distribution channels networks and expanded global reach for established businesses afforded by Johnson Controls and Tycos’ buildings platforms.

In the long term, the company said it’s poised to contribute to the future of smart buildings, campuses and cities through innovations in business models and technology, and forward data-driven, high value-added services such as Connected Services businesses.

Johnson Controls expects to save $1 billion through merger synergies and productivity initiatives, thanks to robust integration planning. After it spins off Adient, its automotive business, which is scheduled to occur Oct. 31, Johnson Controls will have 117,000 employees and $30 billion in revenue. www.cfmd.ca

ALL NEW LOOK

Coverage that is setting the standard in the Real Estate Management Industry.

Online Exclusives

September 2016

Canada advances HFC phase-down

Student ServiceHub earns ARIDO award

Impending environmental regulations will push the Canadian and American real estate industries toward cooling and insulation options with lower global warming potential (GWP). This effort to mitigate a climate threat will also require heightened vigilance as flammable and/or more toxic replacements are introduced into buildings.

With its bright whites, coloured films and gigantic graphics, Ryerson University’s Student ServiceHub has been likened to an Apple Store, save for one important feature: its long, product launch-day lineups. That’s because the new home of the Registrar’s Office also has the efficiency of an ER.

TDSB faces $3.4-billion renewal needs backlog The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is staring down a $3.4-billion renewal needs backlog that the board says could balloon to a projected $4.7 billion in 2018 in the absence of sufficient funding.

All the Buzz

From the Green Bin

Expert Advice

Social Media

Ontario to provide $175-mil for hospital repairs

Energy audit standard open for public review

The value of applying a floor finish

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Ontario will increase funding for hospital repairs by $50 million for 2016-2017, for a total investment of $175 million.

A standard for energy audits proposed by ASHRAE and ACCA will be open for public comment until Sept. 19.

Ron Segura explains the value of applying a floor finish.

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[ fm ergonomics ]

This page sponsored by

BY AARON MILLER

GETTING A GRIP ON HAND STRAIN Studies have shown that lab techs face a much greater risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injuries as a result of regular, repetitive tasks. An ergonomist shares how to prevent hand strain in this work environment in three steps

L

aboratories are common in Canada, reaching from the viniculture industry to universities, pharmaceutical and petro chemical sectors. For lab techs, there are many occupational hazards, including exposure to hazardous, corrosive chemicals, noxious fumes, infectious microbes and even radiation.

There are also many health and safety regulations in Canada to protect these workers. However, some risks of working in a lab remain, and they may not be as obvious. They include the potential for musculoskeletal injury to the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck due to the high volume and frequency of manual tasks that lab techs complete in their daily work.

Lifting, sorting samples, computer and bench work are among the many

8 CFM&D September 2016

manual tasks that occur in the lab.

These manual tasks, which can be repetitive in nature over extended periods of time, put lab techs at a high risk for musculoskeletal injury.

WorksafeBC defines a musculoskeletal injury as an injury (including a sprain, strain, or inflammation) or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissues that may be caused or aggravated by work. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, work-related musculoskeletal injuries (disorders) can happen from arm and hand movements such as bending, straightening, gripping, holding, twisting, clenching and reaching, all of which are common requirements for lab work.

These movements on their own will not cause an injury. What makes them harmful in the lab environment is when

they are continually repeated, in a forceful manner (pinching or gripping hard); lead to awkward body positions; and are completed quickly with minimal breaks.

Pipettes, which are used to transport a measured volume of liquid from one container to the next, are a major tool in the modern lab. There are various designs of pipettes for different uses and levels of accuracy and precision.

Lab techs typically complete many tasks repetitive tasks using pipettes over long periods of time. The continual motion, combined with other tasks such as sorting vials and computer use, can create a risk for injury to the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, and neck area.

In a Swedish study, researchers found that lab techs working with pipettes had twice the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of the hand compared to the general population. Furthermore, this study found that pipetting more than 300 hours per year (approximately one to two hours per day) put lab techs at an increased risk for musculoskeletal injury to the hand and shoulder.

While there are many risk factors for injury from many of the tasks completed in the lab, there are opportunities to reduce these risks and work pain-free, including the following three steps.

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PIPETTE.

There are many different pipettes available that all are specialized to different areas of the lab. Options include electronic, multichannel, and other types of pipettes. Make a selection based on the physical properties of the sample that is being analyzed, type of analysis that needs to be done, and amount of liquid that needs to be transferred. While there are many benefits to an electronic pipette compared to a manual pipette (less hand and thumb force), it’s important to consider the increased weight and the hand fit. www.cfmd.ca

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STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHAIR.

The right fit of chair can support the low back and the rest of the upper body during prolonged periods of sitting.

It is important that the chair is heightadjustable to maintain a 90-degree angle at the thighs and that the feet can either be placed flat on the floor or rested on a foot rest or rail. The chair should also

have armrests to support the arms and upper body when pipetting. This will reduce the amount of work that the upper body and neck must do to support the body when completing tasks.

STEP 3: DON’T FORGET TO TAKE BREAKS.

The muscles in the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck need breaks

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throughout the day to allow them to recover from the stresses of repetitive work such as pipetting.

Just like a bodybuilder that completes repetitions and then takes a rest, lab techs need rest periods to let the body recover. This can include splitting up manual repetitive tasks through the day or taking breaks during extended periods of work.

Lab work can be highly repetitive, making musculoskeletal injuries of the hands, wrist, arms, shoulders, and neck highly prevalent. It is important to understand the risk factors for musculoskeletal injury to the body and how the work environment and tools can be modified to reduce these risks.

This can include choosing the right pipette for the job, having a chair that supports the body and maintaining good posture, and breaking up the work day during long periods of pipetting or other repetitive tasks. Breaks give the body a chance to rest and not overload the muscles, which can cause discomfort and even injury.

In any work environment, it’s important to understand the body and, if there is continual discomfort when performing specific tasks, what parts of the job are causing discomfort. By determining what types of tasks are causing discomfort or pain, changes can be made to reduce risk factors for injury and let workers focus on the task and not pain. | CFM&D REFERENCE 1. Bjorksten M G, Almby B and Jansson E S (1994) Hand and shoulder ailments amoung laboratory technicians using modern plunger-

Power + up to 18 CAT- 6 cables

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operated pipettes. Applied Ergonomics. 25, 88-94.

Aaron Miller is a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE) and an ergonomic consultant based

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10 CFM&D September 2016

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in Kelowna, B.C. He can be reached at aaronmiller764@gmail.com.

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[ operations & maintenance ]

BY TOM BERGIN

HAND HYGIENE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES Promoting the most effective method for preventing the spread of communicable diseases in hospitals is about more than behaviour. The strategic placement of soap and sanitizer dispensers has been shown to increase their use

A

nyone who sets foot in a health facility hopes to leave healthier than, or as healthy as, when one came in. The problem is that health facilities are under constant threat of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most frequent harmful situations during care delivery.

Incidents can result in longer hospital visits, long-term disabilities, significant financial burdens on healthcare institutions and, most severely, an increase in deaths. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), more than 200,000 patients are infected every year while receiving treatment, with 8,000 of these cases resulting in death . To combat this concern, the PHAC issues infection control guidelines for all provinces,

territories and healthcare organizations.

Hand hygiene remains the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and infections.

Recommendations from the WHO and PHAC essentially shed light on individual behaviours to help curb HCAIs in health facilities; however, it is equally important to consider the environment in which health professionals, patients and visitors are asked to practice safe hand hygiene.

Actually, studies indicate that hand hygiene behaviour alone is not the only key factor for achieving higher compliance rates; it turns out that the placement of soap/sanitizer dispensers plays an important role as well.

HAND HYGIENE RECOMMENDATIONS

There are a multitude of recommendations on lowering the number of HCAIs worldwide. The WHO highlights the importance of good hand hygiene in

Many visitors do not clean their hands when entering the hospital. Giving easy access to and info about hand hygiene could potentially have great benefit.

Euro Surveill. 2009 Sep 17;14(37). pii: 19331.

Sub-optimal hand sanitiser usage in a hospital entrance during an influenza pandemic, New Zealand, August 2009.

Murray R1, Chandler C, Clarkson Y, Wilson N, Baker M, Cunningham R; Wellington Respiratory and Hand Hygiene Study Group.

preventing HCAIs. It suggests the most important aspect is “cleaning your hands at the right time and in the right way.”

In addition to the WHO’s hand hygiene improvement strategy and guidelines on healthcare hand hygiene, it identifies five moments for hand hygiene in healthcare.

Analyzing the natural workflow of the healthcare system, the WHO highlights the following moments to be mindful of: before patient contact, before aseptic task, after body fluid exposure risk, after patient contact and after contact with patient surroundings.

Similarly, according to the PHAC, “adherence to hand hygiene recommendations is the single most important practice for preventing the transmission of microorganisms in healthcare and directly contributes to patient safety.” In 2014, it released Best Practices for Hand Hygiene, which outlines specific steps to reduce the chance of infection in patients. Some of PHAC’s key recommendations include: knowing why and when to perform hand hygiene, understanding barriers and enablers that might influence hand hygiene, choosing hand hygiene agents and applying the correct hand hygiene techniques.

While identifying and correcting behaviour is essential in reducing the number of HCAIs, it is important to remember the impact environment has on behaviour. The layout and landscape of a healthcare facility can directly affect the accessibility of dispenser stations and, therefore, the regular practice of proper hand hygiene within the facility.

STRATEGIC DISPENSER PLACEMENT

Making sure dispensers are correctly placed is essential to improving hand hygiene practices. In fact, optimizing dispenser placement can result in a 50-per-cent increase in use. Furthermore, enhancing the visibility of dispensers does more to increase usage than simply increasing the number of dispensers within a healthcare facility.

12 CFM&D September 2016

www.cfmd.ca

General principles have been developed based on both SCA-sponsored research and independent findings from academic research. Keeping the WHO’s five moments in mind, these principles are built around four areas commonly found in hospitals and recommend strategic dispenser placement as follows: • Hospital entrance: Few visitors perform hand hygiene when entering the hospital , which is why clear placement is integral to the education of visitors.

Clear and simple information regarding hand hygiene should also be provided near dispensers.

• Semi-private patient room: These rooms require multiple dispensers to ensure use. Dispensers placed near the entrance and sink are used more frequently, as consistent and familiar locations increase likelihood of use.

• Private patient room: Dispensers should be placed on ‘walking routes’ and immediately visible when entering the room. They should be clearly visible and located near areas care is performed.

• Nurse station: Patient visits usually begin and end at the nurse station, so dispensers should be placed visibly nearby. In an SCA-sponsored study, dispensers placed by the nurse station were used more frequently than dispensers placed behind patient beds.

The focal point of the study is ensuring the visibility and ease of access to dispensers.

Doctors and nurses are often busy and should not have to go out of their way to practice hand hygiene protocol.

MOVING FORWARD

HCAIs present an important obstacle in healthcare which must be addressed.

Research indicates ways it’s possible to effectively combat the presence of HCAIs in healthcare facilities through a combination of behaviour and environment.

While there are certain behaviours recommended by the WHO and PHAC that may be adjusted to limit the occurrence of HCAIs, the facility’s environment plays a large role in preventing infection.

Ensuring soap/sanitizer dispensers are visible, easily accessible to visitors and staff and mirror the workflow of nurses and doctors is an important step towards lowering the risk and number of HCAIs worldwide. | CFM&D Canadian Facility Management & Design

Semi-private patient room This type of room requires more than one dispenser.

Familiar locations eliminate need to look for dispenser.

In one observational study dispensers located near the sink and at the entrance to the room were used more frequently than dispensers at the rear of the room.

Perform a work-flow study to see where the “hightraffic” areas of the room are as well as where health care workers are standing when one of the 5 moments occurs.

In addition to high traffic, take extra care to see where healthcare workers move between patients.

Source: Assessing the optimal location for alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in a patient room in an intensive care unit Matthijs C Boog1*, Vicki Erasmus1, Jitske M de Graaf1, Elise (A) HE Van Beeck1, Marjike Melles2 and Ed F van Beeck1

Traditional private patient room Placing dispensers on “walking-routes” or at a site where care is frequently provided results in more usage.

Dispensers should not be out of the way, behind another object out-of-sight.

Note: Placing dispensers in bedbrackets is good in addition to other ABHR but might result in bottles disappearing when bed is taken out of the room.

Nurse station An observational study showed that dispensers located at the nursing station were used more frequently than dispensers placed on the wall behind patient beds.

Place dispensers in walking corridors for use on the go.

Source: SCA Internal study, Netherlands 2015.

Tom Bergin is health care marketing director for SCA’s Away from Home Professional Hygiene business in North America.

September 2016 CFM&D 13

[ fm education ]

These pages sponsored by

BOMI

BY JELLE VONK

C A N A D A

THE BENEFITS OF ‘BIOSOLAR’ In dense, urban areas, the rooftop is a natural location for green space and solar PV panels. A research project proves that these sustainable features don’t need to fight for this turf — they can be even more powerful when used in combination

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In high-density cities, rooftops are the best location to install green space or solar PV panels.

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reen roofs and solar PV (photovoltaic) panels have become important tools for the sustainable design and construction community.

They contribute to stormwater management, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality and energy efficiency. Recognizing these benefits, many cities in North 14 CFM&D September 2016

America, such as Toronto, are mandating them by law.

In high-density cities, rooftops are the best location to install green space or solar PV panels. However, quite often these features are fighting for the same turf. This raises the question: Why not combine them? Could the two systems work together to enhance the benefits that each system provides, or would the solar panel adversely affect

the performance of the green roof or vice versa?

A three-year research project, in which three solar PV panels were installed on a test roof, sought to answer these questions. Panels one and two were installed on a bituminous waterproofing membrane, one on a low-mounting frame and one on a high-mounting frame. Panel three was installed on an extensive green roof with a high-mounting frame.

The efficiency of photovoltaic panels depends on their temperature. The greater the temperature of the panel, the lower the level of efficiency. The main effect of temperature on solar panels is that it reduces the efficiency of the solar cells at converting solar energy (sunlight) into electricity. In other words, the chemical reactions that occur within the solar panels are more efficient at cooler temperatures than at hot temperatures.

In practice, the temperature of the PV panels increases considerably due to solar radiation when installed on rooftop applications. The hot surface of the roof, whether it be dark bituminous waterproofing membrane, white reflective roof materials or gravel roof ballast materials, compounds this effect and can easily lead to temperatures of up to 90 degrees Celsius.

The research project showed that the temperature of solar PV panel three, which was installed on the green roof, remained closest to the air temperature, while the solar PV panels on the bitumen membrane were considerably warmer. On an annual basis, the temperature difference meant that panel three was four per cent more efficient than panels one and two.

Another benefit of combining solar and green roofs is that the green roof can be used to ballast the solar array against wind uplift. Traditional systems www.cfmd.ca

are ballasted with heavy concrete blocks (resulting in high point loads) or are fastened to the roof deck (resulting in penetrations through the waterproofing membrane with a higher risk of leakage). The solar array can be anchored to the green roof assembly, avoiding high-risk penetrations through the waterproofing membrane and high point loads. Engineered wind calculations are required to determine the amount of ballast weight required.

Green roofs present the opportunity to create habitat and enhance biodiversity in the urban areas. In 2013, the City of Toronto added a biodiversity guide, which identifies three important design factors, to its green roof bylaw:

The solar array can be anchored to the green roof assembly, avoiding high-risk penetrations through the waterproofing membrane and high point loads.

1. Variation in depth, topography and composition of growing media: As the

depth of growing media increases, the opportunity to promote biodiversity also increases, simply because a greater range of plant species and plant types can be accommodated.

Maximizing the diversity of plant species and plant life-forms has many benefits, increasing the opportunities for pollination, food, shade, nesting, perching and nutrients for flora and fauna.

2. Diversity in vegetation:

3. Niche

spaces

for

organisms:

Integrating structures is a simple way to increase the use of the roof as habitat, which helps to create different microclimates and microhabitats, and may lead to greater species diversity.

The combination of green roof and solar features is sometimes also called biosolar. The use of the term ‘bio’ refers Canadian Facility Management & Design

ďż˝

The temperature of PV panels increases considerably due to solar radiation when installed in rooftop applications.

to the way solar panels can enhance biodiversity on green roofs.

Solar panels on green roofs can, in fact, through good design, provide niche spaces for a more diverse native floral community, which in turn benefits biodiversity, especially pollinators. The solar panels create shade and block rain on particular areas on the roof. This creates a palette of diverse

growing conditions and microclimates for a wide variety of plant species and microorganisms.

As demonstrated, using solar photovoltaic panels and green space on the same roof mutually reinforces their sustainability benefits. Those benefits extend to the building and its owner, the city and the surrounding environment.| CFM&D

Jelle Vonk is the business manager of ZinCo Canada Inc. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and Land Development from VanHall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. He has more than 15 years of green roof experience in Europe and Canada and has worked on many green roof projects including the VanDusen Visitor Centre in Vancouver, the RBC WaterPark Place head office in Toronto and the Bank of Canada in Ottawa.

September 2016 CFM&D 15

FACILITY DESIGN

AN ADDITION WITH SURGICAL PRECISION Intensifying Chinook Regional Hospital’s fully developed site came with challenges and opportunities.

How the expansion project improved access to existing services and increased the healthcare facility’s capacity to accommodate future demand in the growing city of Lethbridge

BY MICHELLE ERVIN

16 CFM&D September 2016

www.cfmd.ca

PHOTO: ANDREW LATREILLE / COURTESY: PERKINS+WILL / GROUP 2 / KRA

ďż˝

Slate grey bricks at the base of the addition echo, rather than replicate, the burnt-red bricks of the original building.

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dding a new wing to the fully developed site would require surgical precision.

The original Chinook Regional Hospital, which was constructed close to 30 years ago, cuts a hard-angled U-shape around a courtyard and faces out onto a mechanical plant and parkade. That left only a sliver of land available for expansion.

The long and narrow footprint of the now completed addition squared off the courtyard. This approach came with challenges as the healthcare facility remained in operation through construction as well as opportunities to draw in natural daylight.

Completed late last year, the fivestorey hospital wing formally opened its doors to the growing Lethbridge, Alberta community it serves this summer.

The five-year, $127-million project revitalized a traditionally styled healthcare facility with an unconventional modern addition. It is intended to improve access to medical services in the short term and accommodate future demand in the long term.

Canadian Facility Management & Design

September 2016 CFM&D 17

FACILITY DESIGN

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Clockwise from left: The original Chinook Regional Hospital faces out onto a mechanical plant and parkade, which left only a sliver of land available for expansion; lean design principles placed the nursing stations closer to patients; and wood finishes give the interiors warmth.

“The hospital upgrades and new addition were designed specifically to meet the medical service needs of Lethbridge and area families today and far into the future,” Brian Mason, Alberta’s minister of infrastructure, said in a news release celebrating the hospital wing’s grand opening.

The original building has all the hallmarks of its era, said architect Kirsten Reite, principal-in-charge, formerly with Perkins+Will, currently with KRA. The six-storey building’s exterior 18 CFM&D September 2016

features a brick façade perforated with punched-out windows and topped with mansard-like roofing.

“Respecting the monolithic nature of the building, we did want to reflect some of that and how we did that was we carried on some of the datum lines of the windows and other doors and other architectural features horizontally, as well as tie into the masonry element,” said Reite.

The slate grey bricks at the base of the addition echo, rather than replicate, the

burnt-red bricks of the original building.

The upper storeys of the addition transition into insulated glass panels that give it durability in Lethbridge’s climate, said Julie Verville, project manager, formerly with Perkins+Will, currently with KRA. Over the span of the project, Perkins+Will worked with Group2 Architecture, who understood the local climate. The southern Alberta city swings from hot summers to cold winters and is situated in the ‘chinook www.cfmd.ca

belt,’ which gets blasted with the Rocky Mountain’s warm winds.

“Throughout the building, we had a high-efficiency envelope, lots of insulation and didn’t do a curtain wall all around the building,” said Verville. “[We] went with more punched windows to add more insulated wall than just glazing, but without affecting the amount of daylight that we were bringing inside the space.”

While the addition’s skinny footprint naturally soaked in the sun’s rays, the Canadian Facility Management & Design

goal of daylighting was supported by a number of elements. Glass floor cutouts and light scoops located on a rooftop respite area carry those rays into the core of the building to common areas such as waiting rooms.

In a departure from the beige palette common to healthcare facilities, the interiors are finished in warm woods and vibrant colours. These primary and secondary hues — which reflected the culture of the young hospital, noted Reite — are captured in illuminated

artwork panels that distinguish between different departments to provide visual wayfinding.

Also aiding in wayfinding is the simple layout, which is planned around a central corridor which acts as a spine.

The layout remains fairly uniform from floor to floor to provide the flexibility to make adjustments to the programming of spaces, Reite explained.

Lean design principles placed the nursing stations closer to patients for optimized work flow. The stations are September 2016 CFM&D 19

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The addition gave Chinook Regional Hospital a new main entrance.

outfitted with modular furniture for ease of reconfiguration and reinforced with solid surface material to withstand impacts from carts and stretchers.

The hospital’s Day Procedures department was renovated alongside the addition. Lean design principles factored into its planning, too. An assessment of actual needs freed up 30 per cent of the space for uses including a rapid assessment waiting room.

“We build these hospitals that are too big, and they don’t need to be this big, because it’s always a reaction to the ‘What if’s,” remarked Reite. “And so in this instance, we said, ‘Okay, let’s go through some scenarios and see how many rooms you actually need, not just guess.”

Complicating construction was the fact that the addition was giving the hospital a new main entrance, Verville observed. While the work was under way, however, staff, visitors and patients had to pass through the active site to enter the building.

“The challenge was to keep safe, secure access to the hospital during the construction,” said Verville. “But with the team we had in place, and constant communication, it was possible and no incidents happened.”

20 CFM&D September 2016

In a related challenge, the team also needed to map out a permanent path to get patients arriving by air ambulance from the helipad atop the parkade into the healthcare facility, noted Stacy Christensen, project architect, Group2 Architecture.

“It took quite a bit of gymnastics to get that to work, to get a person who had been brought in by ambulance down the parkade elevator, through the basement, back up the elevator in the hospital and into Emergency, in a seamless flow without crossing public paths,” Christensen explained.

The redevelopment of Chinook Regional Hospital has the distinction of being the first project in Canada to have registered for LEED for Healthcare with plans to pursue Silver level certification.

Compared to a benchmark building, the design of the facility is aiming to reduce energy use by 26 per cent, lighting power density by 30 per cent and potable water use by 42 per cent, Verville reported.

The daylighting, high efficiency building envelope, mechanical and electrical equipment are expected to help the project achieve its targeted LEED certification. So is the effort to use healthy and locally sourced materials,

which included specifying bio-based resin flooring instead of the typical PVCbased flooring.

All told, the addition expanded the hospital’s Cardio-Respiratory, Outpatient Services and Spiritual Care departments along with other support areas. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit saw its number of beds more than double, increasing its count from eight to 20. The addition also introduced a multi-faith Ceremonial Room with the ventilation required to perform the traditional First Nations practice of smudging.

The project, more than five years in the making, delivered two floors of shelled space in the new hospital for future development. The design also accounts for the possibility of adding a tower to the site for uses such as ambulatory care or medical offices that would connect to the facilities.

“The City of Lethbridge is growing,” Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman said in a news release celebrating the hospital wing’s grand opening. “As we inch closer to a population of 100,000, it is vital to have the healthcare facilities that can support this growth.” | CFM&D www.cfmd.ca

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[ energy ]

BY JEFF LIGHT

A PRESCRIPTION FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT Starting with small capital projects, and then verifying the results, can help build momentum for future investments.

An expert shares ways to reduce utility bills in energyintensive healthcare environments without sacrificing patient comfort

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atients, employees and visitors come in and out of hospital buildings 24 hours a day. Add to that the daily activities of running HVAC equipment, lighting, medical and lab equipment, sterilization, food service, and refrigeration, and it’s no surprise that hospitals consume large amounts of energy.

Even though energy represents a small portion of a hospital’s overall operating costs — only two per cent, according to a 2012 University of Washington study — reducing utility costs can provide a low-risk, high-yield, and stable investment. Improving energy efficiency provides hospitals with an ongoing way to reduce expenses, and doesn’t have to require a huge investment. Even small building energy management projects can produce big results.

This idea can be especially helpful for the healthcare industry as facilities face shifting expectations and challenges.

Ever-changing regulations, budget constraints and competition for capital are key considerations for many healthcare institutions. As a result, there is increasing pressure to make the right facility investments. It’s important to roll out building management solutions that result in improved facility performance while also maintaining patient and occupant comfort as well as upholding regulatory standards.

While the initial investments may be smaller in scale, they demand plenty of due diligence and validation. And these types of projects can still have significant 22 CFM&D September 2016

impact on important key performance indicators (KPIs) such as patient, staff, and physician comfort and satisfaction; safety; energy efficiency; and cost savings.

PRIORITIZING CAPITAL PROJECTS

While Canada maintains a publicly funded healthcare system, pay for performance (P4P) has recently emerged in Ontario amid budget pressures. The current healthcare environment calls for a management–oriented approach to patient care that is more holistic and proactive.

opportunity for savings: A survey of annual energy costs in 2011 in acute care hospitals showed that 28 per cent of facilities averaged costs of $3.01 to $4 USD per square foot, while 21 per cent of facilities averaged costs of $4.01 to $5 USD per square foot. Another 11 per cent of facilities had average costs of $5.01 to $6 USD per square foot.

That’s why many hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are using Energy Star as a benchmarking tool to get an accurate analysis of their energy use and monitor their improvements.

Finding energy management solutions that can help reduce costs is a priority for many healthcare facility managers. In fact, a recent hospital construction survey conducted by the American Society of Healthcare Engineers showed that 68 per cent of managers see a direct connection

Many hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are using Energy Star as a benchmarking tool to get an accurate analysis of their energy use and monitor their improvements.

At the same time, pay structures and how healthcare organizations are compensated are also changing in some provinces, which is driving healthcare facilities to evaluate all expense options in a variety of ways. Investment decisions for healthcare facilities often face three key questions commonly called the Triple AIM: Does it improve the health of the population they’re trying to serve; does it improve the patient experience of care; and does it reduce the per-capita cost of care?

When it comes to addressing expenses, energy management is one area for healthcare facility managers to consider. Reducing energy use is an

between the capital investments in their facility and the mission of their business.

In addition, 86 per cent of respondents said the impact of patient satisfaction on design is “very important,” while 72 per cent said they are interested in knowing more about trends in energy management.

Because healthcare facilities often have limited funds to invest, it’s important to prioritize capital projects aimed at energy management based on which ones will have the greatest impact. It’s also important to consider how the projects align to the mission and critical goals.

www.cfmd.ca

SETTING AND VALIDATING GOALS

After setting energy management goals and prioritizing capital projects to best match a facility’s business objectives, it’s important to validate the results of the improvements, to ensure that progress is being made. A key question to consider is, did the investment meet the objectives that were established when the project was first approved?

As previously stated, financial constraints mean that many organizations are starting small with energy management projects, then proving that the results align with business goals in a cost-effective manner. Starting a cycle of bite-sized investments, followed by validation, and then repeating the process can help build momentum for additional improvements over time.

Validate to prove the business impact of the improvements, but also other indicators as well, including patient and staff satisfaction rates or progress toward sustainability goals. This helps to build support internally, which is a critical step in gaining the funding and resources for future energy management projects. That means communicating to administrators and upper management how the investment aligns with the business goals and objectives — and how past investments have positively affected the bottom line.

projects. The healthcare system installed wireless communication technology for its building controls to improve flexibility and reliability in performance.

The initial request to install wireless technology was denied. Instead, the healthcare system started small by first introducing a building automation system that uses wireless technology in the non-clinical environment of a medical administration building.

This step ensured that the technology would reliably coexist with other critical wireless solutions.

A multi-disciplinary group, including the facility’s IT department, validated the benefits of the solution, its reliable coexistence with other technologies and reduced energy use. After that test proved successful, wireless was installed in the hospital and acute care facilities as well.

Using wireless communication technology for building controls adds flexibility and increased data analytics capabilities for future changes, which is important, as many healthcare facilities look to change their building layout to better serve their patient populations. This project is one example of a small start that led to

bigger, ongoing success that impacted building performance and operational efficiency.

In another example, a healthcare provider in Quebec wanted to understand what energy saving opportunities were available. It was also critical to the leadership that the opportunities identified aligned with the hospital’s business objectives.

The manufacturer started by conducting employee interviews across all departments in the healthcare organization. The manufacturer also completed a technical analysis of the facility to develop an asset renewal recommendation that aligned with the needs of the hospital’s aging infrastructure and business goals.

As improvements were made, they were evaluated to see how the initial analysis compared with the actual results. The results were then presented back to the hospital leadership and board members to validate the investments.

In both cases, the healthcare providers started small and verified outcomes to pave the way for further investments aimed at reducing energy use. | CFM&D

Jeff Light, FACHE, is the director of strategy and business development for Trane Building Advantage. He has been with the Trane Organization for over seven years and has spoken at both CHES & CCHL Conferences in addition to being a member of CCHL.

STARTING SMALL, SUCCEEDING BIG

In one example, a large healthcare system partnered with an international manufacturer to complete improvement

Canadian Facility Management & Design

He previously worked in administration for a large Texas healthcare system for 16 years and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and holds a BA and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

September 2016 CFM&D 23

O&M FEATURE

BY STEVE ULM

DEMYSTIFYING HVAC-BASED DEHUMIDIFICATION Selecting the right heating, ventilation and air conditioning solution is critical to patient well-being in healthcare facilities. How HVAC-based dehumidification for new construction and retrofit applications can help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and improve indoor air quality

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The trend in healthcare facilities is toward energy recovery ventilators

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ospital administrations are taking a closer look at HVACbased dehumidifiers to control indoor humidity levels. Their goal is to bolster their overall fight against airborne hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and increase indoor air quality (IAQ) for patients, employees and visitors.

Studies have shown that relative humidity levels above 60 per cent in healthcare facilities can promote

24 CFM&D September 2016

into existing units or incorporating them into newly installed HVAC systems has become a growing trend. For example, an active desiccant dehumidification unit won this year’s IAQ category at the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Expo’s AHR Innovation Awards. The unit is designed to provide surgery centres with ASHRAE Standard 170-mandated relative humidity levels as low as 20 per cent.

Outdoor air induction and return air are major contributors to humidity as they travel through the HVAC system.

Consequently, choosing the best sized and suited commercial dehumidifier for a particular project is critical to achieving the desired results.

Codes based on ASHRAE Standard 62.1 require HVAC systems to introduce as much as 15 to 20 per cent outdoor air, depending on their original engineering design. In summer months, this creates a tremendous humidity load that conventional air conditioning systems can’t handle without help from dehumidifiers. It’s also an energy drain, because air conditioning systems work harder to condense moisture out of supply and return air streams.

SELECTING A DEHUMIDIFIER FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

airborne biological contaminants, such as tuberculosis, influenza and other respiratory ailments.

The Center for Health Design (CHD) in Concord, California, analyzed 120 independent studies before concluding that clinical outcomes improve when patients receive quality-centered healthcare in facilities where the temperature, humidity and IAQ are effectively managed. The CHD also claims airborne pathogens cause more than 30 per cent of HAIs. As a result, retrofitting dehumidifiers

New construction is the best scenario in which to incorporate dehumidifiers, because the project is designed from scratch. The trend in healthcare facilities is toward energy recovery ventilators (ERV), which typically use desiccantbased enthalpy wheels to adsorb moisture and transfer energy. These machines can be installed separately from the HVAC system(s) or bolted onto the HVAC unit; however, both methods precondition the outdoor air and return air for the HVAC system.

In the case of the Montreal-based Centre Hopitalier de l’Université de www.cfmd.ca

Montréal (CHUM), 47 ERVs will dehumidify outdoor air and recover energy from return air for what’s considered the largest hospital addition in North America. It will measure more than 2.5-million square feet when it’s completed later in this decade. Engineers have specified molecular sieve enthalpy wheel technology to reduce moisture in the 100-per cent outdoor air that supplies the building’s 2.8-million-cubic-feetper-minute requirement.

The ERV design carefully avoids cross-contaminating the outdoor air with indoor contaminants such as biological and volatile organic compounds when recovering energy. Keeping indoor humidity at below 60 per cent relative humidity will minimize airborne microbial procreation.

Enthalpy wheels are ideal for heat recovery in hospitals. However, the wheel’s desiccant media choice — typically silica gel or molecular sieve material — is critical for preventing the incoming outdoor air from residual contamination from the indoor air that is returned for exhaust or energy recovery.

Silica gel has a propensity for crosscontamination. Its pores can adsorb and harbour contaminants from the indoor air that are returned through the wheel for energy recovery and then exhausted.

The contaminant build-up also decreases latent heat transfer.

Molecular sieve materials, conversely, aren’t susceptible to contaminant adsorption. Their smaller pore size only allows the transfer of the water vapour from the exhaust to supply air streams.

During winter, when outdoor air is uncomfortably below 30-per-cent relative humidity, humidity collected from the exhaust air can be added to the supply air to raise indoor relative humidity to more comfortable levels.

Because of HAI concerns, it’s critical not to contaminate incoming outdoor air with outgoing indoor air contaminants while extracting moisture from the enthalpy wheel during humidification.

To further minimize crosscontamination, desiccant surfaces can be specified with anti-microbial coatings to help prevent the media from harbouring airborne biological contaminants.

Canadian Facility Management & Design

SELECTING A DEHUMIDIFIER FOR RETROFIT APPLICATIONS

Facility managers have three choices when considering dehumidification as a retrofit. The first is an ERV that is separate and supplies conditioned air to an existing rooftop HVAC system. The second is an ERV that is bolted onto the existing rooftop HVAC system. And the third is an ERV that has built-in heating and cooling coils supplied by a building’s central plant and operates as a self-contained HVAC system.

CHOOSING ROI VS. RER

An HVAC system’s static pressure is critical to fan energy consumed and consequential operational costs. All ERV wheels are not equal in terms of the static pressure they produce; however, many facility managers choose ERV project bids based on the cheapest cost.

AHRI’s Guideline V illustrates that it’s not return-on-investment (ROI) of first costs that’s important, but rather ROI based on energy savings of the equipment efficiency, which is commonly called recovery-efficiency-ratio (RER).

Studies have shown that relative humidity levels above 60 per cent in healthcare facilities can promote airborne biological contaminants.

Selecting a dehumidifier can be a complex decision. However, most manufacturers offer free software that their manufacturer’s representatives use to specify the best dehumidifier for a particular project. Inputting the region automatically factors in the project’s specific geographical annual weather/ humidity conditions. Then, these web browser-based programs produce input/ output conditions, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) efficiency requirements, load calculations on desiccant wheel(s), static pressures and losses based on inputs, annual operational costs and many other parameters. Additionally, some software can compare results to a competitive product’s efficiency using published nonpartisan AHRI data, such as Guideline V “Calculating the Efficiency of Energy Recovery Ventilators and Its Effect on Efficiency and Sizing of Building HVAC Systems,” which is intended for service contractors, engineers and building owners.

Accounting purely for high efficiency and capital cost in wheel replacement, without regard to static pressure, which requires fans to use more energy, may in fact defeat attempts by the building owner to maximize long-term energy savings and ROI. Instead, review wheel replacement options for their RER, which considers the efficiency and the static pressure of a desiccant wheel replacement. Failing to calculate the RER could result in tens of thousands of dollars in lost energy savings over the course of the ERV wheel’s lifecycle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 70 per cent of HAI cases are preventable. Adding the proper dehumidifier for the application might make the difference between life and death. Not to mention, it can also improve IAQ for patients, staff and visitors and cut down on operational costs, especially when RER is factored into the selection. | CFM&D

Steve Ulm is the marketing director at SEMCO LLC., Columbia, Mo., a Fläkt Woods Company specializing in energy recovery equipment, chilled beams, controlled chilled beam pump modules, spiral metal ductwork and acoustical panel products. SEMCO has recently introduced ExpressSelect, a web-browser based free software program available at www. semcohvac.com. Ulm can be reached at steve.ulm@flaktwoods.com.

September 2016 CFM&D 25

LIGHTING FEATURE

BY JODY CLOUD

FOUR REASONS LED LAMPS FAIL

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The industry standard for LED lamp failure is three per cent.

1. USE OF POOR-QUALITY MATERIALS

A lighting consultant illuminates why certain products don’t always live up to their promised cost and energy savings.

Plus, he offers tips on what to look for in LEDs so facility managers can avoid premature replacement and realize these benefits

L

EDs make big claims about savings potential (up to 90-per-cent energy savings compared to other lamps, such as fluorescents, HIDs, etc.) But how much of this is marketing hype?

There are LEDs that hold true to the financial and energy savings they promise.

But LEDs are only worth the investment if they actually do what they say they can.

The industry standard for LED lamp failure is three per cent. But many 26 CFM&D September 2016

building owners and facilities managers are experiencing failure rates of up to 20 per cent or higher. With a failure rate that high, 20 out of every 100 lamps purchased can be expected to fail and require replacement. (And the failed lamps will likely be scattered throughout a building, adding to the amount of time it takes to replace them.)

High failure rates occur for several reasons, but can often be attributed to a few factors. Here are four reasons LED lamps fail — and ways to prevent it.

Commercially available LEDs comprise several components; LED performance is typically a result of how these components work together. From the type of lens to the heat sink and the chips and power supplies that generate light, LED components must be built to last if the lamp is expected to function properly and provide acceptable light output.

Quality materials matter; if a lamp doesn’t have them, failure is likely. Take LED drivers, for example. A driver converts AC power into DC power so an LED can operate. (Incandescent lighting operates using either AC or DC power, but LEDs must obtain power from direct current.) If poor-quality components are used to construct the driver, the LED may fail — requiring the purchase of a new lamp to replace one that was supposed to last for years (or decades). If the correct driver isn’t used, the heat generated by the driver may be difficult to dissipate and cause failure. This is often why LEDs flash or flicker — it’s an early sign of driver failure.

What are indicators that an LED lamp is made of quality materials?

• LEDs that offer sufficient heat dissipation may weigh (and cost) a little more.

• Ask about chip size; a larger chip provides more light and good stability against current variations while smaller chips provide less light and poor stability.

• Examine the lamp’s paint or powder coating; if it’s not well applied, the other components (the ones that aren’t www.cfmd.ca

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L to R: Extra-low thermal protection helps LED lamps resist cracking due to low temperatures; keep the surrounding environment in mind — the hotter the room is, the earlier an LED may degrade.

visible) are likely cheap and thrown together quickly.

2. INADEQUATE LAMP TESTING

Ask the manufacturer about its LED lamptesting procedures. Some manufacturers fully test completed LED lamps before shipping.

For up to 10 days at a time, diligent manufacturers will place LED lamps and fixtures in a specially designed room and test them by repeatedly turning them on and off, and by leaving them on for extended periods of time.

As solid-state electronic devices, LEDs are similar to TVs or other consumer electronics: They tend to fail early if they’re going to fail at all. By properly testing LEDs, manufacturers can catch failures before the lamps are shipped.

3. TEMPERATURES ARE TOO HIGH (OR TOO LOW)

When installing an LED in an enclosed fixture, check the lamp first. LEDs shouldn’t be placed in tightly enclosed fixtures unless they’re approved for enclosed spaces. When heat can’t dissipate from the heat sink, it can cause lamps to fail prematurely.

Also keep the surrounding environment in mind. The hotter the room is, the earlier an LED light may degrade. Why? Because LEDs emit light that decreases exponentially as a function of time and temperature.

Canadian Facility Management & Design

Adequate thermal management is key to making sure that LEDs will last in hot environments. LED lamps are available with extra-low thermal protection, which helps them resist cracking due to cold temperatures.

4. LAMPS ARE COUNTERFEIT

Some LED lighting products are made to look similar to reputable brands, sometimes even using identical markings, part numbers, logos, and packaging. These cheap imitations are often developed and designed without regard for patents, trademarks, or safety.

How is it possible to determine whether an LED lamp is what it claims to be?

Verify its Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark.

A UL mark means the LED has been tested, inspected, and validated for safety.

But just because a product has the UL mark doesn’t mean the mark is real.

Some LEDs carry a counterfeit UL mark, or a UL registration number that doesn’t belong to that manufacturer or product.

Verify the UL mark by visiting the free UL Online Certifications Directory.

Confirm a Design Lights Consortium (DLC) Qualification.

A project of the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, DLC is a nonprofit organization created with the goal of preventing LED lighting failure.

Commercial LED luminaires, retrofit kits, linear replacement lamps, and E39 screw-base and other LED replacement lamps qualified by DLC have been tested and evaluated to specific performance requirements. They are manufactured with high-quality components, held to such high standards that a five-year warranty is offered on the LED products as a symbol of their quality.

Make sure lamps last by following the guidelines listed above. Reduced replacement time and costs, decreased cooling loads, lower risk of electrical shock during replacement, and 50 to 90-per-cent savings on lighting energy are all possible with high-quality LEDs. | CFM&D

Jody Cloud is a lighting consultant who is officially certified to offer continuing education credits in LED lighting to members of the American Institute of Architects, the Building Owners and Managers Association, the American Hospital Association, the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association, and Community Associations Institute. He is also owner and founder of YES LED Lighting, as well as the author of the bestselling book Say YES to LED Lighting. He can be reached at founder@yesledlighting.com.

September 2016 CFM&D 27

FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE

BIG COMFORT, SMALL SPACE The latest furniture introductions in the healthcare segment focus on making the most out of limited real estate in hospital settings.

Think compact sleepers and adjustable recliners that are easy to clean and intuitive to use

healtHcentric, a division of ergoCentric Seating Systems, recently added the Aloe Sleeper Club to its line of Aloe Sleeper, patient and guest seating. The patent-pending Aloe Sleeper Chair comes in club-arm or open-frame style and widths spanning from 28 inches to 39 inches. The single stainless steel spring is designed for ease of use and maintenance. The back, seat and kick plate of the metal-framed chair are available in IC+™ Upholstery Solution. A pull handle recessed into the top of the seating converts the chair into lounge position. Locking dual wheel casters come optionally with the club style.

CBC Flooring has introduced Mature Select™ premium resilient sheet flooring by TOLI International®. Designed to withstand the high traffic of healthcare facilities, the product features TOLI’s patentpending two-tier antibacterial wear layer. ClearGuard® eliminates the need to wax and strip the flooring to protect it from scuffs and stains. Plus, fiberglass reinforces the heat-fused compressed backing to prevent gouges, indentations and tears. The product comes in 12 natural fleck colourways and 18 realistic woodgrain patterns in different shades. Mature Select is FloorScore®-certified and contributes to LEED with its 10 per cent post-consumer recycled context and 16 per cent pre-consumer recycled content.

New from Krug, the Amelio Bench Sleeper features a 21.5-inch-deep bench with optional under-seat storage compartments featuring a clean-out for debris and liquids and vented plastic bottom. The seat cushion folds forward onto a platform to expand the bench into a 38-inch-deep sleeper. The removable foam cushions have a moisture barrier and vinyl surface. The framework is made from durable steel, and solid surface arm caps can be added to the upholstered side panels.

Upholstery covers can be mixed and matched on different surfaces of the sleeper benches for a modest upcharge. Three-inch-tall rectangular steel legs with polymer glides come standard; three-inch dual-wheel locking casters come optionally.

28 CFM&D September 2016

www.cfmd.ca

Stance Healthcare has added the 22-inch-wide Onward Recliner to its Onward Collection. Features include a contoured headrest, an ergonomically located reclining lever and a 108-degree infinite back recline. The 14-gauge steel inner frame works in concert with nylon webbing for comfort and durability, while field-replaceable upholstery covers and pass-through space between the seat and back make the recliner easy to maintain. Hardrock Maple, Rustic Cherry and Summer Flame are among the wood finish selections. Polyurethane arm caps, contrasting fabrics, custom finishes and locking casters come optionally.

The 5d Studio-designed Ava Recliner from Nemschoff is built to support a range of positions within a limited footprint. The seating is formed from a high-strength metal structure and is available in choice of arcade back or wingback style, both of which can be outfitted with an adjustable neck pillow. Dual-arm controls activate infinite back adjustments spanning from upright to reverse recline. The seating also features footrest-specific controls. Measuring five inches, the dual-wheel, front-locking, swivel casters extend from the rounded back, which has a standard push bar. Central brake and steer pedals come optionally. Ava is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and bears a limited lifetime warranty.

Launching early 2017, the new Global Primacare Wingback chair is designed to offer visual appeal for both acute care and long term care applications. The uniquely curved side supports of the backrest helps maintain an upright position. Built-in lumbar support ensures longer-term comfort. The optional headrest moves easily to accommodate multiple body lengths or can be moved out of the way while remaining secured by an upholstered back bar. Single, bariatric or two-seater models are designed with a cleanout feature. Standard size and bariatric ottomans provide extended leg support. Wood or self-skinned urethane legs and arm caps are available.

New from Steelcase Health, the NodeÂŽ with ShareSurface is based on research that found the design of most exam rooms prevent the sort of collaboration that doctors, patients and their families are increasingly looking for. The chair, which is composed of high pressure laminate, plastic and painted steel, features a curved back with passive lumbar and curved swivel seat that put doctors and patients eye to eye. The built-in ShareSurface, created by Steelcase Design Studio, rotates 360 degrees; its non-handed arms rotate 140 degrees. Node is available in collaborative and mid-back as well as tripod and five-arm base.

Canadian Facility Management & Design

September 2016 CFM&D 29

[ last word ]

BY BHAVESH PATEL

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Can managers of critical facilities such as data centres count on their emergency power supply systems in an outage?

An organization may have hard copies of manuals, but it’s important to protect and update its digital copies, too

T

he new emergency power supply system (EPSS) has been commissioned.

The design, factory witness testing, installation and site benchmarking are complete.

This state-of-the-art power plant is ready to protect the facility in a power outage.

The intellectual property is also new, complete and correct. The facilities team may still have hard copy O&M manuals, program disks and manufacturer’s cut sheets but it probably also has duplicate soft versions of this material stored on a network hard drive.

Just as paper is subject to loss, aging or damage, intellectual property is susceptible to server failure, viruses and human error. Here are some suggestions for leveraging the power of technology while mastering best practices to protect, preserve and control these vital records: 1. CREATE REVISION CONTROL POLICY

Changes will occur throughout the system’s lifetime. Programs will be modified, capacity may be increased, control set points may need adjustment and features may be added.

A strict revision control policy is essential; all changes must be documented and all media updated accordingly.

Establish a staff position responsible for this process.

2. RETAIN REDUNDANT ARCHITECTURE

Data centre operators maintain mirrored operating systems, data files and facilities. Treat intellectual property related to the EPSS no 30 CFM&D September 2016

differently. Establish redundant architecture in house or off site.

For example, web-based services allow facilities staff to see virtual representations of equipment physical location, nameplate and specification data, as well as emergency call lists, drawings, service reports and more. These systems also allow staff members to collaborate online regardless of time or location.

3. HAVE STAFF RUN SIMULATIONS

As the need for data continues to grow, data centres and their EPSSs are becoming large and complex. Many mission critical operations include simulators as part essential systems. This tool is invaluable for training and allows personnel to simulate scenarios before taking actions that may affect the facility.

Given the enhanced importance of data and the increased complexity of systems, a simulator is becoming a necessity rather than a convenience. Fire departments pre-plan their response to major properties to enhance efficiency and response; data centre staff should run simulations of maintenance and emergency scenarios for the same reason.

4. STAY IN TOUCH WITH SYSTEM TEAM

Maintain contact with the vendor, contractor and consulting team.

The team that designed, engineered, manufactured and commissioned the EPSS remains an important resource for system reliability.

When the maintenance vendor services or repairs the EPSS, have the technical information of record. Don’t relegate this responsibility to an outside entity. It’s the organization’s facility, its system, and the life blood of the company.

5. KEEP SPARE PARTS INVENTORY

The maintenance vendor may be responsible for supplying these parts but maintaining and auditing a spare parts inventory on site assures control and availability when needed. Restock the spare inventory as parts are used and to maintain fresh inventory.

As systems age, components may become obsolete or scarce. Understand the availability of critical spares and the options available. A spare parts inventory list containing the part description, application, manufacturer, manufacturer’s part number and sources is an important part of documentation.

6. POST SYSTEM DIAGRAM

Post a graphic one line diagram of the entire emergency power supply system at the system controls or building operations office and keep it up to date.

Use this to get a quick overview of the entire system for routine operations and in case of emergency.

Follow these tips to help preserve all the intellectual property that documents the design, factory-witnessed testing, installation, and site-benchmarking associated with the commissioning of a facility’s EPSS. Maintain up-to-date records for ready access to protect the facility and maximize the efficiency of its operations whenever emergency power comes into play. | CFM&D

The preceding article is reprinted with permission from the ASCO white paper “Commissioning the Emergency Power Supply System.”

Bhavesh Patel is vice president, global marketing, ASCO Power Technologies. He can be reached at 800-800-ASCO.

www.cfmd.ca

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