Environmental Specification Finalized

An interagency subcommittee of the Sustainable Building Task Force finalized a groundbreaking environmental specification for modular office furniture purchased under State contract. The specification sets new industry standards for indoor air quality, prescribes a high level of recycled content in components and packaging, bans CFCs and HCFCs used in foam production, and addresses energy-efficient task lighting designed for work stations. The environmental specification also requires manufacturers to carry out solid waste audits and prepare waste reduction plans at manufacturing facilities. This benchmark modular furniture specification was the basis for developing Special Environmental Requirements (Section 01350), an environmental specification that establishes sustainable building criteria and guides material selection.

It is noteworthy that several modular furniture manufacturers participated in the bidding process and offered furniture products that met the stringent environmental requirements addressed in the specification at competitive prices. Significantly, the environmental specification helps explode the myth that environmentally friendly products cost more.

California has always been a leader in the environmental arena. As such, it is anticipated that the environmental specification for modular office furniture will serve as a model for other government and private sector entities throughout the country.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

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Rehabilitation of Furniture

Furniture, Books, Etc.Furniture should be moved to the sunshine and fresh air. Drawer-slides and other working parts should be stacked separately and allowed to air dry. All mud and silt should then be removed. Care should be exercised to remove the furniture from the direct rays of the sun before it is subject to warping. Stoves and other metal fixtures should first have all the mud and silt removed and wiped with an oiled rag, polished or painted. Books should be allowed to dry carefully and slowly with alternate exposing to air and pressing. Toward the end of this treatment, books may be subjected to small amounts of artificial heat.

Rehabilitation of Rugs, Carpets

Rugs and carpets should be stretched out on a flat surface and allowed to thoroughly dry with alternate turning to prevent mold; followed by beating, sweeping or vacuum cleaning. Rugs that require shampooing should be washed with commercial rug shampoo products or with a soap jelly, and then wiped off, rinsed with clean water, and allowed to thoroughly dry. Soap jelly may be prepared by mixing one pint of mild soap powder or flakes with five parts of hot water and beat with an eggbeater until a stiff lather is formed. Resizing may be done with a commercial or homemade material. Homemade sizing may be prepared by mixing one-half pound of granulated glue to one gallon of boiling water. Stretch the rug out flat where it will not be disturbed, apply with a wide brush and allow to thoroughly dry. When practical, upholstery may be cleaned by following the procedures outlined for rugs.

Wainscot Armchair Furniture

It is rendered by Leo Drozdoff. The furniture is from the index of American Design. The wainscot chair was the fine chair of the Jacobean period. This one is made of oak, a wood commonly used in the seventeenth century. The paneled back of the chair is similar to panels on chests and cupboards of the same period. This aspect of Jacobean style is derived from wainscoting, the wooden paneling used in Elizabethan rooms. The arched niche cut into the center of the seat back and repeated in the carved arcades of the seat rail is another decorative motif adapted from an architectural form. Notice the turned bulbous shape of the front legs and the arm posts, which are a characteristic feature of Jacobean furniture.

Environmental Specification Finalized

An interagency subcommittee of the Sustainable Building Task Force finalized a groundbreaking environmental specification for modular office furniture purchased under State contract. The specification sets new industry standards for indoor air quality, prescribes a high level of recycled content in components and packaging, bans CFCs and HCFCs used in foam production, and addresses energy-efficient task lighting designed for work stations. The environmental specification also requires manufacturers to carry out solid waste audits and prepare waste reduction plans at manufacturing facilities. This benchmark modular furniture specification was the basis for developing Special Environmental Requirements (Section 01350), an environmental specification that establishes sustainable building criteria and guides material selection.

Environmental Floor Coverings

Floor coverings other than carpet make good environmental choices, and perhaps the best environmental choice is to use carpet only where necessary. The following carpet alternatives could be considered:

Natural linoleum is made from softwood powder, linseed oil, pine tree resins, cork, chalk, and jute backing. Natural linoleum uses renewable resources and offers durability without compromising aesthetics. The cork used in linoleum is harvested from the cork tree on an ongoing basis without harming the tree. Linoleum products include Marmoleum by Forbo Industries, Marmorette by Armstrong, and Linosom by Domco. Natural linoleum costs more than low-cost vinyl flooring, but durability and low-maintenance makes life-cycle costs lower.
Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable flooring material with sustainable forest management practices.

Natural carpets are made from grasses, cotton, and wool, with minimal treatment. Wool carpet is made from a renewable resource and is durable and biodegradable. Natural carpet materials cost more than common carpet materials, but are competitively prices with standard high quality carpeting.

Recycled-content tile is made from waste glass such as light bulbs and auto windshields, and a byproduct of feldspar mining. Recycled-content glass tile often costs more than average tile products.

Ceramic tile offers outstanding durability and maintainability, with a high aesthetic value.
Resilient flooring such as Eco-Surfaces by Dodge-Regupol (100% recycled rubber) and Stratica by the Amtico Company (non-vinyl, VOC-free, chlorine-free flooring), are available.
Wood salvaged from existing buildings or from a forest certified as sustainably harvested are excellent environmental options. EcoTimber manufactures wood flooring from reclaimed, certified wood and other wood alternatives.

Concrete also offers a durable environmental alternative by using fewer resources when a concrete slab is made into a finished floor by adding color, texture, and patterns to the top layer of concrete with no additional covering.

Tips for Purchasing and Installing New Carpet

Some practical steps to consider before purchasing and installing new carpet

1. TALK TO THE CARPET RETAILER/INSTALLER. Ask about the carpet industry's voluntary "green label" program for new carpet. According to the carpet Industry, the label tells consumers that this carpet type has been tested and passed emissions criteria. The label, however, is not a guarantee that the carpet will not cause health problems. A toll-free phone number is available on the label for updated information on the industry's program.

Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well-ventilated area before Installation.
Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed.
Make sure the installer follows industry installation guidelines (Residential Carpet Installation Standard, CRI-105).

2. VENTILATE AREA WITH FRESH AIR to help reduce chemicals coming from carpet installation - Open doors and windows. Increasing the amount of fresh air In the home will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and after installation, use window fans and room air conditioners to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. If you have a ventilation system, be sure it is in proper working order. Operate it during installation, and keep it running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.

3. LEAVE THE HOUSE during and for several hours after carpet Installation.

4. CONTACT YOUR CARPET RETAILER if objectionable odors persist.

5. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS for proper carpet maintenance.

X-ray Device Makes Scrubbing Rugs Clean a Spotless Effort

If “pulling the rug out from under” means suddenly withdrawing support and assistance, then NASA is pretty good at “putting the rug under” when it comes to offering technical support and assistance to private industry. In the case of a new X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensor featuring enhancements compliments of NASA, the Space Agency not only provided the rug, but helped give private industry a means to ensure it keeps clean.

This sensor, utilized by NASA to read chemical bar codes concealed by paint and other coatings, perform on-the-spot chemical analyses in field conditions, and detect difficult-to-identify contaminants, has found another use as a tool that can measure how much soil is removed from household and commercial carpets.

The original technology was developed in 2002 to conduct quality control for critical aluminum alloy parts destined for the space shuttle. Evaluation of these parts is critical for the Space Agency, as any signs of contamination, corrosion, or material deviation could compromise a shuttle mission.

Preventing Knee Injuries and Disorders in Carpet Layers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in preventing knee injuries and disorders among carpet layers. These workers frequently report bursitis of the knee, fluid buildup requiring knee aspiration (knee taps), skin infections of the knee, and a variety of knee symptoms that are caused by frequent kneeling on hard surfaces and use of the knee kicker for stretching wall-to-wall carpet.

Although kneeling cannot be eliminated, carpet layers should wear protective knee pads whenever kneeling on hard surfaces. In addition, they should use the power stretcher--a safe alternative to the knee kicker that does not use the knee. Employers should ensure that each carpet layer is trained in the proficient use of the power stretcher and that a sufficient number of these devices are available to each crew of carpet installers.

NIOSH requests that the recommendations in this Alert be brought to the attention of carpet layers and contractors by the following individuals: employers of carpet layers (such as building contractors and carpet retailers), trade union representatives, instructors at carpet installation schools, manufacturers and dealers of carpet and carpet-stretching devices, editors of appropriate trade journals, and safety and health officials.

Fabrics - Use and Display

* Wearing heirloom clothing always introduces the risk of rips or stains. If you must wear it, avoid antiperspirants and makeup.

* Wear cotton gloves to handle heirloom fabrics. Move the fabrics on a support or in their boxes.

* Do not smoke, drink or eat near your garments. The fabric will absorb the smoke, and consequently the smell. Drips and crumbs will attract insects.

* Display fabrics flat or hung at an angle to reduce pull. When you bring your textiles out into the light, keep the light low and the occasion brief.