Furniture

For the supply of 5 different manufactured brand of office furniture. Discounts and product lines offered have been negotiated directly with the manufacturers and ensures that their authorized resellers all offer the same discounts as those offered by the manufacturer. Discounts offered vary from product line to product line but are generally significantly lower than current list price. End users should be aware that the authorized resellers vary from CSA to CSA. They should review each individual CSA resellers list prior to ordering furniture to ensure the supplier is authorized to sell that specific brand of office furniture. NOTE: The resellers list does change from time to time.

Note to all users: Ministries and other Public Sector Agencies who acquire mobile filing systems or ARC rotary filing systems should contact ARES and/or their building landlord prior to ordering product to ensure that the flooring weight/load ratio is sufficient for their building. “Movable Walls” are not covered under any of the furniture CSA’s. All government ministries are to submit a requisition along with detailed specifications (as outlined below) on all “movable wall” requirements over $5,000 All government ministries are to contact ARES(Accommodation & Real Estate Services) and other Public Sector Agencies should contact ARES and/or their building landlord to ensure the building’s HVAC system would not be compromised should “movable walls” be installed.

Furniture

For the supply of 5 different manufactured brand of office furniture. Discounts and product lines offered have been negotiated directly with the manufacturers and ensures that their authorized resellers all offer the same discounts as those offered by the manufacturer. Discounts offered vary from product line to product line but are generally significantly lower than current list price. End users should be aware that the authorized resellers vary from CSA to CSA. They should review each individual CSA resellers list prior to ordering furniture to ensure the supplier is authorized to sell that specific brand of office furniture. NOTE: The resellers list does change from time to time.

Note to all users: Ministries and other Public Sector Agencies who acquire mobile filing systems or ARC rotary filing systems should contact ARES and/or their building landlord prior to ordering product to ensure that the flooring weight/load ratio is sufficient for their building.

“Movable Walls” are not covered under any of the furniture CSA’s. All government ministries are to submit a requisition along with detailed specifications on all “movable wall” requirements over $5,000 All government ministries are to contact ARES (Accommodation & Real Estate Services) and other Public Sector Agencies should contact ARES and/or their building landlord to ensure the building’s HVAC system would not be compromised should “movable walls” be installed.

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry

These products may release formaldehyde gas. Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Carpet

Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet. New carpet can release organic gases. Remedy: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether. If adhesives are needed, ask for low-emitting ones. During installation, open doors and windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. Consider area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet. Rugs are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath also can be cleaned.

Floor tiles

Some contain asbestos. Remedy: Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional for repair or removal.

Moisture

Moisture encourages biological pollutants, including allergens such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches. Remedy: If possible, eliminate moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain good fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.

Fireplace

Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected annually for exhaust backdrafting, flue obstructions or cracks, excess creosote or other damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Air conditioner

This can be a source of biological allergens. Remedy: If there is a water tray, empty and clean it often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter.

Gas or kerosene space heater

These devices can release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In the room where the heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan and slightly opening a window.

Tobacco smoke

Smoke contains harmful combustion and particulate pollutants, including carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts. Remedy: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so, especially near children. If smoking cannot be avoided indoors, open windows or use exhaust fans, and restrict smoking to one space.

Draperies

New draperies may be treated with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit odors for a short time. Remedy: Before hanging, air draperies to ventilate odors. After hanging, ventilate the area. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Lead-based paint

Paint manufactured before l978 may contain lead. Remedy: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Before removing paint, test for lead. Do-it-yourself lead test kits are available from hardware or building supply stores. Do not sand, burn off or remove lead-based paint yourself; hire a person with special training to correct lead-based paint problems.

Animals

Many animals leave allergens, such as dander, hair, feathers or skin, in the air. Remedy: Keep pets outdoors as often as possible. Clean the entire house regularly. Deep clean areas where pets are permitted. Clean pets regularly.

House dust mites

Biological allergens can trigger asthma. Remedy: Clean and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding in hot water above 130 degrees F. Use more hard-surface finishes; they are less likely to attract and hold dust mites.