September 2026

Inside the September Issue

 

 

Infection Control Procedures for Healthcare Facilities’ HVAC

When consistently implemented, hospital infection-control strategies and engineering controls, can be effective in preventing opportunistic, environmentally related infections in immunocompromised patients and health-care workers.

These strategies include adherence to proper use of disinfectants, proper maintenance of medical equipment that uses water, water-quality standards for hemodialysis, and proper ventilation standards for specialized care environments. For an infection to occur, a chain of components must be present. They include:
• Adequate number of pathogenic organisms (dose);
• Pathogenic organisms of sufficient virulence;
• A susceptible host;
• An appropriate mode of transmission or transferal of the organism in sufficient number from source to host;
• A portal of entry into the host.

The presence of the susceptible host underscores the importance of the health-care environment and opportunistic pathogens in air and water. As a result of advances in medical technology and therapies, more patients are becoming immunocompromised in the course of treatment and are therefore at increased risk for acquiring health-care associated opportunistic infections.

Preventing infections in healthcare protects the health and safety of personnel, patients and visitors.

Architects, engineers, construction contractors, environmental health scientists, and industrial hygienists historically have directed the design and function of a hospitals’ physical plants. Increasingly, however, because of the growth in the number of susceptible patients and the increase in construction projects, the involvement of hospital epidemiologists and infection control professionals is required. Full story »

 

 

today's news

Glass, Hangar Door Displays Study of Cessna

BSM Staff | 09.01.26

HECTOR, MN -- Visitors to North Star High School in Lincoln, Neb., may be surprised to find a 1967 Cessna 150 aircraft proudly displayed in its own hangar-style shop behind a glass-clad bifold door from Schweiss Doors.

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Lucent Lights SKIMS’ Regent Street Store

BSM Staff | 09.01.26

LONDON -- Lucent Lighting has supplied a selection of architectural luminaires for the SKIMS UK flagship on Regent Street, supporting a lighting scheme specified by New York-based HLB Lighting Design.

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Harlem Slip and Fall Victim Settles for $875K

BSM Staff | 08.31.26

NEW YORK -- A New York City personal injury law firm, has secured an $875,000 settlement on behalf of a 35-year-old woman who suffered significant injuries after slipping and falling in a Harlem supermarket.

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Build Emergency Readiness Into School Comms

BSM Staff | 08.31.26

MADISON, WI -- New data from Singlewire Software shows that routine communication makes up the vast majority of activity across K-12 schools, and that this everyday use forms the foundation for a confident emergency response.

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Flagship Renews with SoftBank for Airport Care

BSM Staff | 08.28.26

SAN FRANCISCO -- Flagship Aviation Services, LLC, a facilities maintenance company, is expanding its strategic partnership with SoftBank Robotics America to deploy autonomous floor care programs across major U.S. airports.

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