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

House Bill Would Codify EPA’s Safer Choice

BSM Staff | 09.28.26

WASHINGTON -- Legislation to codify and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice Program, has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

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VEO Conference Opens in Dallas

BSM Staff | 09.28.26

DALLAS -- The ISSA VEO Conference opens today, bringing business owners, supervisors and facility service leaders together for two days of education, networking and recognition built around strengthening Hispanic leadership across the cleaning and facility solutions industry.

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ASHRAE Open to Submissions for 2027 Conference

BSM Staff | 09.28.26

ATLANTA -- ASHRAE is accepting abstracts for conference papers for its 2027 annual conference, being held June 12-16 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Assa Abloy Acquires Pacific Lock

BSM Staff | 09.25.26

STOCKHOLM -- ASSA ABLOY, a developer of secure access technologies, has acquired Pacific Lock Company, a U.S. padlock and security hardware manufacturer based in Valencia, CA.

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Rebrand Drives Possibilities for Evolved ABM

BSM Staff | 09.25.26

NEW YORK – ABM, a provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has been recognized in the Brand and Reputation Excellence category of the 2026 Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards.

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Barrett Helps Launch Global Roadmap for IAQ

BSM Staff | 09.24.26

NEW YORK -- A landmark, global roadmap has been designed to elevate and embed healthy indoor air as a public health imperative and market priority, and an everyday expectation in buildings everywhere.

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