This session will cover characteristics used for selecting surfaces and furnishings for health care facility projects. In particular, evidence and testing methods behind the revised interior finish characteristics proposed for inclusion in the 2014 edition of the of the Facility Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) Guidelines will be discussed. Additionally, key goals regarding use of an evidence-based furniture check list and supporting research paper will be reviewed in this presentation. This session will enable attendees to:

Understand the importance of using a furniture checklist as a communication tool through the entire life cycle of a project.
List the reasons the ADA does not require a test method or a numerical threshold for coefficient of friction testing to define slip resistance.
List key safety design features to evaluate furniture regarding patient safety.
Understand the importance of pairing manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations with current facility environmental services practices to ensure post-occupancy satisfaction with work surfaces and flooring surfaces.