Health, Safety, and Welfare

All courses identified as HSW, cover Health, Safety, and Welfare topics and have been approved by the AIA (American Institute of Architects) as an HSW Learning Unit (LU/HSW).

Displaying 1 - 25 of 601 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Mouldings and trim occupy a small amount of space on a home’s exterior; however, their aesthetic value outweighs their size. Cellular PVC mouldings and trim are durable; stain, rot, and insect resistant; maintenance-free; and recyclable. For properly arranged exterior mouldings and trim, architects and designers need a thorough understanding of the materials and the design rules and functions for each location. This course takes the reader through the layout and installation of exterior mouldings, particularly cellular PVC, and looks at some common mistakes and solutions.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    In a riot, burglary, or active shooter event, the importance of keeping an armed intruder out of a building cannot be underestimated. Examined here are fenestration security risks, considerations, and solutions for educational, religious, commercial, and retail applications, as well as applicable performance testing and standards. The course provides an in-depth discussion on new, retrofit access-denial glazing systems that provide maximum protection against forced entry and ballistic threats.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the key reasons flooring fails, from inadequate subfloor preparation to improper installation techniques. Covering a range of flooring types, the course identifies common pitfalls and best practices for durable, high-quality installations that enhance performance and safety. This course is designed for architects and industry professionals and offers guidance on selecting and specifying the right products and solutions to ensure long-lasting flooring success and occupant safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Comprehensive site security design should balance managing traffic flow and preventing vehicular intrusion with enhancing the existing character of the site. This course presents FEMA’s guidance on risk assessment and layers of defense, vehicle impact test standards, bollard types, the precast concrete manufacturing process, barrier system design considerations, and incorporating precast concrete bollards and site furnishings into perimeter security design.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The office furniture industry is an ever-changing marketplace and this changeability has produced huge amounts of unwanted furniture. Remanufacturing addresses the waste, cost, and storage that comes with replacing office furniture. This course looks at trends in the office furniture industry, the environmental impacts created by legacy furniture, and a review of the environmental and economic benefits of remanufactured furniture as an alternative to scrapping, downcycling, or discarding to landfill.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Health, safety, and welfare: Three simple words, yet three complex concepts. Every healthcare-related facility has a responsibility to provide a sterile, physically safe, and secure, yet nearly always accessible, managed environment just to conduct its daily operations. This course will help you discover effective, scalable access and control strategies specific to the healthcare environment and introduces the latest standards, codes, products, and technologies impacting the design and management of these always complex, life-giving facilities.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modular mechanical support systems are flexible and adaptable frameworks used in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) applications. They replace fabricated steel and streamline the installation process. This course presents the history of modularization in construction and the functions, features, benefits, and applications of several modular mechanical support systems, including structural steel framing, adjustable pipe supports, pipe racks, and skid systems.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Ensuring a building’s roof is waterproof, on top of being structurally sound, is critical to the success of any building project. This course examines rapid curing, polymeric liquid-applied waterproofing membranes for roofing and other demanding applications. Discussions include the history of PMMA, PMMA system components and characteristics, the installation process, and the versatility of PMMA products.

  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    As synthetic turf systems evolve as functional and aesthetic landscape solutions, conversations about sustainability, particularly environmental impacts, are essential. This course addresses the sustainability of synthetic turf from the triple-bottom-line perspective: profit, people, and planet. Also discussed is how synthetic turf can contribute to achieving certification in LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction, Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Synthetic (artificial) grass or turf has improved steadily since its first installation half a century ago, and it is now a sophisticated surfacing system that can be customized to suit specific purposes. This course reviews that development and then focuses on the specifics of synthetic grass suitable for use on playgrounds. This focus includes a detailed examination of its construction, installation, and maintenance, and a number of sample installations.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The planet is currently in a water scarcity crisis, which is significantly affected by toilet water usage. This course examines the current plumbing codes, standards, and regulations that address toilet water usage, the need for and benefits of going beyond current standards, and the goals of a variety of beyond-the-code voluntary standards and rating systems, such as LEED v4 BD+C and ICC 700 National Green Building Standard®. It explains the various types of low-flow and ultra-low-flow toilets, their pros and cons, and their selection criteria. It concludes with a sampling of successful cost- and water-saving installations.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the evolving expectations for hygiene, sustainability, and cost efficiency in commercial restroom design. Drawing on insights from a global postpandemic survey, it explores how shifting perceptions are influencing design priorities and industry standards. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of strategies and products that promote safety, occupant health, and wellness while achieving measurable environmental, cost, and time savings, and how integrating innovative solutions may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Lastly, real-world project examples illustrate how these considerations can be effectively integrated to enhance performance, sustainability achievements, and user experience in modern commercial restrooms.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    FRP products are not only an ideal alternative to traditional building materials, but in certain applications, they should be the only choice. This course demonstrates the value of FRP‘s core features of corrosion resistance, nonconductivity, and overall lighter weight than steel by up to 70%. The additional primary properties and benefits of FRP are also discussed, showing how FRP can enhance project design, speed up installation, and solve challenges in numerous industries.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The operation of mechanical equipment generates vibration and noise, which, if left untreated, can damage the building structure and the equipment itself and be a source of discomfort for building occupants. This course examines HVAC equipment vibration and the specification of isolation solutions. It provides discussions on each of the ASHRAE isolator and base types and describes some acoustical floor treatments.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sound abatement products are not just a building owner and occupant preference; minimum sound abatement ratings are required by many local building codes for multistory residential, commercial, and multipurpose buildings. Following an introduction to the basics of sound, this course presents a summary of the most common sound control methods, with a focus on the options available for floor underlayment.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Firestopping is the process of sealing openings around penetrants or in joints or gaps between fire-rated assemblies to restore hourly fire resistance ratings. It is a critical part of fire containment and a balanced fire and life safety plan. This course outlines resources and code requirements that architects and designers should be aware of while preparing specifications for firestop systems in their projects. The course also reviews common mistakes to avoid.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    Changing climate and land use patterns have necessitated a greater focus on stormwater management. The trench drain industry has developed in a rather fragmented way over the decades, with each manufacturer using their own unique reference points for dimension, load rating, and other criteria. The purpose of this course is to clear up the resulting confusion and provide best practices and a real-world understanding of the multiple variables at play on the project level.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods pertaining to material grade, surface protection, and component solutions to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specification details, and performance and design considerations.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Solid surface is a popular material choice due to its beauty, durability, and ease of cleaning. Selecting a solid surface depends on the manufacturing process, the raw materials involved, and the material’s sustainability. This course examines solid surface as a decorative material, discusses its characteristics and attributes, and compares it with other hard surface materials

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, public restrooms must provide users with a hygienic and safe experience that supports inclusivity, human health, and wellness. In this course, we explore how multistall public restrooms address users’ concerns about hygiene, safety, privacy, and efficiency through partitions, touchless fixtures, hand dryers, and more. We also discuss fulfilling WELL Building Standard™ v2 requirements by promoting public health and safety in restroom design.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Acrylic solid surface and quartz materials provide versatile solutions for designs that balance aesthetics, durability, and health. This course examines their performance benefits, emerging design trends, and real-world applications, highlighting key specification considerations. Also reviewed are how acrylic solid surface and quartz materials may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As we become more aware of the levels of toxins in our environment, we are realizing that the quality of air inside our homes is just as important as the quality of air outside our homes. This course outlines why indoor air quality is so important to our health and describes how to improve indoor air quality by using a balanced ventilation system.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 601 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST