Global Healthcare often requires solutions to address unique and diverse requirements within the vast range of healthcare applications. The following definitions describe the Global healthcare product solutions available.

ADDITIONAL WEIGHT
For unique and demanding challenges in behavioral health facilities, products are weighted to reduce the ease of movement or lifting product to use as a weapon. The product selection and application identified will assist in determining the amount of additional weight required. Weighted product is designed for facilities looking to create safe and secure environments, while ensuring the furniture can withstand intensive use. To determine the amount of additional weight to be added to a product, contact your Global representative.

BED BUG RESISTANT
Due to an increase in the presence of bed bugs within healthcare facilities, solutions have been developed to deal with the bed bug issue. The product design directly affects the level of resistance that can be achieved. For more detailed information, visit the Dealer Centre and click on “Bed Bug Resistant Seating” on the left sidebar or contact your Global representative.

CONTRABAND RESISTANT
Making a product contraband resistant is a potential solution if you want upholstered and comfortable products to be finished in a manner that offers a greater level of safety.

Contraband resistant finishing is added to products in high risk areas where individuals might attempt to hide contraband such as weapons (for self-harm or to cause harm to others), drugs or alcohol. It can also be part of a solution for protecting any area of the product from becoming a ligature point.

The product surfaces and upholstery will be evaluated and the appropriate solutions will be applied to ensure all surfaces are sealed and safely protected. Depending on the product design, this could mean any combination of the following applications: sealed seams, sealed underside, tamperproof fasteners and/or sealed zippers. After being evaluated, solutions are applied based on the application and population being served. The result of this process would enable the caregiver to identify a potential threat as it would be apparent that the product surface was tampered with. To further assist product selection and what is required specific to a product, please contact your Global representative.

HIGH DENSITY ULTRACELL FOAM
High density Ultracell foam is a non-allergenic foam manufactured from natural seed-based oils such as soybean. It significantly decreases the dependence on fossil fuels like petroleum and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The high density of the foam provides comfortable sitting for many years before any sagging or indents appear underneath upholstery. Simply, there is more material available to allow for enhanced performance.

MENTAL HEALTH FURNITURE
Mental health furniture can range from simple to complex, depending on the application and population. Global understands the unique nature and the need to offer a vast range of solutions to deal with the safety of staff and patients while respecting budgets and individual needs. This allows the client to select a product from our complete offering and then build it up to ensure the right features are included. Here are some of the optional features available: tamperproof fasteners, additional weight, floor mount brackets, puncture resistant textile and other contraband resistant features that are needed for the application. Whatever the demand, the correct solution can be built-in. For more detailed information, contact your Global representative.

MOISTURE BARRIER
Moisture barrier is a textile lining with moisture repellent qualities. Moisture barrier lining is applied on the seat cushion between the upholstery cover and foam to prevent any form of moisture from getting to the foam. It is recommended when the fabric being used does not have moisture repellent qualities or when additional protection from penetration of moisture is desired. For coated textiles, the additional moisture barrier option may not be selected in conjunction with sealed seams. The cost for adding the moisture barrier lining is noted with each series.

MOISTURE AND TAMPER RESISTANT ZIPPER
Moisture and tamper resistant zippers are available as part of the solution when requesting bed bug resistant furniture and contraband resistant solutions. In addition, this special zipper prevents liquid and moisture seepage through the zipper teeth, providing additional peace of mind. For more detailed information based on the product selection, contact your Global representative.

SEALED UNDERSIDE
Sealed underside refers to the process of finishing the underside of a product to ensure no potential openings from the textile surface to the product interior on seat and/or back seams. The sealed underside solution is requested for achieving higher levels of infection prevention control for the product being ordered. The sealed underside option is noted in the price list notes with the upcharge for the respective product. For more detailed information and to determine if the sealed underside process is available on a particular product selection where it is not noted, contact your Global representative.

SEALED SEAMS
The heat-sealed seams process involves sealing the back of a seam with a specially designed tape. Sealing the seam increases the integrity of the seam reducing the likelihood of seams opening over time. This tape provides additional protection against moisture seepage and prevents insects from entering the product through the stitch holes and seams. The sealed seam process is available for use on most coated textiles and is not available on woven textiles. Some coated textiles do not allow sealed seams to be used. In the event sealed seams are to be used, contact Customer Service to confirm sealed seams are approved for the coated textile selected in advance of order placement. Sealed seams cannot be specified if using the moisture barrier lining. The sealing of seams requires testing the textile to ensure acceptance of the heat-sealed tape for performance and aesthetics. For detailed instructions on textile testing and approval, contact your Global representative. The cost for adding sealed seams is noted in the 'Build It tool'.

TAMPERPROOF
Tamperproof fasteners can be requested for a higher level of safety. Using tamperproof fasteners ensures the fasteners cannot be interfered with (changed, opened or removed) without use of a special tool. This will prevent the tampering with, or disassembly of the product which could lead to injuries or unsuspecting harm to others. For more detailed information contact your Global representative.

The changing perception of mental health and the need for better furniture solutions.

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It's a state of wellbeing.

– CAMH (Canadian Mental Health Association)

Mental health issues no longer carry the negative stigma that for centuries caused individuals to deny their symptoms, cast aside their pain and live in fear of discovery.

Mental health is facing new challenges, new demographics and new demands. Society is accepting that people have difficulty seeking help or guidance for ‘unseen’ pain. Major effort and dollars are being spent to get individuals to come forward, to show them that they are not alone, and that ill mental health can be managed and treated.

The result is more people are seeking help and support. The healthcare system is responding by developing more resources. Resources, in the form of out-patient and in-patient care, have in turn placed new demands on furniture solutions.

Since its inception, Global continues to work with mental health professionals to determine the most critical challenges and concerns when supporting this population. Through the identification of the issues, the best solutions become the focus of healthcare furniture development.

View PDF File: Mental Health Furniture Solutions

Selecting the right chair is all about finding the right fit. The following describes the right sit.

1. The seat height should allow you to rest your feet comfortably on the floor or footrest without feeling pressure under your thighs.
    
2. The front edge of the seat should not press into the backs of your knees when seated.
    
3. The width of the seat should be wider than your hips when seated.
    
4. The seat cushion should feel comfortable (no pressure points on the legs or buttocks).
    
5. To help you position your lumbar support (if applicable), do the following exercises:
    
   • Standing: Stretch your hands upward as far as possible and take a deep breath. Breathe naturally, keep your shoulders back and bring your hands down to the sides of your body. Your spine should feel comfortable. Hold your posture, take a hand and place it behind your lower back. With that hand, trace the inward curve of your spine just below your waistline, at the small of your back.
   • Sitting: Rest your back against the backrest. The shape of the lumbar support should match the inward curve of the small of your back, as discovered in the standing exercise noted above.
   • When seated, if your lumbar posture does not feel the same as it did when standing: Adjust the height of your lumbar support so that it feels like it matches the inward curve on the small of your back.
      
6. The backrest should support the curvature of your back, feeling comfortable with no pressure points.
    
7. To properly position your armrests, consider the following:
    
   • Your hips should fit comfortably between the armrests with enough space to easily get in and out of the chair.
   • Your forearms should rest on the armrests without having to lift your shoulders and/or your move elbows outwards.
   • When using the armrests for support while keying, adjust the armrests keeping your upper arms close to your body and keeping wrists straight (not bent upwards/downwards/to the side).
   • While sitting at your worksurface to key, get as close as possible and rest against your backrest. The front edge of the armrests should not hit your worksurface.
      
8. The back angle (angle between the seat and backrest) should allow you to have 90° or more between your upper body and your thighs.
    
9. The height of the backrest should provide support to your shoulder blades.

When you have finished setting up your chair, use the adjustments to move through a variety of postures throughout the day. If you require further assistance, contact your Global representative to help you find the right chair.

View PDF File: How to Select a Chair

Global has a wide selection of armrests to suit almost every work task. Armrests are an important feature of a chair – they reduce stress and tension on the spine, neck and shoulder muscles by supporting the weight of your arms. This makes you more comfortable and ultimately more productive. Height, width and angle adjustable armrests enable you to position your arms at a comfortable working position, based on the task at hand.

Comfort Tips

• Wrists should be in a straight or neutral position - avoid bending your wrists
• When mousing, use whole arm movements instead of flexing your wrist
• Rest your palm on the mouse pad for support

Height Adjustable Arms

• A full range of arms is available with armcaps in self-skinned urethane (SSU)
• Use the features available on Global’s adjustable arms to accommodate your ergonomic requirements

Maxsupport™ Arms

An innovative, award winning product; these arms are designed to help reduce pain and injury to your wrists, arms, shoulders, neck and back. The Maxsupport™ (AA) arms provide superior comfort by supporting your wrists and arms through a wide range of motions, helping to improve your comfort, productivity and health. Movement is smooth and precise for both mousing and keying.

• Telescopic armrests glide on smooth ball bearings to provide continuous support as you reach
• The arm rotates 76° (38° to each side) to freely follow and support your arms as you mouse and key
• The palm rests flip up to provide extra support for your hands
• Integrated height control allows you to adjust the armrests to individual preferences

Vari-Width Arms

The vari-width arm features maximum comfort while enabling you to maintain top productivity levels. 

Easy to use levers enable you to adjust the distance between armrests quickly and simply. An ergonomic feature, Vari-Width maximizes shoulder support as it accommodates the specific width requirements of each user.

• Metal adapter plates provide width adjustability. One adapter plate is attached under each side of the seat. Arms are inserted into the adapter plates
• Arms extend outward up to 2” on each side. A lever locks each arm in any position
• Vari-Width is available only with Global’s height adjustable arms. The arm chart (on the following pages) specifies all arm options available for the Vari-Width series. Vari-Width is standard on many chairs; they can also be retroactively installed on chairs

Rotating Armcaps

Rotating armcaps articulate inward and/or outward. This positions the arm to support mousing or keyboarding activities. Rotating armcaps can also be used to narrow the space between the arms for slender people seeking arm support while keyboarding.

Sliding Armcaps

Select arms have sliding armcaps. They can slide over top of the seat to narrow the space between the arms for smaller users. Sliding armcaps also slide forward for arm support for larger users or slide to the rear allowing slender users to sit closer to their worksurface.

View PDF File: How to Select Armrests

Optional Arms

Purchased separately from the chair. Refer to series for compatibility.

AA – Swivel/telescopic, height adjustable arm. Pivoting, soft touch PVC palm rest supports entire forearm/wrist.

AS – Height adjustable “T” arm. Self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward. For non-sliding armcap, specify (AF).

GL – Height adjustable “T” arm. Self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward.

G1 – Height and width adjustable“T” arm. Rectilinear self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward, side-to-side, rotates inward.

G2 – Special low rise version of G3 arm, positions 1” lower but retains all G3 functions.

G3 – Height and width adjustable “T” arm. Curved self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward, side-to-side, rotates inward.

G4 – Height adjustable “T” arm. Self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward.

G5 – Lockable, height and width adjustable “T” arm. Self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward, side-to-side, rotates inward & outward.

G6 – Special low rise version of G5 arm, positions 1” lower but retains all G5 functions.

G7 – Special wide version of G3 arm, retains all G3 functions.

G8 – Special low rise version of G7 arm, positions 1” lower but retains all G7 functions.

SC – Height adjustable forward swept arm. Oval soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

TD – Height adjustable “T” arm. Teardrop shaped, soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

T6 – Height adjustable “T” arm. Self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap slides forward & backward, rotates 360°. 4” adjustment, highest position sits higher than standard arms.

WA – Vari-Width metal adapter plate. Permits arms to extend outward up to 2” each side. Lever locks arm in position.

ZT – Swing away/folding, height adjustable “T” arm. Teardrop shaped, soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

3B – Height adjustable “T” arm. Soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

3M – Height adjustable “T” arm. Concave oval, soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

3N – Height adjustable “T” arm. Luxcurve soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

3P – Height adjustable “T” arm. Waterfall edge, soft touch self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap.

3R – Height adjustable “T” arm. Concave oval, hard durometer self-skinned urethane (SSU) armcap. For abusive environments.

View PDF File: Arm Selections

 Universal Carpet Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, no collar
• Available on all bases
• Black
• Set of 5

Slipper Glide

• Allows base to remain at caster height
• Available on all bases
• Black
• Set of 5

Universal Hard Floor Caster

• 2.5” dual wheel caster, hooded, no collar
• Available on all bases
• Black, Grey urethane treads
• Set of 5

 Integrated Carpet Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, large collar
• Available on Harmony only
• Black
• Set of 5

Integrated Hard Floor Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, large collar
• Available on Harmony only
• Black, Grey urethane treads
• Set of 5

Automatically Locking Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, steel hood, no collar
• Brake activated while seated
• Available on all bases
• Black
• Set of 5

Integrated Carpet Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, standard collar
• Available on Harmony only
• Black
• Set of 5

Integrated Hard Floor Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, standard collar
• Available on Harmony only
• Black, Grey urethane treads
• Set of 5

Dual Wheel Roll Resistant Caster

• 2” dual wheel caster, hooded, standard collar
• Roll resistance activated when not in use
• Available on Harmony only
• Black
• Set of 5

Large Carpet Caster

• 2.5” dual wheel caster, no hood, no collar
• Available on all bases
• Black
• Set of 5

All casters are not appropriate for all flooring surfaces. Please contact your Global representative or Customer Service for special situations that can be verified with the caster manufacturer. Alternative casters, if needed, may require an upcharge.

View PDF File: Caster Selections

Task

• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (8) Manual seat depth
• Back/lumbar height **
• Swivel

Posture Task

• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (3) Back angle
• (6) Back/lumbar height **
• Swivel

Tilter

• (1) Tilt tension
• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (9) Multiple position tilt lock *
• Center tilt action
• Swivel

Multi-Tilter

• (1) Tilt tension
• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (3) Back angle adjustment
• (4) Seat angle
• (8) Sliding seat depth adjustment (MD)
• (9) Infinite position tilt lock
• Back/lumbar height **
• Center tilt action
• Swivel

Synchro-Tilter

• (1) Tilt tension
• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (3) Back angle adjustment *
• (8) Sliding seat depth adjustment (MD)
• (9) Multiple position tilt lock/ Synchro tilt action
• Anti kick back *
• Back/lumbar height **
• Swivel

Operator

• (2) Pneumatic seat height
• (3) Back angle *(free float/lock)
• (4) Seat angle *(free float/lock)
• Back/lumbar height **
• With single lever operator mechanism, seat and back angle are controlled using lever 4 *
• Swivel

* Selected models only.
** Ratchet back height adjustment on selected models only.

Mechanisms may differ from one chair to another.

View PDF File: Mechanism Adjustments

Bed Bug Resistant Product Modifications

In order for a product to be considered bed bug resistant, all product modifications indicated below must be followed, based on the product category: a) closed arm sofa style lounge, b) public space style lounge and c) metal frame guest chairs. It is not sufficient to follow one or two of the modifications; they must all be followed. If the decision is to proceed, a special request must be submitted detailing the modifications required.

Closed Arm Sofa Style Lounge:

Soft seating designs such as Bishop, Chapter and Senator (where the arm and back panel, the cushions and frame, or the frame and arms come in contact with each other) are not ideal for creating bed bug resistant solutions as the contact points provide areas where bed bugs can hide and nest.

The following details indicate the actions/modifications required to make the closed arm sofa style lounge seating bed bug resistant:

1. Standard zipper to be replaced with waterproof zipper where necessary.
    
2. Textile seams must be heat sealed.
    
3. Underside of arms and back must be sealed with non-porous material and no gaps, where necessary.
    
4. All exposed wood must have lacquer coated finish.
    
5. Must be upholstered in impermeable non-porous textile, such as vinyl and polyurethane.
    
6. Velcro closures to be replaced with permanent closure method.

Note: Seat cushions have air vents on the underside of the seat pan to allow air to escape unnoticed. These air vents do not fully ensure blocking and may allow bed bugs to find their way into the cushion's interior. Removing these air vents results in a much firmer sitting seat cushion as the air is unable to escape. If the customer would like to remove the air vents on the underside of the seat cushions, please indicate this on your special request. We cannot offer returns because of the firmer sit.

Public Space Style Lounge:

GC Belong, Primacare HT and Strand are excellent solutions for high traffic areas as they provide a higher level of resistance. The open frame design with clean out access around all cushions reduces spaces for bed bugs to nest.

The following details indicate the actions/modifications required to make the public style lounge seating bed bug resistant:

1. Standard zipper to be replaced with waterproof zipper where necessary.
    
2. Textile seams must be heat sealed.
    
3. Underside of arms, seat and back must be sealed with non-porous material and no gaps, where necessary.
    
4. Must be upholstered in impermeable non-porous textile, such as vinyl and polyurethane.

Note: Seat cushions have air vents on the underside of the seat pan to allow air to escape unnoticed. These air vents do not fully ensure blocking and may allow bed bugs to find their way into the cushion's interior. Removing these air vents results in a much firmer sitting seat cushion as the air is unable to escape. If the customer would like to remove the air vents on the underside of the seat cushions, please indicate this on your special request. We cannot offer returns because of the firmer sit.

Metal Frame Guest Chairs:

One-piece back models in GC Comet and Frolick (models ending in "-S") can be modified for bed bug resistance.

The following details indicate the required actions/modifications to make metal frame guest chairs bed bug resistant:

1. Underside of seat and back must be sealed with non-porous material and no gaps – no seat shroud. (Note: "-S" models already include this feature.)
    
2. Textile seams must be heat sealed.
    
3. Must be upholstered in solid surface textile.

If you would like further information about products that are bed bug resistant please contact your Global sales representative to address your specific requirements.

View PDF File: Bed Bug Resistant Products

Seam Sealing Process

The seam sealing process has proven to be a valued and welcome solution for the healthcare market in the ongoing effort to better address housekeeping and infection control challenges.

The seam sealing process increases the strength and integrity of the seam, provides additional protection against moisture penetration through the seams and can prevent insects from entering the interior of the upholstered piece through the seams.

Both the end user, infection control and designers see the significant value of heat sealing the seams. As a result, this process has become one of the most popular solutions offered on healthcare products.

The Seam Sealing Process: Pass and Fail

A tape is heat sealed to the back of the upholstery seams creating the following benefits:

• Increases the strength and integrity of the seam
• Reduces the rate at which moisture will be drawn from the surface by blocking the stitch holes
• Helps prevent bed bugs from entering product interior through the seams

Testing must be conducted on every textile and approval must be confirmed before acceptance of any order requesting sealed seams.

Options:

• Seat seams only
• All seams sealed

Pricing is based on a linear per yard cost. Every product has varying amounts of stitching, therefore upcharges must be obtained from Global Customer Service. These prices are not published.

The upholstery selection is an important factor when using the sealed seam process. Not all textiles respond the same way when the tape is applied. The following process has been implemented due to those differences. The approval process should be initiated as soon as a textile has been identified for use with sealed seams.

Understanding Pass and Fail Results

To create a clear understanding and measure for a pass or fail rating.

Pass Result:

The sealed seam process has created no visual signs, evidence or change to the appearance of the textile surface by the seams, resulting in a pass rating. A confirmed pass means no further steps are required. The order will be processed.

Fail Result:

The sealed seam process has created a visual change to the appearance of the textile surface by the seams, resulting in a fail rating. The change in appearance on the textile surface varies from one textile to another and from minor to problematic.

The fail may be minimal and the client may wish to proceed as the benefit is greater than the visual results. The process to proceed is detailed below.

Step 1:

Contact your Global Customer Service Representative and provide the complete details on the selected textile.

You will be advised:

• a) No testing has been conducted on the identified textile
• b) Testing was conducted and the identified textile has a pass or fail result

Tested and pass result means that all is good to go and the order will proceed.

Step 2:

Selected textile has not been tested. Two forms have been prepared for a textile to be tested for sealed seams. Be sure to select the correct form. Visit the Dealer Centre in Healthcare's Sealed Seams section to obtain the forms:

• GLO-211 GPM Sealed Seam Form
• GLO-213 COM Sealed Seam Form
• GLO-212 Waiver Sealed Seam Form

GLO-211 GPM Sealed Seam Form

GPM (Global Purchased Material) – A textile that will be graded in by Global. Global will order the fabric for testing.

GLO-213 COM Sealed Seam Form

COM (Customers Own Material) – A textile that is purchased by someone other than Global. The fabric sample must be submitted with the completed form. Global does not purchase or make those arrangements.

Send to:

Global Quality Assurance Department
Attention: Bernardette Borg
850 Alness St.
Toronto, Ontario M3J 2Y7
Tel. 416.661.3660 ext. 4686
Email [email protected]

Results & Action Steps

Upon receiving the textile for testing, a sample will be made up. Based on the results, the sample will be given a pass or fail rating. Please allow 2 weeks for images to be produced.

Pass Result

Tested and pass result means that all is good to go and the order will proceed.

Fail Result

An image of the tested textile seam showing the visual change to the appearance of the textile surface by the seams will be provided if requested. The end-user can decide to proceed with the textile selection if they assess the visual change as not being problematic by signing GLO-212 Waiver Sealed Seam form.

Please follow the steps on the waiver form, return as directed and attach a copy of the signed waiver to the order. This will allow for the order to be released.

If the initial image of the sample, showing the visual change to the appearance of the textile surface by the seams, does not provide enough evidence to make a decision then a mini cushion sample can be requested. Please send the request to [email protected]. Please allow 2 weeks for the mini cushion to be produced.

If satisfied with the results of the sealed seam on the mini cushion. The client must sign the GLO-212 Waiver Sealed Seam form. The signed waiver must be submitted with the order for the order to be released. An alternate textile selection will be required if the visual change to the textile surface by the seams is unacceptable or problematic.

View PDF File: Sealed Seams