McCoy Workplace Solutions Offers Tips for Evaluating Condition of Office Furniture Following Hurricane Ike

SOURCE: McCoy Workplace Solutions
HOUSTON, Sep 18, 2018 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Hurricane Ike wrought wind and water damage to thousands of offices and businesses as well as homes in the Houston-Galveston area both before and after it hit landfall on Saturday, Sept. 13. Houston-based McCoy Workplace Solutions is providing business owners and managers with useful tips for evaluating workplaces and determining if any office furniture that sustained rain or flood damage is salvageable. When followed, these tips may be helpful in averting complete losses.

1. Handle "First Things First"
-- Be safe - make certain that there is no debris that can cause
falls or other injuries as employees or managers survey for damage.
-- Be sure to turn off the power to any workstations. The steel
frames can conduct electricity if the unit is damaged.
-- Investigate the source of the damage.
-- Water damage from rain can more easily be dried and refinished
than products that have been in standing water. Products that have
been in standing or flood water should be replaced.
-- Bring a camera and capture photos.
Document the condition of furniture, workstations and the entire
office environment for insurance claims before beginning
the clean-up process.
2. Look for Problems
For Upholstered Pieces
-- Rain damaged products such as chairs and sofas that are
thoroughly dried within the first two days are definitely
salvageable. After fully dried, clean the fabric and apply an enzyme
based product that prohibits the development of mold. This process
will also apply to any fabric panels on workstations.
Panel systems
-- Although the fabric panels themselves are salvageable, business
owners and managers need to be sure the frames are in good shape.
Look for any corrosion or rust on the electrical parts of the panel
frames. This would be an indication that the frames have lost
integrity and should be replaced.
Wood and Laminate Products
-- The key things to look for with solid surfaces is swelling or
cracking of the surface. If there is evidence, then replacement is
recommended.
-- If there is no evidence of swelling, the surface can be
refinished and any discoloration can be touched up. When the surface
is completely dry, polish well and apply a sealer to fully protect
the refinished surface.
Lateral Files and Metal pieces
-- These units are almost always salvageable but be sure to look for
any signs of rust. If rust free, fully lubricate all moving parts,
including the locking mechanism, with lithium grease to keep in
tip-top shape. Don't forget the leveling glides on desks and other
pieces which are subject to rust but easily replaced.
3. Seek professional help if needed
-- Work with a reputable supplier who has specific knowledge of and
experience with the brands of furniture and office accessories that
sustained damages. Professional office products companies will be
able to provide services and support for ensuring a clean, safe and
comfortable work environment.
-- Remember that there are steps business owners and managers can
take to avoid a complete loss of their office furniture.

Taken From http://www.marketwatch.com