Orthopedic manufacturers and other manufacturing firms would be wise not to ignore the talents of local technical high schools and colleges in their operations. Nearly every manufacturing firm regardless of size, will likely have a number of jobs that they might consider to subcontract to vendors. One source usually not considered for subcontracted work, is the pool of local technical high school and college students.

Many counties across the US have technical high schools and colleges that train students in a variety of fields from automotive to advanced manufacturing technology. Often these students have several years of experience in areas that can assist manufacturers located right in their own backyard.

What are the advantages of an internship to the manufacturer?

1) Internships are usually offered only to the best and the brightest students in their class, and usually only to seniors.

2) Students have years of experience writing term papers, so they are usually computer literate. Basic skills such as word processing computer skills are usually very good to excellent.

3) Most schools due to the extremely attractive discounts offered to educational institutions, have software that is up to date with the all the most recent releases. Technical students are usually tech savvy and are current with the latest computer software. (CAD and computer graphics are now even taught in some regular high schools)

4) Costs will be likely be minimum or very reasonable. Each manufacturer will have to consult with the career department of the local technical school, to find out the terms of their internships. In addition, a simple donation to the school in the form of a grant, or donations of new or used equipment may be tax deductible. Consultation with appropriate accountants or tax attorneys for specific advice in this area is advised.

What are some of the jobs that tech student can provide ? Everything from basic software training on CAD/CAM to graphics, desktop publishing, web design, word processing, to tasks related to any of the above areas, and others should be considered. It is also wise to rely on advice from the counselors and teachers at the school to find out what is appropriate.

A large degree of common sense is recommended here. Of course, students should never be given any task for which they have not been properly trained. Any specialized type of work or work that involves risk should be avoided under all circumstances. Safety is paramount here for all concerned. In general, office jobs are more appropriate than any kind of work on the shop or factory floor.

What expectation should a technical student have of their experience? Often the biggest obstacle students may find upon graduation is their lack of experience. Any industry experience at all is good, but an area that relates specifically to their major or career field is very beneficial. Every student looking for their first job faces a field in which there are not only other students with similar background, but other candidates, sometimes with years of experience.

An internship and a good recommendation from a reputable company, can separate a student from the rest of the field. It shows initiative and demonstrates aptitude for a particular field. They also may find that their experience gives them a better feel for their career choices in order to make wise decisions for their future.

Students can see what really does on in a manufacturing plant. For some, it may be the first time to set foot inside a manufacturing facility outside of the classroom. They may have preconceptions, especially negative stereotypes that can be dispelled, through their experience.

There are numerous benefits of manufacturing internships for the manufacturer and the student. Students can gain valuable real world experience, and manufacturers can gain fresh talent with up to date computer skills from some of the best young minds that may one day lead their industry.

One of the criteria in selecting wire guides is the hardness value. Ultra hard materials such as high alumina and tungsten carbide are preferred over plastics or steel. Figure 1 shows the Vickers hardness of the ultra hard materials that we use and their fracture toughness:

Figure 1

Another criterion in selecting wire guides is the surface finish, which attributes to the guides' coefficient of friction against the wire.

Scientific means are employed to ascertain the surface finish in unambiguous numbers. One such instrument is the diamond probe profilometer, which gives readings in microns or micro inches. One micron is equal to 40 micro inches. A lower profilometer reading generally indicates a smoother surface finish. An interesting yet little known fact is that higher hardness is always associated with a finer surface finish, while mono-crystalline (that is, a single crystal) materials like ruby and sapphire finish better compared with polycrystalline materials of the same hardness.

In recent years Fracture Toughness, a measure of the resistance of a material to the propagation of a crack, has had an increasing involvement in the interpretation of wear phenomena.

It can be seen in Figure 1 that transformation toughened Zirconia (TTZ) and tungsten carbide offer higher fracture toughness compared with sapphire and alumina s.

Over the years, extensive tribologial tests have been performed on the ultra hard materials that we choose for wire guides.

Synthetic Sapphire from one single source* and of the same lot is chosen as the control and subject to an identical set of testing parameters. By dividing the unit weight loss of the material under the test by that of the synthetic sapphire, a specific wear rate is obtained. The specific wear rates obtained so far are tabulated in Figure 2:

Figure 2

It can be seen that among the materials tested, TTZ Zirconia, of an inferior hardness but of a higher fractural toughness, outwears synthetic Sapphire. This is also true in the case of tungsten carbide. All the polycrystalline Alumina s of an inferior hardness and adjacent fracture toughness perform less satisfactorily. The spread in wear resistance among the alumina s is attributed to the percentage of the alumina content; the compacting pressure of the green body; and the mesh distribution (of the powder). It can be postulated at this writing that hardness and toughness should be considered hand in hand when selecting ultra hard materials for wire guides.

It is hoped that with sufficient data and a sound statistical approach, one might someday be able to assign functional factors to each of the hardness and toughness plus other relevant values yet to be identified - that is, a mathematical model - in predicting the wear resistance of ultra hard materials without going through the elaborate wear tests.

Some examples of construction site confined spaces are sewers, trenches, pits, and storage tanks. Confined spaces generally have limited options for entry and exit as well as poor ventilation and air circulation, which is linked to hazardous atmospheres.

The lack of natural ventilation and air movement stems from hazardous atmospheres, which is a major construction safety and health issue for workers in confined spaces. There are three major hazardous atmospheres that present a construction safety concern in confined spaces of which constructions must become aware: oxygen-deficient, toxic, and flammable. In order to determine if the atmosphere in a confined area is hazardous; and, if so, which type of hazard it represents, thorough testing of the entire confined area (the bottom, middle, and top) must be administered.

Oxygen-deficient atmospheres in confined spaces have less than 19.5 percent available oxygen, which means no persons should ever enter without the appropriate protective gear, which in this case is an approved self-contained breathing apparatus, or an airline respirator with an escape self-contained breathing apparatus.

Atmospheres in confined spaces can also be toxic, which is another construction safety hazard. A toxic atmosphere often occurs as a result of materials used in the confined space, including paints, solvents, cleaners, and welding fumes. An atmosphere can also become toxic from residue buildup from materials stored in the confined space. Appropriate protective breathing masks should be worn to avoid breathing in the toxic fumes.

Flammable atmospheres can also present a potential safety hazard for construction workers in confined spaces. When a type of flammable gas, dust, or vapor develops in the air at certain concentrations in a confined space, the atmosphere becomes officially “flammable.” Workers must use appropriate gear in flammable atmospheres in confined spaces.

Accidental injury and death related to working in and near a confined space often occurs as a result of standby and rescue. One important construction safety precaution is assigning a “standby” person whose only two duties is keeping in constant contact with the construction workers inside the confined space and then alerting the appropriate person or team in case of emergency.

However, over half of all construction workers who die in a confined space were trying to rescue a teammate in an unplanned and instinctive manner. The assigned standby and other workers in the confined space should never attempt an instinctive but unplanned rescue of a co-worker in danger. Always, always wait for the emergency person or team.

It may also be helpful to consult any construction safety manuals you may have regarding working in confined spaces to help you learn to anticipate potential problems and hazards and take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring or to react swiftly and properly in the event that a crisis or catastrophe occurs.

After the elimination of global quota system, the textile industry is booming at a rocket speed. The world is on a new path of industrial revolution. The textile hubs like China, India, Pakistan and many more are emerging rapidly among the western counterparts. Analysts are anticipating more growth with latest technologies in Textile Machineries. The textile machinery manufacturing hubs like China, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and India have already dived in immense competition to make and offer best technologies in textile machineries. The Chinese textile manufacturers are developing some of the best answer in technical aspects of textile industry, along with very competitive prices.

Yuyao Textile Machinery Co. Ltd. is among the most excellent textile machinery manufactures in the world from China, located in Yuyao City of Ningbo Municipality, Zhejiang Province, which is know as a celebrated place with splendid cultural legacy and features a good geographical position and a top convenient traffic facility.

Successful Voyage of “Yuyao Textile Machinery Co. Ltd.”

The company of today originated from the Ex-Yuyao Textile Machinery Plant which was established in 1970. More than 30 years history has aggregated a powerful economic strength and valuable experience in this industry for the company, making it capable of providing diverse solutions and best services in meeting the customers' needs and demands. Our business activity covers more than 100 domestic cities and regions. Our products have been the best sellers across the north and south territories to the Changjiang River and also are exported to the European, Asian countries, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, receiving a unanimous good appraisal from the circle of this industry since many years ago.

The company has been confirmed to be among the provincial model enterprises, withstood the provincial, ministerial evaluations and ISO 9001certification for many times, in addition has been selected a designated production enterprise by the National Textile Material & Equipment Corporation. Our main products have been elected recommended products by the China Textile Machinery Association. Our company engages in the professional designing of the fabric testing and packing projects, in the building of the automatic heat shrink PE-FILM packing machines and serial fabric inspection machines, serial fabric rolling machines and the doubling and folding machines, all of which boast a high Sci-Tech content and stable performance, winning keen appreciations of the users, recognized as the most advanced textile machinery at home for the present time.

Many people, either due to birth defect, accidental injury, or simply old age, have joint conditions that cause loss of mobility. In advanced cases this can cause considerable pain and anguish. When doctors determine that the problem can only be remedied with orthopedic surgery, to augment or replace the affected joint, orthopedic manufacturing comes to the rescue.

Orthopedic manufacturers produce the supports and replacement joints that allow patients to return to normal life again. This procedure often is highly successful, but, of course, there are risks associated with any type of surgery.

The story of Jack Nicklaus, (a hip replacement patient) is a classic orthopedic case history. He lived with considerable pain for years, until he finally underwent hip surgery in 1999. Following his hip replacement he still managed to play some pretty good golf.

You may also be interested to know how those implants are made. The technology that allows doctors to perform the miracle of joint replacement is a testament to modern manufacturing ingenuity.

Orthopedic manufacturing has gone from science fiction to practical reality in the span of a few short years. Each year the techniques, tools, and products developed in orthopedics improve, by leaps and bounds. Orthopedic manufacturing has a important role in helping us to live healthier and happier lives.

Continuous research and development in the design and manufacture of orthopedic implants and instruments is needed. As the costs and risks of orthopedic procedures are reduced, the miracle of modern orthopedic medicine can be extended to more and more people who need this type of care, to dramatically improve their quality of life.

The common difficulty I see is that businesses lack in the skill to identify them. Let's take a look at some common simultaneous operations:

* Drilling in an operational pit;
* Performing maintenance on equipment in operational areas;
* Watering mine roads;
* Performing maintenance in multiple storey facility whilst operations occurring; and
* Construction in operational areas.

So do all of these seem like everyday tasks? Have you previously identified them as Simultaneous Tasks? Are you asking where do I start? Well, ‘IT'S NOT THAT HARD', lets take a look at the basic steps:

1. Identify all Simultaneous Operations;
2. Perform Risk Assessment;
3. Assess and control risks;
4. Monitor the simultaneous tasks; and
5. Communicate the Control Measures.

Remember, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO PERFORMING THESE TASKS SAFELY.

What are the benefits of performing this work?

1. By identifying all Simultaneous Operations we are able to manage risks;
2. Performing risk assessments will allow you to identify all risks introduced by the task;
3. Assessing determines the level of risk you are subjecting your workforce to. Controlling risks minimises the level of harm that could impact business, health, safety and environment.
4. Monitoring the tasks will allow you to verify that the controls are in place and adequate. If you identify that the controls are not adequate STOP WORK and review the identified controls in the risk assessment; and
5. The only way controls will be effective is if all persons involved in the tasks understand and implement the control measures.

The steps identified are re-enforcing basic risk management principals. Ask yourself, does business effectively manage the risks of Simultaneous Operations?

Currently, identifying and controlling Simultaneous Operations is not a legislative requirement. However, the major companies are introducing this requirement into all operations.

So, why wait until legislation catches up to what out major companies in Australia have identified as a major risk.

I believe that it is the responsibility of all employers to protect the Health and Safety of their employees. The only way we can effectively fulfil this, is to identify and control risks.

In a move to cut down costs, producers are exploring around the globe in search for the lowest cost exporters/suppliers. Lured towards developing countries in south-east Asian region for lower-wages, transportation industry is stretching its reach longer than ever before. Major players are focusing overseas markets for outsourcing cheap manufacturing as well as expanding their businesses. This result in outbound logistics. And acceleration in manufacturing capacity is driving many producers to shutter superfluous plants. The rest of the plants are gaining the developing rhythm, but must export overseas now to sustain their positions in the market.

Boom in the Internet based services made overseas suppliers capable to match foot with local suppliers. Web-based sales, services and supplies are emerging vertically.

The expanding reach has compelled logistic industry to spur cross-border trade. Regardless-of this outbreak of activity, it is commonplace also for expert managers of local logistics to get acquainted with the complexity of international trade logistics. Global transportation and relevant services includes much complex documentation than for domestic shipments. It almost includes longer delivery times. Evaluation of the arrival times of international shipments is just a magic than solid fact.

The business players always look for just-in-time shipments, thus it aspires enhanced build-to-order model and lot-size-of-one shipments, which results more pressure on logistics industry. Logistics industry has usually been old-fashioned traditions. Usually, the shipping personals would decide for carriers, customs agents and so on. Normally, their search doesn't go beyond the initial service providers who cover all the minimum requirements. Once the shipment kicks-off its journey towards its destination, it is really hard to assume reaching time. For example, a ship that started its journey from Asia could meet harsh weather, which may delay its reaching on the West Coast for three days. On the other hand, the trucks at the West Coast would have to wait and sat empty and ideal for the three days, which would certainly result in big loss. These kind of unpredictable losses are usual in international logistics.

Thus, even the largest multi-national companies avoided logistic services on a worldwide basis. They opt to establish their operations in each country and let them to manage logistics individually.

When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains and then directly into waterways. Detergents in particular present a real problem not only for large bodies of water but also for water treatment facilities.

Soaps containing phosphates are common contributors to storm water pollution. These phosphates create problems for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) because these phosphates interfere with the cleaning procedures at the facility. Finding products that can replace harsh alkaline cleaners will help reduce pollution.

Even detergents that are marketed as “biodegradable” can still have undesirable effects because they require time to biodegrade. Detergent products can be quite hazardous until the biodegradation process is complete.

There are currently innovative solutions to the problem of storm water run off. Cleaning solutions should be environmentally safe. Industrial site managers should examine non-toxic cleaners that are also biodegradable. These types of solutions provide an easy and safe alternative to harsher chemicals.

Industrial sites that produce large amounts of hazardous waste are always venerable to EPA fines and sanctions. Providing cleaning techniques and products that are safe is a requirement that is imposed by the EPA.

Other major contributors to storm water pollution are the oil and gasoline leaks that are the results of washing vehicles on pavement and close to storm water drains. Washing vehicles or equipment in wash bays hooked up to the sanitary sewer causes the detergents oils and grease to enter the streets or storm drains.

The EPA requires that these facilities use products or install complicated drainage system to seal these floor drains. Facilities can use products that provide a tough, durable seal over their drains. This seal will block the pollution from entering the storm drains If the product is lightweight and reusable, it can save the site money and time. Lightweight drain sealers can be retrieved quickly for emergency chemical spills.

Parking lots represent another source of water pollution. Cars and trucks drip oil and grease on to the surface of cement lots. This oil and grease is carried into the catch basins by rainwater. The EPA is very strict on these known pollution sources. Many industrial and sites that produce large amounts of oil and grease use drain inserts to avoid this problem.

The EPA designates automotive maintenance facilities as stormwater "hot spots." Hotspots are areas that generate significant amounts of hydrocarbons, trace metals, and other pollutants that can affect the quality of stormwater.

Facilities must stay abreast of the state and local regulations for the specific stormwater pollution requirements in their area. There may be additional requirements for their a particular type of facility.

Pollution control products are only one piece of the pollution puzzle. Specialized product plus human commitment will help companies comply with EPA regulations.

Working at height

After the fall – Suspension Trauma/Orthostatic intolerance - the need to plan for rescue

Roger H Smith of Leading Edge emphasises the importance of thorough rescue planning

Planning for rescue and emergencies when employees work at height is a legal and moral responsibility for all employers. Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 obliges employers to ensure all work at height is properly planned, and Regulation 4(2) notes that planning of work includes planning for emergencies and rescue.

Often we think of rescue as simply a matter of dialing 999, but calling the local fire brigade does not add up to an effective rescue plan. Response times can be too long and not all brigades have the capability to rescue from height.

Even in the most safety conscious employers’ workplaces accidents happen, so a rescue plan is an essential component of working at height and should be managed via a working at height method statement and risk assessment, and be ingrained through training and practice.

The lack of any form of post-fall rescue plan – relying on employees improvising to rescue a colleague — not only puts the victim at risk, but also puts rescuers in harms way. Unplanned attempts at rescue often result in secondary and tertiary injuries or fatalities.

Time is tight

The reason planned rescue by trained people is so important is that the danger is far from over when the fall arrest equipment does its job. Anyone hanging in a harness is at risk of suspension trauma; as the blood drains from the top half of their body, depriving the brain of oxygen. The critical thing is to get them to the ground as quickly as possible — any more than 10 minutes in suspension and the risk of irreparable damage increases rapidly (see HSW February 2006).

The rescue plan must provide for self-rescue by employees who remain conscious after a fall, where their equipment allows them to get to safety. Workers must be trained and practised in self rescue.

But even where a fallen worker appears to be able to help themselves, the plan must require colleagues to act as though they are incapable, since the situation might change and time is at a premium.

The plan must give clear direction for anyone who witnesses a fall to know who on site at the time is responsible for rescue and to alert them immediately, plus the emergency services where available. This means ensuring every worker has emergency phone numbers to hand and knows the site location to direct third parties.

The plan must set out the hierarchy of rescue options available on site for getting employees to safety — from dedicated rescue equipment, such as additional harnesses, controlled descent devices or winches, to access using work equipment such as mobile elevating work platforms, plus locations of first aid equipment and any rescue-specific items.

Though speed is of the essence, the plan must make co-workers responsibilities clear and emphasise the importance of not endangering themselves during the rescue.

Death by rescue

As the casualty is returned to the level, another critical point occurs. The plan must ensure that all staff know that usual first aid procedures do not apply and the fallen worker must not be laid flat because of the risk of stale blood from the legs rushing back through the body poisoning their major organs and causing potentially fatal toxic shock. The plan must ensure all workers know to put the casualty into a sitting “W” position with their legs bent, unless they are suspected of having a spinal injury.

Other considerations for a plan include how to ensure any wreckage/equipment is set aside to help later investigation, allowing for unusual structural features that might complicate a rescue and ensuring materials are provided in translation where large numbers of migrant workers are on site.

However well thought out, a rescue plan (like a risk assessment) is useless if it is filed away and forgotten. You need to ensure that everyone who could be involved in a rescue: managers; supervisors; and workers are fully trained in the types of situation that might call for a rescue, what their roles are and how to use the equipment you provide. Rescue operations are carried out under extreme pressure, whatever training your employees have had or are yet to have, will determine how they react.

The training should be kept topped up with regular practice sessions or drills, keeping employees on their toes but also checking that they can act inside the necessary five-minute window. Just as the plan needs updating with any change of circumstances, personnel or equipment, so does the training.

Sustainable packaging addresses performance and cost along with maximizing the use of renewable types of plastic materials or the use of recycling of other various materials like paper or cardboard. I figure the following factors would contribute to cost savings. The use of renewable or recycled source materials; able to manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices; make products from materials healthy in all end-of-life scenarios; designed to optimize materials and energy; effectively recover and utilized in biological or industrial cycles.

If we look at improving packaging sustainability it will result in less waste and will allow for fewer materials going into the land fill. Looking at the entire life cycle of packaging, the definition gives us a vision for the packaging industry all of which must be addressed if sustainable packaging is to become a major factor. It presents a challenge to those that stay status-quo but will offer guidance to identify the opportunities and the strategies to help us move forward. One of the key strategies is to challenge the product design, as it stands to point out we can prevent waste, if we optimize our use of resources, select safer materials and plan for the recycle process or some recoverability of our packaging.

However, even the most well designed packaging does not meet the sustainability test the real challenge is to be able to put effective systems into recoverability of the value of the materials. Building effective and closed-loop recycling and composting systems for packaging materials will be one of the biggest challenges to the creation of the sustainable packaging industry, but is one from which everyone stands to gain from personal use and manufacturing.

If you've spent any time surfing the Internet, you've seen more than your fair share of banner ads. These small advertisements appear on all sorts of Web pages and vary considerably in appearance and subject matter, but they all share a basic function: if you click on them, your Internet browser will take you to the advertiser's Web site. So what's the difference with Construction Banner Exchanges.

All banner exchange programs offer a simple service. If you post a certain number of banner ads on your site, they will post your banner ad on another site, ANY other site that is apart of their banner exchange program, you could see your Contractor site listed onto someones Avon makeup website or even a Video game website Neither that would work out very well for your construction industry website.

Usually, this isn't an even exchange; you have to post more than one banner ad for every one of your banner ads they post. This is how the exchange program makes a profit. Their arrangement yields them more banner ad spaces than actual banner ads they need to place for their members, so they can sell the extra banner ad spaces to paying advertisers. The exact ratio varies, but 2:1, posting two banner ads on your site for every one of yours posted on another site, is a typical arrangement.

Construction industry banner exchanges works with the contractor in mind. Contractors and construction web sites equally share their links between each other staying within the construction industry. From home improvement how to web sites, home builder web sites, construction software and many other builder contracting sites. You would want to see your construction business listed at the top of a contractor forms or find a contractor page rather then on a tic tac toe for tots page wouldn't you?

Most banner exchange programs distribute banner ads in the same way. For every banner ad you've decided to display, the exchange provides you with a piece of HTML code. This code instructs a visitor's Web browser to bring up a banner ad from the exchange program's server. The advantage of a joining any banner exchange program is it's a free way to get other sites to post your banner ads. The disadvantage for joining a non construction banner exchange is that you give up a lot of control over where your ads are posted and what ads are posted on your site. In most cases, the banner exchange program chooses where to put its members banner ads, and you may not like what they decide to post on your site or where they end up posting your banner ad. Most banner exchange programs attempt to link banner ads and sites intelligently, and they often do a good job, but there is a possibility that at some point you will be dissatisfied with a banner ad that ends up on your site. By choosing a construction banner exchange this of course would not become a problem for your construction related website.

And choosing the right construction banner exchange program that would concentrate on effective banner placement, monitor traffic and drive more construction related traffic your way simply would make you and your construction site more successful!

Before fixing new packing, the used packing should be removed completely with special tools, and the box of packing should be mopped clean. Observe carefully to see if there is any part within the box of being off-centre. In case of failure to be up to the required standard, the box should be repaired or replaced.

Select the right packing to seal the fluid. Cut the exactly rigs with the packing cutter. If the cutter is not available, proceed as follows: the cutting length of the rings L=(shaft diameter D+ packing width S) X 1.07X ~ . In principle, for rotating shafts, to cut the packing straight in 90°; but in valves, slanted cut is more recommend, about 45°。

While fitting cross-sections of packing should be used for valves, preferably prepressed rings, a packing cross section with a slight undersize (abt.0.3mm to 0.6mm)is recommended for pumps. The required leakage gap ensures the necessary higher starting leakage for lubrication and dissipation of friction heat.

Cut packing rings should be installed with the cut ends staggered by 90° each layer. The rings should be carefully opened axially and radially just sufficient for them to be pushed on the shaft. If the rings are opened they can suffer damage through buckling.

Continue to fit rings in the stuffing box until the gland has thread available to either about 25% the packing thickness in the case of valves, or about 50% in the case of pumps.

In order to enhance the tight-sealing performance, it is preferential to select two or more gasket of cushion plates, and mix them for the said fixing.

Press the rings home with the grand and tighten the nuts by hand. In order to obtain a uniform and controlled pretension of the packing, we recommend the use of a torque wrench or a similar power measuring device.

Before putting into regular operation, try it under zero-load, and observe if there is anything abnormal. After putting into normal operation, it is still necessary to observe carefully to see if there is any serious leakage due to lack of compactness, or if there is sudden friction-heat and the danger of ring burning as a result of over compactness.

With the world becoming smaller and repeated references to the global village syndrome, people feel that it’s not long before the borders of trade become totally transparent. While this is a positive in many ways, particularly for the global consumer, there are downsides. For one thing, with the influx of sellers from the world over, the local industry comes into direct competition with the international industry. While some contend that this will bring local industry on par with international industry, the truth is that many local sellers feel threatened by the change. Costs of production in one area may vary greatly from those of another area, and if businesses from the 2 areas come head to head, this will be an important determining factor for the survival of the high production cost business. Some of the ways regulators and business people have thought to protect and foster growth in local industry are below.

Tariffs on imports –
The local industry has the option of lobbying for tariffs to be applied on the import of products and services into the country. There are many ways to tax these international businesses so that the costs come to par with local industry. Due to the cost of transporting products, this also happens naturally in many cases – the cost of shipping may be prohibitive on an auto ancillary from Russia as opposed to one made in Detroit, though the original price of the former may be much lower.

Subsidies –

The reverse concept is to grant subsidies for the local industry to grow and strengthen itself to take on international industry players. This is only effective in the short term, however, and is somewhat controversial since subsidies are normally considered fair for weak or infant industries.

Raise barriers to entry –

The trade council can raise the barriers for entry for a business by imposing global standards. This means that the product must conform to international standards for it to be sold in the country, which means that the quality improves and thus cost of the product increases.

Find USP for local products –

The local industry can also respond to this type of situation by creating need for local products. A special niche or a unique selling point of the local products means that there will be a specialized market for it and the product cannot be replaced by the international industry.

Join them –

If you can’t beat them, join them. Local industry can look for ways to partner with international industry, through individual sellers or as a whole, to ensure that everyone makes a profit. Many businesses are choosing to outsource some of their functions so that they ultimately make more profits.

However, there is a good side to global competition. It serves to protect the local customer by reducing the possibility of monopolies within the local industry. But this is a matter to concern the government. So long as there are no unfair trading practices that harm the consumer, the local industry needs to look towards maximizing profitability and competing in a global market place.

Slips and falls in the workplace costs industries millions of dollars per year in workmen compensation claims and from civil lawsuits from the general public. Slippery floors can be eliminated in the workplace environment.

However, wet slippery floors are an everyday occurrence and are sometimes not considered a major health hazard. But slips and falls that are the result from flooring that is unsafe accounts for more than 70% of the reported injuries reported to OSHA.

The OSHA requirement for floor safety is clear. "The floor of every workroom shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable." [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]

Certain industries are at greater risk than others. Those industries that require large volumes of liquid products for manufacturing are prone to have leaks from equipment and from the production of goods.

Liquids leak and drip and over spray from production equipment lands on the floors and walkways. Employees use these areas but in some retail areas customers are also at risk for a slip and fall accident.

1) Use Absorbent universal socks are the best choice for industrial applications. The general purpose absorbent socks absorb both oil and water base liquids and drips. The socks can be molded around leaky equipment, machinery and drums to stop spill before these spills reach walkways and present an immediate hazard.

2) Use slip resistant industrial matting in areas where a smooth floor presents a hazard. Provide safe footing in work areas use matting that grips the floor for safe walking.

Absorbent industrial matting provides good protection by drawing and trapping liquids into the inner highly absorbent melt blown layer. Work areas can be lined with absorbent mats to keep them dry, comfortable and non-slip.

3) Make good housekeeping a priority. Cut liability exposure to slip and falls. Eliminates possible EPA fines for polluting if improper cleaning techniques are being used. You improve the appearance of your facility by eliminating unsightly oil spills. The first step in keeping work areas safe is keeping them free of liquid spills and hazards.

There are several cost effective solutions available to create a safer workplace. Providing a safe floor surface in the work areas with industrial matting is a win-win situation.

While at first glance vibratory deburring & metal finishing may seem somewhat a niche market it should be noted that every coin, window stay, button, knife, fork, spoon, turbine blade, hip joint or indeed an enormous range of mass produced metal, plastic and even (in some cases) wooden components are vibro finished.

The UK has been the home of vibratory deburring & metal finishing systems. These machines are also a standard solution for the manufacturing community internationally.

It is now common-place to find a vibratory deburring / metal finishing machine adjacent to laser cut, waterjet cut and CNC milling operations.

The benefits of being able to take stillages of sharp edged laser cut or waterjet cut, CNC milled components and make them clean, bright and ‘handable’, at a consumable cost in the region of £1 / £2 per stillage, are numerous.

Vibratory finishing machines rarely breakdown and the uniformed results are easy to duplicate time after time.

With the latest machines coming complete with sealed for life bearings and the fabrications being stressed relieved these machines require nominal levels of maintenance.

Along with the traditional deburring of metal pressings and casting applications the latest consumables from the PDJ Vibro range of can now improve surfaces from 0.2 ra to 0.03 ra.

Given the above it is clear to see why the medical, motor sport and aerospace industries have depended on this process for decades.

How it works. The vibratory finishing machine consists of a process chamber (usually lined with a protective rubber or polyurethane) which is mounted on springs and on a base. The process chamber is most frequently circular with a centre plate on which the motor is mounted.

The motor is fitted with top and bottom weight segments that are off-set by 90 degrees. When the motor is running normally at 1500 rpm the process chamber vibrates.

Circular bowls. The vibration causes the media (abrasive / polishing chips) in the process chamber to move in a torroidal (corkscrew) action. This action causes the media to affect the surface of the components. Given the correct media, levels of water, chemical additive and time this process will produce results ranging from light deburring / edge breaking to radiusing, burnishing, super-finishing, descaling, degreasing and corrosion inhibition.

Circular bowl vibratory deburring & metal finishing machines were first introduced over 40 years ago and now represent the vast majority of sales as the design ensures part damage can be avoided and that a flap and screen can be operated to separate the component from the chips / media.

Vibratory troughs Due to the shape vibratory troughs remain the ideal solution for processing longer / larger components like turbine blades, curtain poles, cylinder blocks etc. Should large components be delicate, divider plates can create compartments giving separate chambers which completely eliminate the potential for part on part damage.

Industrial metal adhesives include hot metal adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, sealants, thermoset adhesives, UV curing adhesives, silicon adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and other chemical adhesives. Basically, these are the components that make up the various types of adhesives that are used in industries to bond metal together. The names not only reflect the chemical makeup of the various adhesives, but also their adhesion properties. Depending on the type of bond that is sought after and what types of metals are being bonded, a specific type of adhesive will be used.

Acrylic adhesives are known for their excellent environmental resistance, which means they can stand up to a pounding in extreme weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, or frost. Also, compared to other resin-adhesives, acrylic adhesives have a fast setting time for jobs that need to be finished quickly. Cyanoacrylates, more commonly known as super glue, is a type of acrylic adhesive that cures instantly on contact through a process that involves surface moisture. If bonding metals together that will be placed in high temperatures, the types of adhesives that would work best for the job are Phenolic, melamine, and urea formaldehyde resins. These are thermosetting bonds that are strong and will hold up for long periods of time when exposed to intense heat. This is a popular adhesive for bonding industrial parts, since they are often exposed to these high heat levels.

Polyurethane adhesives offer a strong bond, but it’s one that includes a great deal of flexibility. These types of industrial metal adhesives also perform well on durability tests and have a high level of impact resistance. Rubber and silicone adhesives are also offered as sealants. The rubber examples of these offer the most flexibility when needed. The silicone-based adhesives and sealants, on the other hand, are more rigid and offer a high degree of durability, in addition to resistance to high temperatures.

The previously mentioned adhesives are all defined on their chemical makeup. There are others, however, that are defined by their adhesion properties. These include hot metal adhesives, pressure sensitive and contact adhesives, thermoset adhesives, and UV curing adhesives. Hot metal adhesives can be softened by exposing them to heat and hardened again by cooling off. This allows for repositioning of metal parts in case a mistake is made, or if finite measurements need to be in place. Thermoset adhesives are set into place and cured using heat or a mixture of head and pressure. Finally, UV curing adhesives use ultraviolet or other types of radiation to cure, offering a permanent bond that doesn’t need heat to set.

There are plenty of industrial metal adhesives to choose from. You simply need to decide what the job is and what special requirements the bonds need to have. Whether they need flexibility, extreme tolerance to heat, or if they need to stand up to harsh weather, there is an adhesive out there that works well with just about any condition.

American workers in the United States are provided the safest working conditions. In spite of the stress and tedious types of work performed, the government works tireless to insure that the place you work is free from dangerous elements that threaten you health as well as your life.

The government has not always been as benevolent to the working class. but as society evolved, so did the concern for human beings who was often injured or disabled in work related accidents. To provide guidelines and regulations to protect the safety of workers, OSHA was established.

The regulations that govern workplace safety are under the auspices of The U.S Department of Labor and enforced by federal law and OSHA. OSHA was established as the result of The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act in 1970 and amended in 1990. The overall goal of the Act is to insure that employees do not suffer harm from occupational exposure.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has several key responsibilities including:

* Developing and issuing occupational safety and health standards and regulations
* Conducting investigations and inspections to determine the status of compliance
* Issuing citations and proposes penalties for noncompliance with the regulations
* Performing public education and consultation

The enforcement of the OSHA’s safety and health standards is implemented by individual state agencies. But this act applies to virtually all private employers in the United States. If the employer has more than 10 employees, The statutes of the OSHA laws bind them. Federal and state employees however, are exempt from direct coverage.

OSHA’s attention focuses on environmental contamination in the workplace. The standard for toxic and hazardous substances is specifically outlined in OSHA. The exposure limits are provided in terms of 8-hour averages as well as 15-minute short-term exposures.

Section 201 states. "Environmentally preferable" means products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.

In addition, a series of requirements are placed on employers to provide protection, training, information, and monitoring of employees potentially exposed to hazardous substances.

Two other standards are of relevance to the chemical industry: The process safety management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119) is designed to prevent or minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable and explosive chemicals.

The PSM rule requires employers subject to the rule to have an emergency action plan which specifies the procedures for reporting fires and emergencies.

The rule covers, among other things, emergency response operations for releases or threat of releases. Covered employers must develop an emergency response plan which includes emergency alerting and response procedures.

In addition to OSHA’s specific standards, section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act also contains an enforceable general duty clause, which covers situations for which no standard exists. The clause requires employers to provide a place of employment, which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

It is important that both employers and employees understand the scope and purpose of OSHA statues. By being informed, the workplace becomes safer for the employer, employee and the community at large.


Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985.

With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products and information to aid in EPA and OSHA Regulations in the areas of:

* Storm water pollution
* Pollution Prevention & Control
* Other industrial, commercial & environmental issues.

What is Portland Cement?
Portland cement (PC) is the principal binder that, upon hydration and setting, holds aggregates (coarse and fine) together in concrete. It has the ability to stand in water and increase its strength over time. This ability elicits the term hydraulic cement for this type of cement.

What is the Composition of PC?
PC is a manufactured product formed within narrow confines of specific elements and subjected to heat treatment to form a semi-finished product called clinker. Raw materials used include: Limestone, Shale, Iron Ore and Sand.

The principal elemental ingredients in the raw materials are:
• Calcium Oxide (CaO)
• Silicon (SiO2)
• Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3)
• Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) in addition to other elemental oxides.

It is possible sometimes to have all these elemental oxides in some limestones. Where the principal source, limestone, is deficient in any of the elemental oxides then the other ingredients are added in the right proportion in preparation for the manufacturing process.

The latter process comprise of three phases:
1. Grinding the materials into a powder form
2. Heating the powdered material in a kiln up to about 2700°F
3. Grinding the clinker formed with gypsum to form PC

When PC is mixed with water either to form a cement paste or concrete, in a process called hydration, a chemical reaction takes place and for simplicity sake two principal products are formed: 1) calcium silicate hydrate, C-S-H and 2) calcium hydroxide

Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) is insoluble in water. It gives the title hydraulic to set PC’s ability to stand in water without any detriment. Calcium hydroxide is soluble in water and leaches out of set concrete and in a two step approach first, the solution is drawn to the exterior wall of the structure and secondly, react with carbon dioxide of the atmosphere to form chalk, the white, efflorescence salt found on concrete walls.

MINERAL ADMIXTURE - Mineral admixtures used in concrete formulations contain oxides of silica and other oxides that are found in Portland cement. Examples of mineral admixtures include fly ash, silica fume and volcanic ash.

Mineral admixtures used in concrete may be referred to as Pozzolans, or materials that won’t harden in water but in the presence of lime, react and harden to form a stone-like mass.

One important use of mineral admixtures in concrete is the ability of the silica component to react with the soluble calcium hydroxide formed in the hydrating cement to form an insoluble calcium silicate hydrate thus helping to form a dense, compact concrete/cement paste.

Concrete formulated with mineral admixtures are not likely to form efflorescence salts. The use of mineral admixtures in concrete helps resist sulfate attack and alkali-silica reactivity. In the fresh concrete the presence of mineral admixtures often improve the workability of the mix.

Precision metal stamping sounds like a difficult process to describe. The main goal of this article is to simplify the intricate details of this process. The topics of this article will include describing what precision metal stamping is and how it works, the types of materials used for the stampings, what types of equipment is involved in the process, the five main techniques used to create the stamping impressions and what types of products can be created using precision metal stamping.

The definition of precision metal stamping is simply the process of creating lettering, three-dimensional parts and other surface definitions onto metal surfaces. The stamping works by using extreme pressure to force various forms and dies onto the metal materials. When the stamp is removed, the lettering, forms and dies are immutably engraved onto the metal. Stamping can be performed on a number of different materials (such as cement or plastic) however; the most ordinary stamping material is metal. Some of the more common types of metal that receive stampings include copper, aluminum, steel, titanium and alloys.

There are numerous types of equipment used in precision metal stamping varying from a simple manual press to a more engineered and computerized die processor. Some of the more complicated processors involve multiple stages of pressing throughout the fabrication of the item. Some of the more engineered models can stamp with speeds up to an impressive 1,200 strokes every 60-seconds. The size of the equipment may be as large as 600 tons.

There are five main techniques used in precision metal stamping. These techniques include fourslide and multislide stamping, deep drawing, fine blanking and wireforming. The fourslide and multislide stamping both incorporate horizontal die presses from numerous directions, either synchronously or consecutively. The result of this stamping technique is impressions on many (or all sides) of the metal material. The deep drawing technique is used to create impressions of depth using a punch. Usually the depth is in excess of the width (for example, a cup created from a piece of flat metal). The fine blanking technique involves the metal material being sheared smoothly throughout the entire depth of the material. The wireforming technique stamps metal into “wire” shapes, such as springs, clips, rings or specialty pins. There are other techniques used, but these five are the most common that manufacturers use to produce metal stamping products.

The final product of precision metal stamping can be something as simple as a clip, spring or metal ring. The process of stamping is also used to create more complex items, such as telecommunications and appliances. Precision metal stamping offers the consumer many choices – choice of metal, choice of impression or dies used, choice of the equipment used to create the product and more.

Enter at your own risk! The flammable hazard signs with their bright red flame graphic and danger wordings say it all. You are now entering a restricted area...

Many people have a natural fear of chemicals that catch fire easily. In fact, I know of some people who became so nervous whenever they have to come into the chemical areas that they lost their concentration and fumble about with their activities, visibly shaken. It is as if the whole place is going to explode in their faces anytime.

However, if this natural fear is allowed to paralyze us, there will not be any oil refinery, oil wells or even petrol stations anywhere. Industrial processes will literarily grind to a halt. People will be so afraid to handle these chemicals in their work.

This article tries to eliminate this natural fear by explaining the properties of flammable chemicals so that people will treat flammable chemicals with respect but not with fear.

Flash Point

Chemicals that are flammable will usually have a low flash point. What is this low flash point? It's the temperature at which the chemical will give out fumes sufficiently enough to catch fire when a lighted flame is brought near to it.

This means that a chemical having a lower flash point than room temperature will give out fumes capable of catching fire even though it is stored at normal room temperatures.

Thus, gasoline with flash point of -20 degree Centigrade will already be able to catch fire at normal room temperature if a light flame is present, while kerosene with flash point of 38 degree Centigrade will not burn when it is kept at a room temperature of 30 degree Centigrade.

Well, that's not totally correct either. In order to burn, three things must be present at the same time: fuel, oxygen and heat. When we talk about flash point, we are talking about the heat to generate sufficient gaseous fumes that can burn, but the chemical will not burn until a higher temperature is reached. That temperature is the ignition point.

Ignition Point

The ignition point can be reached if a lighted flame is brought near to the combustible fumes, or it can be from a sparking electrical contact or even from sparks produced from mechanical impact. Very often, it can even come from sparks generated by static electricity.

Even when all these conditions have been reached, fire will not start if there is not sufficient oxygen to support the combustion. This is a very important factor to consider especially when storing flammable chemicals.

Explosion Limit

Have you heard of the expression, too lean mixture or too rich mixture? If you have been messing around with diesel or petrol engines, you will certainly know about this. Garage mechanics know that if the fuel in the engine is either too lean or too rich, the engine will not start. What does this mean?

Diesel and petrol engines burn fuel very rapidly. The combustion of the fuel is so rapid that explosions occur inside the engine cylinders rather that slow burning like in a gas stove.

The explosion of the fuel-air mixture is what gives it the power to move pistons that will turn the crankshafts of engines.

Back to the issue of getting the right combustible mixture...

There is a range in the fuel-air mixture ratio that is just right for explosions. If the ratio is out of this range, no explosion can occur. Too lean mixture is when the amount of fuel is not sufficient to burn. Too much air, too little fuel.

When the fuel percentage increases further, the Lower Explosion Limit or LEL is reached. This is an explosive mixture.

If the fuel percentage increases further, it will reach a fuel-air mixture ratio that is too rich to support combustion, i.e. too much fuel, too little oxygen. That point is the Upper Explosion Limit or UEL. Both the LEL and UEL are expressed in percentage by volume.

So any percentage between the LEL and the UEL is within the explosive range. This is the explosive range that we have to control. In this range, fuel is present, and air is present. We have to be very careful not to have a spark or hot spot.

Let's have a hypothetical scenario. When a flammable chemical with low flash point is spilled in a room, the fumes will evaporate and fill the room. When the mixture has reached the Lower Explosive Limit, the whole mixture in the room is capable of exploding when a source of heat is brought in. This can be in the form of an electric spark, as when someone switches on the light.

If the chemical is left for a sufficiently long time, it will fill the whole room and saturates the atmosphere. The mixture then becomes too rich for combustion. It has reached the Upper Explosion Limit and the mixture will not explode even when a spark occurs. But this situation can turn dangerous when a person opens the door and switches on the light. The oxygen coming from the opened door may be just sufficient to bring down the too rich mixture to become an explosive mixture.

With this understanding, which do you think will be more dangerous: a tank full of flammable chemicals or a tank with only 1/4 full? If you are not sure, the answer is the 1/4 full tank. With both tanks having the same chance of being heated, the 1/4 full tank has more empty space that can contain oxygen whereas the full tank almost inevitably will be too saturated with the fuel and don't have sufficient oxygen to burn.

But what happens when a chemical in a full tank has to be pumped out?

Inert Gas Systems

On tanker ships, whenever crude oil or other flammable oil is pumped out, the space occupied by the oil must be replaced, otherwise, there will be a vacuum formed in the tank. This makes it impossible to pump the oil out further. To avoid atmospheric air from being sucked into the tank and creating an explosive mixture, inert gas is led into the tank at a slightly higher pressure than atmospheric.

This inert gas, containing mostly carbon dioxide and nitrogen, is generated from the burning of fuel in the steam boilers. This inert gas is pumped into the tank by means of blowers. The oxygen content in the exhaust gas must always be monitored. Usually it is around 5% and does not support combustion. To prevent corrosion and contamination of the oil, the exhaust gas is cleaned by passing them through a scrubber system. In this case, eventhough the tank may be nearly empty, the atmosphere above the chemical does not contain oxygen and there is no explosive mixture.

Explosion Proof Fittings

In these types of flammable chemical storage areas, care must be taken to avoid sources of heat that can trigger an explosion. To avoid sparking, flammable chemical storage facilities will have to follow certain safety standards with regards to installation of explosion-proof and intrinsically safe electrical fittings, lightings, wiring and earthing.

Handling of flammable chemicals need not be dangerous if we take the necessary precautions to avoid conditions that can cause fires to occur. So far, we have talked about engineering control only. The other aspect of control is people. They must be competent.

Prior knowledge, training and proper engineering design is necessary in order to avoid problems.

Precision metal component manufacturing provides us with numerous products, yet many of us have no idea what “precision metal component manufacturing” actually means. The goals of this article are to particularize the process, explain the various methods of component manufacturing and provide examples of products created using precision metal component manufacturing.

The general term “precision metal component manufacturing” can refer to numerous methods of production. Some of the methods include laser cutting, press brakes, spot welding, precision grinding, sheet metal fabrication, shearing, straightening and more. However, the most common methods of production are the precision metal stampings, CNC (computer numerical control) fabrications and assembling of the finished products.

One of the most widely known methods of manufacturing is the precision metal stamping. This process involves engraving lettering, three-dimensional parts and other surface definitions onto metal surfaces. The stamping works by using extreme pressure to force various forms and dies onto the metal materials. When the stamp is removed, the lettering, forms and dies are immutably engraved onto the metal. Stamping can be engraved on copper, aluminum, steel, titanium, alloys and numerous other types of metal. There are many types of equipment used in precision metal stamping varying from a simple manual press to a more engineered and computerized die processor. Some of the more engineered models can stamp with speeds up to an impressive 1,200 strokes every 60-seconds. The size of the equipment may be as large as 600 tons.

The CNC (computer numeric control) method of manufacturing refers to the use of a computer “controller” which reads the instructions and actually drives the powered mechanical device. These CNC machines can cut curves as easily as straight lines. They can easily create 3-D structures and are more cost efficient than the older methods, because less machines (and humans) are necessary to complete the same products. With the ongoing investments in this method of manufacturing, consumers have seen improvements in both quality and consistency. Another benefit of using CNC is that a product can be produced in smaller quantities (to test the market) and then if production needs increase, the larger demands can be met using precision metal stamping.

The assembling component of precision metal component manufacturing involves completing the project. Each component is individually created using CNC, precision metal stamping or other methods of manufacturing. Then the assembling process is ready to begin. The on-site assembly saves the consumer both time and money (completing the entire project in one process/place).

There are many products assembled using precision metal component manufacturing. Simple items such as metal rings or clips can be created. Some of the more specialty items include appliances, kiosks, telecommunications and even medical supplies. Products produced using precision metal component manufacturing are all around us.

There have been many incidents where a wrong product was delivered simply because when ordering the terms were not understood. To avoid such a situation, it is worth the time to learn the definition of pallet terms before you make the next purchase.

Cost-Pass-Through - A cost-share system where the part of the pallet’s cost is passed-through from the purchaser to the receiver of the pallet.

Cost-Per-Trip - Average cost of pallet use for a one one-way trip.

Dynamic Capacity: Capacity of the pallet in motion by pallet handling equipment.

Injection Molding: Process that produces a solid, lightweight product with impact resistance.

Nestable Pallet: Increase storage of empties by 50% and reduces return shipping cost.

Pallet Life - The period during which the pallet remains useful, expressed in units of time or in the number of one-way trips.

Pallet - A portable, rigid platform used as a base for storing, stacking and distributing goods as a unit load.

Pallet Dimensions - When specifying pallet size, the stringer or stringerboard (block pallet) length is always expressed first; for example, a 48" x 40" pallet has a 48" stringer or stringerboard and 40" deckboards.

Rackable / Stackable: Manufactured with reinforced bottom rails for secure stacking and storage on selective pallet racks or in high-density storage systems.

Structural Foam Molding: Process that produces an extremely durable product that withstands heavy loads and high abuse.

Static Capacity: Capacity of the pallet when in stationary position either stacked or on the floor.

Racking Capacity: Capacity of the pallet with an evenly distributed load on unsupported rack beams.

There are two types of mercury that pollute our environment. Methyl Mercury is more hazardous to humans and other animals than elemental mercury. The sources of methyl mercury are unknown. It is believed that methyl mercury is the result of bacteria that modifies elemental mercury and escapes from landfills into the air.

Elemental mercury, found in urban storm water sediment is the result of fluorescent light, electrical switches, thermometers and other mercury containing devices that are not disposed of properly.

Mercury is very dangerous to humans. The vapors from Mercury affects the nervous system. The lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes are all affected by Mercury. Mercury can have disastrous effects on fetuses and affect child development.

Mercury is used is a wide variety of applications. Some of the most common places where Mercury is found includes:

* Light switches (Mercury conducts electricity)
* Paints. (Mercury gives paint its color)
* Thermometers
* Remote batteries. (Mercury is used to store energy in batteries)

Mercury is a dangerous element for human to breathe. The problem is that Mercury scatters very easily and the vapors are colorless and odorless. Exposure can occur without anyone being aware of the danger. Exposure can occur when thermometers or fluorescent bulbs are broken.

When Mercury vapors are inhaled, Only 7 percent of the absorbed mercury is exhaled from the body. The balance of the Mercury is absorbed into the body causing irreparable damage.

Mercury Spill Kits are the best defense against mercury vapors. These kits are designed to contain all of the necessary equipment to contain, clean and dispose of a mercury spill. Designed for smaller spills, this kit includes vapor suppressors, a mercury aspirator, personal protective equipment, and mercury disposal containers and an instruction booklet. The mercury spill kit is portable, durable, and requires no mixing.

To quickly and effectively contain a Mercury Spill do the following:

* Use personal protective equipment gear before starting a cleanup. Protective gear includes gloves made of polyethylene or nitrile rubber, splash goggles and chemically resistant aprons should be worn when working with or around mercury.

* Use a Mercury monitor to determine mercury levels in the air.

* Check Mercury levels before, during and after cleanup.

* Mercury should be scooped together. Pick Mercury up with a syringe, pump tube or scoop.

* Put Mercury into a closed container to eliminate further emissions.

* Use sponges or powders to pick up any mercury that is left. and help suppress vapors.

* Sweep the entire area with a special vacuum - Do Not use a regular vacuum

* After cleanup test for emissions to ensure all of the mercury has been removed.

* Waste containers with sealable lids must be used. Containers must be labeled appropriately for proper handling

It is almost impossible to have no exposure to Mercury because it is almost a staple in our air. However in close quarters when a Mercury spill occurs, the amount of Mercury vapors is extremely dangerous. Taking quick effective action using a self contained Mercury Spill Kit will curtail the amount of vapors and environmental damage.

Manufacturing technologies have advanced geometrically over the past twenty years. And rapid prototyping techniques have grown even faster. In all most every process that is used to make components, a complimentary process has been developed to make prototypes and short production runs.

Aluminum die casting has been the process of choice for the majority of high volume applications for decades. Volumes need to exceed 50,000 pieces per year. So what if you have a new product that you want to launch with 5,000 units and it involves several aluminum castings per product?

Is there a way to produce these components on a limited tooling budget?

Fortunately there are numerous processes for producing prototype and low volume precision castings. Several of the processes are:

1) Plaster Mold Casting

2) Graphite Mold Casting

3) V-Process Casting

What are the advantages of these processes? Precision castings that simulate the die casting method can be produced for a fraction of the upfront(tooling) costs required for die casting. Plus these methods have high volume production capabilities. All of the processes are capable of producing 100 units and then with the same tooling, can be ramped up to higher volume of 2,000 to 5,000 piece production runs.

These methods are also fast. Castings can be produced in 1-2 weeks if necessary.

These precision casting methods can produce components with .100 - .125 " wall thicknesses, with a surface finish of 125 rms. They then can be machined to your required dimensions and tolerancing.

Did you know that 6 construction workers die every day in the US, from largely preventable accidents? However, there are many safety precautions that can be taken, let's look at a few of the most important hazards and precautions for them:

Air Purifying Respirators

These can be worn to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and particles from painting, sandblasting, road construction and more. Using a filter or blower method to keep breathable air around the head, they do not provide oxygen. Use of these can help keep workers lungs clear and healthy.

Asbestos

About 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. While most uses of Asbestos have been banned, Asbestos is still used in some roofing panels and packing gaskets. If you will be working with Asbestos, great care should be taken. Use a respirator, but also use a HEPA vacuum to remove additional particles from the air. Make sure to wear throw away clothing, which you can remove and throw away after your exposure to Asbestos. If you'll be removing Asbestos, many states recommend or require that you leave it to a professional or have a professional on hand to make sure you are removing it correctly and safely. With such a dangerous material, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Back Injuries

Back injuries account for about 25% of all construction site injuries. If you do any type of lifting, pulling, lowering, carrying etc, you are at risk for a back injury. However, you can protect yourself by using carts, forklifts, dollies and hoists whenever possible. Also, if materials weigh more than 50 pounds, get another worker to help you. When lifting, keep the materials close to your body and try not to twist yourself. When you pick something up from the ground, try to support yourself by leaning on something and don't bend over, instead make sure to kneel, on a pad if possible.

Electrical Safety

Every year, about 140 people are killed on construction sites due to electrocutions. Before working, make sure to contact your local electric company to make sure they will turn off or insulate any overhead or underground power lines near your site. Make sure to lock out or tag out any machinery or equipment you will be working on. Also, make sure only qualified persons will be working on the electric and most importantly, that the current is turned off. Stay clear by at least three feet from all live electrical equipment. Keep metal or conductive objects away from any electrical equipment or circuits. Only qualified persons should replace items like fuses and circuit breakers.

Fall Protection

Thousands of construction workers fall each year, more than 300 of them die. Whenever guard rails or nets aren't available, you can use personal protective equipment including personal fall-arrest systems, fall restraint systems and work positioning systems. With each of these systems, you'll need a full body harness. Always make sure the harness is strong and safe, it should be inspected regularly.

Heavy Equipment Safety

Over 100 people are killed each year by heavy equipment. Only trained and experienced workers should operate heavy equipment, and operating, safety and shutdown procedures should be reviewed and followed every time heavy equipment is used. Always check and inspect equipment and controls before using.

Did you know that 6 construction workers die every day in the US, from largely preventable accidents? However, there are many safety precautions that can be taken, let's look at a few of the most important hazards and precautions for them:

Air Purifying Respirators

These can be worn to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and particles from painting, sandblasting, road construction and more. Using a filter or blower method to keep breathable air around the head, they do not provide oxygen. Use of these can help keep workers lungs clear and healthy.

Asbestos

About 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. While most uses of Asbestos have been banned, Asbestos is still used in some roofing panels and packing gaskets. If you will be working with Asbestos, great care should be taken. Use a respirator, but also use a HEPA vacuum to remove additional particles from the air. Make sure to wear throw away clothing, which you can remove and throw away after your exposure to Asbestos. If you'll be removing Asbestos, many states recommend or require that you leave it to a professional or have a professional on hand to make sure you are removing it correctly and safely. With such a dangerous material, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Back Injuries

Back injuries account for about 25% of all construction site injuries. If you do any type of lifting, pulling, lowering, carrying etc, you are at risk for a back injury. However, you can protect yourself by using carts, forklifts, dollies and hoists whenever possible. Also, if materials weigh more than 50 pounds, get another worker to help you. When lifting, keep the materials close to your body and try not to twist yourself. When you pick something up from the ground, try to support yourself by leaning on something and don't bend over, instead make sure to kneel, on a pad if possible.

Electrical Safety

Every year, about 140 people are killed on construction sites due to electrocutions. Before working, make sure to contact your local electric company to make sure they will turn off or insulate any overhead or underground power lines near your site. Make sure to lock out or tag out any machinery or equipment you will be working on. Also, make sure only qualified persons will be working on the electric and most importantly, that the current is turned off. Stay clear by at least three feet from all live electrical equipment. Keep metal or conductive objects away from any electrical equipment or circuits. Only qualified persons should replace items like fuses and circuit breakers.

Fall Protection

Thousands of construction workers fall each year, more than 300 of them die. Whenever guard rails or nets aren't available, you can use personal protective equipment including personal fall-arrest systems, fall restraint systems and work positioning systems. With each of these systems, you'll need a full body harness. Always make sure the harness is strong and safe, it should be inspected regularly.

Heavy Equipment Safety

Over 100 people are killed each year by heavy equipment. Only trained and experienced workers should operate heavy equipment, and operating, safety and shutdown procedures should be reviewed and followed every time heavy equipment is used. Always check and inspect equipment and controls before using.

Industrial safety products are designed to be used within industrial facilities to improve the health and well being of workers and the environment.

Occupational health, safety and environmental professionals work together to control environmental health hazards that arise in the workplace or the community. Absorbents and drain guard products can provide storm drainage containment, secondary containment and ways to clean up oil spills with spill kits to protect public health and safety.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports "In 2001 there were 5,900 workplace related fatalities and 5.2 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported. That is a rate of 5.7 injuries per 100 workers, less than half of the 1973 number of 11 injuries or illnesses for each 100 workers".

Industrial safety products keep workers, their families, and the community healthy and safe. These products play a vital role in ensuring that federal, state, and local laws and regulations are followed in the work environment.

What are the Benefits of Industrial Safety products

Workplace safety products when combined with an onsite safety and health program make a huge impact in the number of occupational fatalities, injuries, and illnesses that occur in the workplace.

Since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970, workplace injuries and illnesses declined significantly.

Anti-fatigue matting provides an additional level of protection and comfort for employees who must stand on their feet for long periods of time; Other benefits include:

* Promotes employee wellness.
* Immediate increase in productivity and employee morale due to work place comfort.
* Guaranteed reduction of exposure to prolonged cold, heat and vibration,
* Reduces spinal compression.
* Increases circulation.
* Ergonomically designed guaranteed reduction of back, leg, foot and ankle fatigue

List of retail applications for anti-fatigue mats can be found in different facilities and institutions including:

* Restaurants
* Retail Stores
* Hospitals
* Shopping Malls
* Offices
* Automobile Dealerships

Industrial Safety products cover a wide range of categories. The goal of each product is to prevent illness or injury from hazards in an industrial settings. They may also be found working to prevent ergonomic injuries in the office as well on the manufacturing floor.

These products may be used to aid in the disposal of extraneous liquid materials and have value in other areas of safety. Industrial safety products may include a wide array of products that sample air, soil or water quality to determine if there are harmful substances present in the environment.

Having industrial safety products like Spill Kits or industrial sorbents onsite to meet emergency needs is a beneficial decision that some companies overlook. For those industries that produce extraneous liquid materials that may be hazardous to the environment, a drain cover and seal kit are important. A drain cover seal & spill blocker can be used quickly for emergency spills.

Industrial Safety Products save lives, improve quality of life, and increase productivity. A worker who feels safe is a happier worker. Happy workers are more productive Small additions of industrial safety products can mean big gains in attendance and reduction in injuries. Companies benefit from a comprehensive industrial safety overview that focuses on safety and productivity of workers.

“Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.”

Battery acid spills pose safety and environmental threats. Leakage of the lead and sulfuric acid found in batteries contribute to worker injuries, fire, hydrogen explosions, and groundwater and soil contamination.

Due to the damaging effect acid has on eyes, skin and mucous membranes, acid spills can pose a serious danger to human health. Prolonged exposure can even cause life threatening injury.

Proper spill containment is a requirement for safety and environmental safety. Adhering to the OSHA guidelines is not only environmentally sound but provides protection against business liability. To ignore battery containment procedures and regulations altogether is environmental and business suicide. Being prepared for a hazardous and dangerous battery acid spill is critical.

To protect employers and employees from battery acid spills, spills and acid debris a battery acid spill kit not only makes compliance easier but this precautionary measure protects the health of the environment and employees.

The following supplies should be available in your facility to protect employees and the environment from battery acid spills. A Battery Acid Spill Kit should be placed in strategic locations within the facility for quick response to leaking or spilled battery acid (electrolyte). The Battery Acid Spill Kit is also effective for clean up of dry cell batteries.

If there is a battery acid spill in your location, the following precautions and response is required.

* Trained employee should double-bag the leaking battery in polyethylene plastic bags
* The spilled battery acid should be cleaned with disposable wipes or Hazmat Pads
* The materials are considered as hazardous waste and should be placed in an acid debris waste accumulation container.
* Clean-up debris would also contain lead and would have to be managed as such, not just as an acidic waste.
* Weather-resistant pen or marker for marking used or damaged batteries with the date they were taken out of service

The Battery Acid Spill Kit Contains:

*quarts of liquid or dry acid Neutralizer
*Hazmat Pads
*gloves
*A poly apron
*Scoop
*Trigger sprayer or shaker
*Goggles
*Disposable bag

As an additional safety precaution, there should be an eyewash station in the immediate area where there is a likelihood that a acid spill might occur.

Facilities should be stocked with specialized spill kits that provide a quick and easy clean up solution for hazardous materials. Plant managers must have the training and materials to deal specifically with battery acid. Battery acid spills must be treated immediately to prevent injury.

Batteries and their component parts are classified as waste. In addition, all lead-acid motor vehicle batteries are classed as hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to EPA guidelines.


Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985.

With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products and information to aid in EPA and OSHA Regulations in the areas of:

* Storm water pollution
* Pollution Prevention & Control
* Other industrial, commercial & environmental issues.

Often fine bubble diffusers are installed in the same tank with flow boosters. This is the case for the Oxidation Ditch process, for example. Care must be taken to place the diffusers far enough from the boosters and calculations of oxygen transfer efficiency should consider the effects of the boosters.

Diffusers should be place no closer than 20 ft (6m) from the discharge of a flow booster. On the suction side, the booster should be protected from cavitation, hence it is recommended to follow booster manufacturers' recommendations to ensure that they are protected.

The effect that boosters have on fine bubble diffuser efficiency depends on the density of the diffusers. Generally, the less dense the diffuser array, the less impact the flow boosters will have on SOTE (standard oxygen transfer efficiency).

When membrane diffusers are placed densely in a grid the air bubbles produce a "wall" of air. This can sometimes cause short circuiting of the water which is trying to flow through it.

On the other hand, in sparsely arranged grids, the presence of horizontal channel velocity from the boosters tends to mitigate the tendency for bubbles to spiral as they rise (which often happens when diffusers are placed far apart in the absence of flow boosters).

In general, boosters are a negative for SOTE (standard oxygen transfer efficiency), but the extent to which they negatively affect SOTE depends on the layout. Pay close attention to your 3D CAD designs before applying your build. Designers should take care to spread diffusers out in the basin insofar as possible to avoid short circuiting.

With numerous advanced equipments near at hand, work had never seemed so easy! Efficient machinery for carrying out difficult tasks is a must-have for any industry operation. Whether moving material within the yard, loading processing equipment or packing trucks and railcars with processed materials for transport, the goal is efficiency and productivity. All these tasks pertaining to the heavy industries have now been rendered easy with the availability of material handling equipments. These equipments are efficient enough to perform some really heavy jobs expected of them.

In order to select the right kind of material handling equipment, you need to understand the kind of function you want it to perform. Material type, size and density are among the primary considerations when selecting material handling equipments such as skid steers and wheel loaders. These loaders are most often used in combination with a bucket for material that is smaller and more uniform in size, yet dense and heavy. A recent concept in the field of material handling equipments is that of automated material handling systems. Introduced around 1950's, automated material handling systems have been in use in some of the most crucial parts of industry operations.

Material handling equipments have been a boon to all the heavy industries that require huge amount of workforce as well as other resources. Use of manual labor is not only time consuming but also has an added risk factor. Prior to the introduction of material handling equipments, heavy industries used to employ manual workforce in large numbers. But reports of numerous accidents have brought to light the hazards of employing manual labor to carry out such risky tasks. This is one of the major reasons for the increase in the use of material handling equipments by heavy industries in recent times.

At the same time, it is very essential to analyze the various sectors of your organization before venturing to access the services of material handling equipments, especially the automated ones. A stable corporate structure, Operating requirements, Order characteristics, Unit load size, Carton size, Location network configuration are the prerequisites for hiring the services of an automated material handling system. If your company stats are stable, then an automated material handling system can be of immense benefit. Not just that, once you begin availing the services of material handling equipments, your performance rate is guaranteed to take a leap within a couple of months. So get ready to buy the material handling equipment that suits your industry requirements and solve all your problems related to efficient material handling.

Non-wovens are defined as flat structured fabrics, such as sheets or webs, not made by weaving but by bonding and entangling fibers by means of mechanical, thermal or chemical processes. The major non-woven technologies now available, are needle-punching, thermal-bonding, air laid, spun-bonding, melt blowing and spun lacing/ hydro-entanglement.

The non-woven materials produced under these processes are extensively used for technical applications such as surgical gowns, diaper cover stocks, automotive linings, and military applications such as decontamination wipes and geo-textiles such as insulating tank/lake bunds. India, firmly well-established in commodity textiles such as apparels/made-ups at the rear of its tough cotton economy, has to promote itself into high-value products such as technical textiles/non-wovens. Non-woven textiles inside the overall technical textiles is likely to grow globally at an average 8 per cent, with the Asia-Pacific region being expected to show a vigorous 9.6 per cent annual escalation rate between 2006 and 2009.

The world production of non-wovens elevated from 2.16 million tones in 1994 to 4.43 million tones in 2004 with a probable value jump from $9 billion to $15.9 billion, correspondingly, during this period. Europe and North America, which had the lion's share of 1.35 million tones and 1.16 million tones, respectively, in 2004 world production figure of 4.43 million tones, may give way to the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to increase its non-woven products productivity from 1.02 million tones in 2004 to 1.67 million tones by 2009.

At present, the total volume of non-wovens produced from India is estimated at 35,000 tones, as compared to China's non-woven product output of 7.55 lakh tones (China is a dominating force in non-wovens among the Asia-Pacific region and the third largest non-woven producing region after America and Europe because of life-style changes, the rising middle-class, and its economy).