HCEBlog

What Can Business Owners Do to Help Improve Fall Protection in The Workplace?

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:26:40 +0000

Almost any workplace can have fall hazards—some more obvious than others. As a business owner, there are several cost-effective measures you can take to minimize risk and protect your workers.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS

A detailed walk-through inspection of all work areas can help you identify the most prominent fall hazards, but may prove insufficient in identifying hidden risks.

A comprehensive independent risk assessment can not only help you identify less obvious fall hazards within your facility, but can also help you prioritize those risks, identify areas in need of immediate attention, develop fall protection solutions that fit your budget, select fall protection equipment appropriate to each hazard, and provide a foundation for fiscal planning.

SELECT THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Let’s assume that a detailed risk assessment and inspection have identified several key areas in need of fall protection.

You can now use the data from that assessment to work with manufacturers and suppliers to choose the most appropriate fall prevention system for each hazard.

For example, some fall risks may be minimized or eliminated using a simple passive fall protection system (such as a railing or enclosed catwalk), while others may require an active fall protection system (such as a portable gantry with harness and self-retracting lanyard, or a fall arrest harness). Choosing the right equipment for each hazard can save your business both time and money, while avoiding redundancy. Manufacturers who provide concept, design, and custom fabrication can work with you to create a fall protection system that’s a perfect fit for your facility.

PLAN AHEAD

There are two key areas in which business owners can plan for potential workplace falls. One is to properly train workers in the correct use of each piece of fall protection equipment. That means creating a training program that familiarizes workers with the equipment, promotes detailed equipment inspection, and addresses proper use of equipment. A second and invaluable element of planning is the creation of a detailed fall response and rescue plan. Even when a fall protection system performs as it should, the risks of prolonged suspension persist. Severe health consequences can be sustained after as little as 15 – 30 minutes of prolonged suspension, so it is critical to have a plan in place to safely lower a suspended worker to the next stable lower level as quickly as possible. Also, each participant in the rescue plan must know his/her specific function and be prepared to perform it properly at a moment’s notice. Each of these factors can prove life-saving in the event of a fall.

As a business owner, your keys to effective fall safety can be summarized by three simple ideas:

Know and prioritize the risks within your facility.
Select the proper customized or prefabricated equipment to most appropriately address each potential hazard.
Plan ahead to be sure your workforce understands the fall protection systems in place and is able to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a fall.

Futuristic Volvo Construction Equipment Concepts

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:13:34 +0000

Volvo SFINX – Volvo’s futuristic Excavator concept machine

Presentation of the SFINX, possible Volvo evolution of the construction equipment (here an excavator) in the years to come.

Volvo GRYPHIN – Volvo’s futuristic Loader concept machine

Presentation of the GRYPHIN, possible Volvo evolution of the construction equipment (here a loader) in the years to come

Volvo FENIX – Volvo’s futuristic Asphalt Paver concept machine

Presentation of the FENIX, possible Volvo evolution of the road machinery (here an asphalt paver) in the years to come.

Volvo CE CENTAUR – Volvo’s futuristic Dumper concept machine

Presentation of the CENTAUR, possible Volvo evolution of the construction equipment (here a dumper) in the years to come

Benefits, Techniques and Breakthroughs in Modular Building Design

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:06:24 +0000

Modular building techniques continue to evolve as clients seek high-grade solutions that save both time and money. As a result, relatively new concepts like floorless modular buildings have become refreshing new additions to the modular lineup. Modular buildings themselves are innately groundbreaking creations, providing cost-effective, quality construction with a quick turn-around time.

At its core, modular aims to streamline the sometimes long-winded development course of construction so that clients can receive the most affordable, swiftly produced building possible without sacrificing quality. This process improves project efficiency through simultaneous in-factory construction and onsite preparation. Buildings are ready and installed once the foundation is ready, resulting a finished building in as little as half the time of a comparable conventionally built structure.

Meanwhile, an attractive new modular technique is now being used that involves offsite construction of buildings without floors. Deemed floorless modular construction, this approach allows for a building component to be lowered directly onto an at-grade foundation and, where appropriate, blend seamlessly with an existing building.

A common foundation used with floorless modular building is known as a monolithic slab. This inches-thick, single layer of concrete supports the structure with strengthened load bearing qualities and, of course, serves as basic support for creating flooring after the building has been placed onto the slab. The floorless structures are bolstered with steel joists and columns integrated into the building’s framework.

Along with these increasingly popular construction techniques, designers continue to innovate and create new and out-of-the-box uses that take full advantage of the time-saving, cost and quality benefits of modular buildings. For a visual on the installation process of a floorless modular classroom, please watch the following time-lapse video of a Floorless Modular Install!

Top 5 Forklift Manufacturers – Exploring the Different Types of Forklifts

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:16:14 +0000

Manufacturers of forklifts encompass both those companies that come from an auto industry background as well as those that are more specifically productive in the warehouse equipment industry. One of the top 5 forklift manufacturers is also a top manufacturer of other vehicles, and that is Toyota. With a strong reputation not only for their forklifts but also for their trucks, Toyota is at the top of the list for quality. Another big name in the industry in terms of both automobiles and heavy machinery is Nissan, which has a full range of forklift types as well. Because they have been in operation for so long, they are recognized by many to rank at number 2 on the list.

In the world of machinery and industrial equipment, perhaps no name is so well recognized as Caterpillar, putting them in at number three in the list of top 5 forklift manufacturers. Manufactured in Houston, Texas, Cat trucks are ideal for employers who want to make sure that their industrial materials are up to par with the latest governmental safety standards, including those put forth by the OSHA.

These forklifts are known for being roomy on the interior, and particularly reliable.

Coming in at number 4 on the list of top 5 forklift manufacturers is Raymond, which is known for their counterbalance, stand-up lift trucks. These give an extra sense of security to drivers who need to be sure that they can lift a load that needs to be balanced out. Pallet trucks are a more economical solution for small moving operations, and the newest models have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. Although they are consistently striving to make new strides in the world of forklift manufacturing, Raymond trucks have been around for nearly a century.

Finally, coming in at a respectable number 5 on the list of top 5 forklift manufacturers is Clark. They have been ranked #1 in terms of best value by the readers of Modern Materials magazine, and their efficiency is also second to none. Their latest range of trucks includes those that are counterbalanced as well as electric models. There are also designs for narrow aisles, which is partially what sets them apart in smaller warehouses that may be on a tight budget. All five of these options are good ones for someone looking to stock their warehouse with the best machinery, and will most likely continue to stay at the head of their game.

CAT Excavator comes to the rescue for John Deere Dozers

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:20:00 +0000

CAT Excavator comes to the rescue for two John Deere Dozers that have become trapped in a drainage canal they are helping to maintain.

Obviously well made sturdy machines, the amount of force exerted on the dozer blades and their hydraulic actuators must have been enormous – great machinery.

How Cranes Can Impact Overall Productivity & Profitability

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:03:02 +0000

Cranes maximize worker safety, improve productivity, and can increase the bottom line. Let’s take a look at some situations where informed and targeted uses of gantry, bridge, monorail, and jib cranes can translate into big cost savings.

Size Does Matter: Cranes & Transloading

If you have a big job to do, it is essential that you have equipment that’s up to the task. The world’s largest gantry cranes can be found at shipyards or transloading facilities where heavy parts or cargo must be transferred from ship to ground or from ship to truck or rail transportation.

To understand the cost savings that gantry cranes bring to such a setting, try and imagine doing the job without a crane. A gantry crane greatly reduces the time needed to move high volumes of heavy tonnage units. This means increased productivity and a reduction in time that cargo sits in rail yards and ports waiting to move along the supply chain.

The Perfect Fit: Modern Material Handling Solutions

Staying competitive in today’s industrial environment demands a coordinated effort of increased productivity and a reduction in workplace hazards. Whether your business is engaged in warehousing, shipping, or manufacturing, making sure that materials are being handled safely at predetermined and efficient work flows is a key factor in being cost competitive. Today’s cranes are surprisingly versatile and provide modern material handling solutions.

Let’s look at how cranes can help move materials more efficiently. In a large industrial space, when you need to stabilize and move large loads from one area of the work floor to another, a bridge or gantry crane provides a perfect solution. These cranes can be operated manually or with motorization and make it easy for one individual to safely control and move large loads up to hundreds of tons, without the help of multiple machines or workers. If you are moving loads that need to navigate turns or obstacles, a monorail crane may provide a solution. Monorails provide paths to move product on, and their paths can go anywhere that the monorail track can be installed. These cranes allow an individual to move loads of several tons, but provide the added benefit of being able to go around sharp corners or place loads in tight storage areas. In fabrication and assembly work environments where loads must travel through various work stations, jib cranes may be the answer. Jib cranes provide full or partial radial lifting coverage and can service one or multiple work areas with one crane. Jib cranes relieve workers of lifting burdens and eliminate the need for forklifts to move products to another station or for assembly.

Whatever the solution, a gantry crane, bridge crane, or jib cranes provide a material handling solution that creates fewer hazards, is less labor intensive, and can provide efficiency by replacing fork truck fleets or multiple workers.

An excellent example of a profit generating application for a crane is General Electric Transportation’s locomotive manufacturing plant in Erie, Pennsylvania. Here, a large facility bridge crane is used to lift, move, and lower locomotive parts. Some parts, like 4400-6000 horsepower diesel engines, weigh several tons each. The bridge crane allows an array of locomotives to be built or serviced simultaneously, without idling crews or jeopardizing worker safety.

The Safety Dividend

Because overhead cranes reduce hazards, they reduce the costs related to workplace injuries. This includes costs like time off from work, increased company insurance premiums, compensation payments made to injured workers, and training and employee replacement costs. Remember, the high cost of a safety accident can be prevented by making an investment in a material handling solution.

Ultimately, the greatest profit-generating uses for cranes are what employers make of them. Companies should assess the needs of their workplace. They should observe places where logjams occur or where workflows could be improved. Check areas where manpower is most heavily used and where injury risk is highest. Any or all may be places where a crane may help you reduce costs and maximize your productivity and profitability.

CTT 2011 – Construction Equipment & Technologies

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:13:21 +0000

World’s largest annual show of construction equipment, which every year brings together the leading manufacturers and suppliers of heavy construction equipment and services.

Moscow CTT 2011 Show Photo

CTT 2011 Construction Equipment and Technologies in Russia

Russian Mobile Cranes

Davino Self-loading Concrete Mixer

Liebherr PR-764 Litronic Bulldozer

Terex Road Equipment

Ivanovets Cranes

Liebherr Mobilmix 0.5

Kamaz Trucks

CTT 2011 Exhibition

Belarus 1502-01 in CTT 2011

CTT 2011 Show in Moscow

Special Equipment at CTT2011

Kamaz Mobile Crane

Bomag Asphalt Rollers

CTT2011 Ehibition in Moscow

International Exhibition Center “Crocus Expo”, Russia, Moscow

Used Forklifts Houston – Tips for Purchasing Used Equipment

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:44:09 +0000

Texas has a particular need for manufacturing equipment, including forklifts, because of the agricultural and manufacturing industries that are based here. Smaller business owners or those who are simply looking for a better bargain might want to think about the possibility of purchasing used forklifts Houston instead of new models, especially if you are new to the industry, have a small warehouse, or need to purchase several different models at the same time. Before purchasing used forklifts, however, it’s essential to learn more about what to look for and what the latest accessories and innovations in the forklift world are.

To begin with, one thing to bear in mind when making your first purchase of used forklifts Houston is just how important it is to shop around. Because this is heavy machinery that will need to last for a lengthy period of time, it’s vital that you think about how old the unit is that you are purchasing, along with its records of mechanical repairs.

Generally speaking, forklifts are traded in after a period of anywhere from seven to ten years, so those that are newer than this time frame could be a great bargain in Houston.

Before making any purchase of used forklifts Houston, you’ll want to make sure that the forklift that you’re looking at undergoes a full mechanical evaluation. This should include special attention to the mast, the tires, and any accessories that are included along with the forklift. If you don’t have the proper qualifications to take care of this inspection yourself, then you might want to instead enlist the services of a local mechanic shop or other trusted professional. Some used forklift dealers will have their own appraisers and mechanics on staff, who will help give you some guidance about the specific repairs that might need to be undertaken.

Another thing to think about when purchasing used forklifts Houston is to take the forklift for a test drive. If you are not currently qualified to drive a forklift, you might want to go through a training course first. The local chapter of OSHA has forklift certification courses that can help inexperienced forklift drivers gain the real tools to succeed, and avoid common accidents. With the clean mechanical record, test drive, and customer reviews from those who have used this type of forklift before, you should have all the tools in place that you need.

Forklift Tires and Wheels – Basics of Tires

admin — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:23:42 +0000

Similar to larger trucks parts, forklift tires and wheels may also have their own set of standards that it can be a good idea to pay attention to before attempting to replace existing wheels. For example, there are wheels that have been designed to operate more efficiently in extreme conditions. Smooth forklift tires may have a groove that allows them to release heat, so that the tire is given a longer shelf life. Although some may be tempted to install truck tires onto their forklifts, this is in fact not approved by OSHA. This is because the commercial truck tires don’t have the same safety features that forklift tires do.

Even though the truck tires may fit onto a forklift, forklift manufacturers also do not approve of using them in place of approved forklift tires and wheels. They are designed with the specific purposes and needs of the warehouse environment in mind. These tires tend to come in two different types, both smooth and traction tires. Smooth tires give better traction in dry environments, and so will last longer. For moist environments however, a traction tire may be the better fit and could also be a more economical solution.

One problem that some places have with forklift tires and wheels is that they can leave black marks on the floor. As a result, in grocery or other food processing plants, specialty non-marking forklift tires are required instead. These can be cushioned with metal bands and rubber for a greater level of comfort and smoother ride, and are available in a number of different colors. Some of the most popular include black, gray, or white, but this will depend according to the manufacturer and the preferences of the work environment.

Another way to improve comfort with your forklift tires and wheels is to choose those solid tires that are made with holes. The purpose of the hole is to allow air to pass through, and give a smoother ride than a wheel that is completely solid. However, this lessens the overall capacity of the load that the forklift will be able to take on. Solid tires tend to outlast air tires, which makes them a great option for forklifts that are going to be used for some time. When purchasing used forklifts, it can be a good idea to replace the tires immediately to give the machinery a longer shelf life.

Caterpillar Global Dealer Network Can Help You Stay on Top

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:57:16 +0000

The Caterpillar Global Dealer Network is the company’s system of associated businesses that sell Caterpillar products as well as service their machines. For those in the construction business or otherwise have a need for industrial machinery, having such a network of well known machine manufacturers at your disposal means you will always have the support you need for the machines you use in your business.

Whether you are looking to buy new equipment, upgrade your existing equipment or service machines that have broken down, the Caterpillar network is here to help. Here are several ways the network will help keep your business running.

If you are starting a new business or need to replace machinery that has worn down, then the Caterpillar Global Dealer Network can help you get new equipment. Even if you have special needs, a salesperson can assist you in customizing a machine to fit your specific needs. This applies with their other products too. They sell both diesel and gas generators that can be adjusted according to your needs. Being able to do this means you will get exactly what you need without spending money on features you will never use. They can also arrange for financing if you need it.

The Caterpillar Global Dealer Network is also who you want to turn to when you need to have your machines serviced. The manufacturer is always the best place to go for repairs. This is because they know the machine inside and out and have the parts on hand to make the necessary patchwork. They will be able to diagnose your problem quickly as well as assist you in keeping up on the maintenance on your machine so that they last longer. The best way to save money is to stretch out the life span of your existing machinery.

Finding partners in the Caterpillar Global Dealer Network that are close to you is easy. The Cat website has a page where you can enter your address and they will show you the locations of the dealers in your area. They offer several ways to narrow the results so that you only see the dealers that offer the products and services you need. When it comes to keeping your business running, you need the very best. Caterpillar offers that with their network of dealers who work hard to make sure you have what you need to be a success.