July-August 2005

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Recycling construction debris saves money, conserves resources
Recycling and reuse of debris at construction and demolition sites is not only an ideal way to conserve natural resources, but it can save builders as much as $50 for every ton of material not needing to be hauled away to a landfill. In some regions, debris recycling is not only encouraged, but it is required, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting recycling on the national level. Construction.com 

Three steps to preventing eye injuries in the workplace With more than 400,000 workplace-related eye injuries occurring each year and one-quarter of those injuries resulting in either temporary or permanent vision loss, eye safety in the workplace is not something that should be overlooked. Take these steps to prevent eye injuries in your workplace: Identify hazards. Engineer out the hazards. Select appropriate eyewear. MRO Today

Bridge history offers look at structural engineering challenges, solutions
Bridges have played important and intriguing roles throughout history, and have offered continuing technical and artistic challenges to structural engineers. From pontoon bridges built by soldiers to high performance modern steel structures, a full range of bridge trivia and insight is offered in this article.
Associated Construction Publications

 "When the wind changes, pessimists will complain,
optimists will hope for the wind to change,
and leaders will adjust the sails."
Author Unknown

Experts: Mold control should take precedent over energy conservation costs
When energy conservation efforts conflict with moisture management goals, the latter is of the greater importance in the critical issue of controlling building mold, according to a position document from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. "The impact of mold proliferation suggests that energy cost savings should not be achieved at the expense of sound moisture management," officials said.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News

 

Russians unveil pod system to escape from burning buildings
A team of designers with the Russia-based Lavochkin Association has come up with an innovative idea to help occupants escape from burning high rises. Unveiled at the Paris Air Show, the Lavochkin escape pod is comprised of a cheap, inflatable structure that has an inflatable tube around its edges. Occupants would don the device like a backpack and jump, pulling a ring that would make the pod inflate.  
The Economist
 

The Truth About Failure
Failure doesn't mean you are a failure...it does mean you haven't succeeded yet
Failure doesn't mean you have accomplished nothing...it does mean you have learned something
Failure doesn't mean you have been a fool...it does mean you had a lot of faith
Failure doesn't mean you have been disgraced...it does mean you were willing to try
Failure doesn't mean you don't have it...it does mean you have to do something in a different way
Failure doesn't mean you are inferior...it does mean you are not perfect
Failure doesn't mean you've wasted your life...it does mean you've got a reason to start afresh
Failure doesn't mean you should give up...it does mean you should try harder
Failure doesn't mean you'll never make it...it does mean it will take a little longer
Author Unknown

Failure to Provide Fall Protection Held to Be Willful OSHA Violation
AJP Construction, Inc. was the concrete subcontractor for a high-rise construction project in Hoboken, New Jersey. In response to a call reporting fall-related accidents and other safety hazards on the project, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began an investigation of AJP's safety practices. While the investigation was pending, an AJP employee, James Sherengo, fell to his death.
Mr. Sherengo and two other employees were working on a outrigger scaffold on the seventh floor. Such scaffolds consist of a platform that extends beyond the wall of the building. The platform is supported by two outrigger beams, which are secured inside the building. A crane hit construction materials hanging over the edge of the 12th floor, and they fell onto the scaffold, causing Mr. Sherengo to fall.
In response, OSHA issued several citations to AJP for violations of regulations promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 USC 651, et seq. OSHA found that AJP willfully violated safety regulations by allowing Mr. Sherengo to work without fall protection equipment and by allowing a scaffold without guardrails to be used. It found other safety regulations were violated because the construction materials on the 12th floor were neither properly secured nor placed away from the edge of the building. OSHA also cited AJP for: failing to have a properly qualified supervisor present during erection of the scaffold; failing to construct the scaffold in accordance with a professional engineer’s design; allowing employees untrained in recognizing the hazards associated with this type of scaffolding to work on it; and failing to protect employees against the unguarded edge of the building.
Failure to Provide Fall Protection Held to Be Willful OSHA Violation

Designers put plaster back on its pedestal
After falling out of favor with designers, plaster walls are making a comeback, with traditional full-coat, as well as one-and two-coat veneer plaster wall systems particularly popular. Some designers like the monolithic look that can be achieved with plaster, but the versatility in texture and long-term durability are also popular features, an expert says.   Buildings.com

Report: No gas price relief on horizon
With gas prices estimated to average about $2.25 per gallon through September -- 8 cents a gallon more than the Energy Information Administration's forecast last month -- it looks like businesses and consumers won't get a break anytime soon. The EIA says crude oil prices will cause gasoline prices to average about $2.20 per gallon during 2006.   USA TODAY

Consider pre-assembled buildings to boost security
Economical, pre-assembled security buildings placed in key access areas can make a big difference in boosting building security. Access points such as parking lots and entrances, as well as other vulnerable points, should be considered for the booths, which can come equipped with everything from bullet-resistant glazing and steel shutters to heating, air-conditioning and bathrooms.   Buildings.com

OSHA bills heading for the Senate
On July 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that could help small businesses in challenging Occupational Safety and Health Administration citations. The package of four bills would allow small businesses to recoup attorney's fees if they successfully challenge an OSHA citation and would allow business owners more leeway with the 15-day rule, among other things.   Inc.com


                                  " Make it happen, help it happen, or get out of the way."
                                                           Author Unknown

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