Yearly Archives: 2019

Uncategorized

Ten Ways To Use Armco Barriers For Protection

Armco Direct 

Armco barriers are an excellent way of offering maximum protection to pedestrians, buildings, equipment and expensive machinery.

Whether it’s intended or not, when a moving vehicle collides with something, it has the potential to wreak havoc, causing costly damage and injury in the process.

Constructed from the toughest steel, Armco barriers are galvanised to BS 1461 standards and are exactly what’s needed to stand in the way of a moving vehicle, taking the brunt of the impact and protecting whatever lies behind it.

When you install an Armco barrier in a warehouse, car park, shop front, pedestrianised area or side of a private road, you know that no moving vehicle is getting past it, no matter how hard it tries.

Reasons Armco Barriers are used

Here are ten popular industrial ways to use Armco Barriers for protection:

  • In front of shops and retail outlets to prevent ram raiding and theft.
  • To protect pedestrianised areas from out of control vehicles or acts of terrorism.
  • Used in agriculture to segregate and contain livestock, where fencing may not be as effective.
  • To protect warehouse equipment, workers, pallet racking, wall structures and shelving from collision with a forklift.
  • Used in warehouse loading bays to prevent injury to workers when loading and unloading HGVs.
  • Used in car parks for crash barrier protection and to ensure vehicles only go where they’re supposed to.
  • For tree protection on building sites where trees are present and the local authority has stipulated that they must be protected from damage.
  • Armco Barriers can act as a visual deterrent to trespassers to indicate an area which is unsafe, or should not be entered.
  • They can be used on the side of roads to prevent out of control vehicles from straying off the road or onto the opposing carriageway.
  • And they can be used on bridges to prevent out of control vehicles from leaving the bridge and falling into the water below.

Armco crash barrier and other protection products, such as bollards and beams, will faultlessly ensure whatever needs to be protected, will indeed be protected, offering peace of mind to all involved that their equipment, machinery, stock or personnel will remain safe, regardless of the situation.

Uncategorized

Why You Should Get Forklift Certified Online

The ​forklift certification​ process can vary based on who is providing the training. A formal instructional or educational training on forklift operation must be provided. This can include a lecture, online training courses and videos, written materials and study guides and other educational information on forklift operation and safety.   The research shows us that a high volume of the forklift accidents reported are attributed to human error. This could be due to numerous reasons from negligence of the operator to unfamiliarity with the operating equipment.

In this article we are going to be discussing why you should get forklift certified online! We are going to be taking a look at the numerous benefits that come with being forklift certified and how to get the ball rolling and finally get forklift certified.

Why Certification Matters

When it comes to operating forklifts there are all sorts of associated risks and dangers that can impact business. Forklift certification results in minimising risks and having a solid risk management strategy in place.

So, it makes sense that when it comes to being a forklift operator, certification is crucial for best business practices. The certificate serves the purpose of demonstrating that the operator is sufficiently trained and able bodied to operate the equipment.

The Benefits of Getting Forklift Certified

It is pretty obvious why certification is necessary for forklift operators. The appropriate training must be carried out to best minimise potential dangers and risks that come with the nature of the job.

Not only is it great for forklift operators themselves, but it’s good for business also! Research shows us that companies which adopt and successfully implement a strong forklift training program are more likely to succeed in numerous avenues.

Firstly, the cost to the business is lowered because staff are adequately trained and more competent when using the equipment. This results in the reduction of how many forklift accidents occur and, as such, lowers the potential costs associated with accidents and their downtime.

The implementation of inspections before every shift is another fantastic way to minimize associated dangers and work on developing the skills of the operator.

Not only is being forklift certified safer for the operator, better for business, and beneficial for the bottom line, but it is also an OSHA requirement.

How to Get Forklift Certified

Did you know that you can get forklift certified online? It’s true! At first it does seem like it would be necessary to have physical training, but this course isn’t about teaching you how to drive a forklift! Instead, it is about satisfying OSHA safety requirements.

So if you are already an experienced operator, then online forklift certification is perfect for you. Once the training is completed, your certification will be current for the next 3 years. Most courses are set up by your employer because it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of all operators as per the ​Occupational Safety and Health Administration​.

What You Need to Know to Get Started

So now that you have successfully established whether or not this particular forklift certification is right for you, we are going to explain a little further about exactly what is involved.

The course only takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, this is just the average time that students take and you are able to take absolutely as long as you need. You can even intermittently work on the course requirements and come back at another time convenient to you to finish it.

You must pass the test by achieving 70% or more correct answers. Also reliant on completion is ensuring your employer satisfies training requirements, evaluations, and reviews.

This online certification course successfully meets OSHA requirements and provides you with additional training that gives you an edge amongst your colleagues.

If you’ve never driven a forklift, know that you can learn at places like trade schools, trucking schools, and local community colleges.

However, if you have identified that forklift certification is precisely what you need at this time in your career, then get online to get your certification fast! As mentioned above, in just 1 to 2 hours you can become completely OSHA compliant. Start your online training today!

AUTHOR: Norm Lanier BIO: Norm Lanier is the owner of US Forklift, providing online OSHA-required forklift safety training and certification for as little as $28.

General Safety Issues

Safety Tips for your Health When Travelling to California

Written by Simon Morris

Are you planning for your vacations? If yes then there are many cities or places where you can visit with your friends or family members. You shouldn’t choose a place on a random basis, so pay attention to some important factors to make your final decision. You can consider the option of California while selecting a place to visit in your vacations. Well, it is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations for tourists. By spending your vacations here, you can get unlimited fun and enjoyment. There are lots of things that you can do to make your vacations memorable and full of fun.

You may all know the fact that California is a U.S. state where you can see a lot of great things to get enjoyment. If you are a traveller, then the vibrant cities, beaches and parks of California will grab your attention. When you choose this destination, then it will help you to have an ultimate travelling experience. Many other opportunities are waiting for you in California. Well, these will also compel you to visit this place again and again. To know all about this beautiful destination, you should read the details that have been mentioned in the further paragraphs.

Fundamental First Aid

Be proactive to remain well. On the off chance that you do become ill, make a move to recover your wellbeing. (See my rundown of emergency treatment things to pack from home.)

Cerebral pains and Other Aches: Tylenol (or some other over-the-counter agony reliever) mitigates migraines, sore feet, sprains, wounds, Italian traffic, headaches, and numerous other minor issues. In case you’re getting it abroad, Europeans might be increasingly acquainted with the expression “paracetamol”.

Swelling:  A bundle of solidified veggies functions as a shabby ice pack. In the event that your foot or leg is swollen, purchase or get a can and drench the influenced region in virus water, or sit on the edge of a cool pool. Take a mitigating medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Utilize an Ace swathe to immobilize, diminish swelling, and offer help. It isn’t useful to “work out” a sprain — rather, cut back on exercises that could disturb the damage.

Fever: A high fever merits therapeutic consideration, especially for youngsters. On the off chance that your thermometer peruses 40°C, you’re bubbling at 104°F. You can utilize Tylenol to cut down a fever, alongside putting cold washcloths on your brow for help.

Colds:  It’s enticing to go, go, and go while you’re in Europe — yet in the event that you drive yourself to the point of becoming ill, you’ve achieved nothing. Keep yourself sound and clean. In case you’re feeling run-down, register with a decent inn, rest soundly, and power liquids. (My trap amid the tumultuous scramble of TV generation is to suck on nutrient C with zinc tablets.) Stock each spot you remain with boxes of juice upon landing. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and other virus containers are normally accessible, however may not come in the same number of assortments.

Scraped areas: Clean scraped spots altogether with cleanser to forestall or control contamination. Gauzes help keep wounds clean however are not a substitute for cleaning. A bit of clean material can be sanitized by bubbling for 10 minutes or by singing with a match.

Exercise:  Physically, travel is extraordinary living — sound sustenance, bunches of action, natural air, and every one of those stairs! In case you’re a habitually lazy person, endeavor to get fit as a fiddle before your outing by going for long strolls. Individuals who normally work out have a lot of alternatives for keeping fit as a fiddle while voyaging. Biking is an extraordinary method to consume a few calories — and get close with a goal. In spite of the fact that running isn’t as boundless in Europe for what it’s worth in the US, it’s not viewed as odd either. Voyaging sprinters can appreciate Europe from an uncommon viewpoint — at day break. Swimmers will find that Europe has a lot of good, reasonable open pools. Whatever your racket, in the event that you need to gravely enough, you’ll discover approaches to keep by and by as you travel. Most huge city private tennis and swim clubs welcome remote visitors for a little expense, which is a decent method to make companions just as remain fit.

Get enough rest: Expertise much rest you have to remain sound (for the most part 7–8 hours out of every night). In the event that I go over two evenings with less than six hours’ rest, I make it a need to get up to speed — regardless of how bustling I am. Else, I’m essentially ensured to get the wheezes.

Give yourself mental zip talks: Europe can do to specific voyagers what southern France did to Vincent van Gogh. Sentimental people can get the tangible curves, loyalists can get their banners consumed, and anybody can experience the ill effects of culture stun.

Europe isn’t especially awed by America or Americans. It will challenge givens that you constantly accepted that were over the trial of reason, and the vast majority of Europe in the city doesn’t generally think that much about what you, the authentic and social explorer, have held up so long to see.

Enjoy a reprieve from Europe, regardless of whether it’s a long, dull, cooled trek back to California in a cinema; a charming sit in an American international safe haven perusing room encompassed by birds, photographs of presidents, Time magazines, and different Yankees; or a visit to the campaign of a world-class lodging, where any trace of the conventional culture has been lost under a major business pail of intercontinental whitewash. It can do miracles to revive the battling voyager’s soul.

Let’s know more

There are many reasons why most of the people prefer to visit California with their friends and family members. If you know all about this popular destination, then you may also get encouraged to visit here. Well, this tourist destination offers lots of things for everyone, and it is the main reason why you should visit here instead of other destinations. California is a type of destination where you can visit with your family or friends to get relaxation.

It also offers many places that you can visit to enhance your travelling experience. You should also know about some famous cities in California. Well, these cities are listed below-

  • San Francisco
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • Napa
  • Santa Barbara
  • Berkeley

Plan your trip carefully

It is important to consider some beneficial tips before planning for your vacations in California. With the help of this, you can enhance your travelling experience and get some other benefits. When you visit this tourist destination, then you can also enjoy horse racing-related activities. In this way, you can come to know about the rules and other details. After visiting California, you will definitely fall in love with its various tourist attractions. Do not miss Cal Expo Racing on your trip.

You should find the trusted tour agents to plan your trip effortlessly. There are many other benefits that can be derived by getting help from these agents. Take your every step wisely while planning a trip to California.

Tourist attractions

No doubt, there are many places where you can visit if you are planning a trip to California. In order to know all about the tourist attractions in California, you should check out the details that have been underlined.

  • Golden Gate Bridge

Well, the golden gate bridge is one of the popular places that you can visit in California. Most of the visitors prefer to visit this place due to numerous reasons. Well, this bridge is also known as the most popular bridge in all over the world.

  • Disneyland

You may all have heard about Disneyland that is also known as the most famous destination of California. It is a fantastic amusement park where you can get unlimited fun and enjoyment. In this park, you can enjoy numerous types of rides, shows as well as games.

  • Universal Studio Hollywood

The most popular attractions in California also include the universal studio Hollywood. Well, it is a movie studio as well as an amusement park. If you are going to visit California with your friends or family, then it is must to visit the place. It is also a good vacation spot where you can enjoy with your family or friends.

General Safety Issues

Safety in the Warehouse

There are fewer growth areas in the modern world stronger than warehousing. As the high street is pushed closer to oblivion by online shopping habits, online retail – which necessitates large warehouses and storage space is on the rise.

This is one part of a constantly evolving business landscape and highlights the burgeoning need to introduce safety measures and procedures in the warehouse to keep everyone safe. There are a great number of accidents that happen in warehouse environments, including trips and falls, collision from forklifts and other forklift related incidents.

All of this means a loss of key staff, a decrease in staff morale, potential lawsuits and increased insurance costs. There are so many ways that you can make the warehouse a safer space both in terms of reducing the likelihood of physical trauma, and also boosting the mental health of staff.

Manual handling and other training

As with most things, the prime driver for accidents in the warehouse environment is inadequate training. By ensuring that your staff and managers are properly trained in manual handling you will boost your warehouse safety and staff morale.

Your manual handling training will hopefully make you aware of:

  • The best techniques for manual handling
  • Risks and why accidents happen
  • How best to use warehouse machinery
  • Best practice in task management and employee awareness of the warehouse environment
  • Practical advice to adjust poor habits

In addition to manual handling, some of the workers and managers may need to be trained in working at height safely. There are a whole range of training programs accredited by industry standards IPAF and PASMA designed to educate people on safely working on MEWPs and cherry pickers, while increasing awareness of other risk factors.

Barriers and column protectors

There are many ways of introducing safety equipment into a warehouse, but one important method is to install column protectors, corner guards and a variety of specially designed steel safety barriers and pallet protectors. All of these can help prevent the loss of stock resulting from damage, minimize the chances of accidents and injuries caused by forklift collisions and other bulky machinery. As people feel like they are working in a safer environment they will also be more productive and less prone to lapses in concentration.

Fireproof and hygienic doors

Depending on the scope of the business and the ease of exit you will benefit from fire resistant doors. Some are capable of withstanding fire for 30 minutes, others 60 minutes and there are even doors capable of resisting fire for up to 240 minutes. These and other, non-fire rated doors on the market can also benefit from concealed intumescent strips that are particularly unfriendly to bacteria and as such can help stop it from spreading to employees.

Clear labelling and signposting

Having clearly defined lanes for forklifts in a warehouse is a safety must, as is clearly signposting exits and areas that are only to be used for certain activities. In addition, marking up racking systems for maximum safe stacking heights will help boost safe warehousing practice.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Workplace Health and Safety Representative

Written by Peter Scully

Employers have a duty of care towards their employees and that duty extends not just to talking (i.e. providing employees with relevant information and training) but also to listening, i.e. providing a channel through which employees can communicate any concerns they have about health and safety in the workplace.

One of the options for doing this is by means of a workplace health and safety representative. The team at ​Watson & Watson Health and Safety Consultants​ discuss the importance of appointing a health and safety representative in the workplace.

Companies may choose to forgo workplace health-and-safety representatives if they wish

It’s important to note that, at current time, it is optional for companies to have specific workplace health-and-safety representatives. If employees are happy to talk directly to business leaders then it is perfectly acceptable for them to do so and in smaller organizations this may be the most practical way of managing health-and-safety issues.

In larger organizations, however, the idea of having a direct line between employees and management may sound appealing in theory but in practice it could well turn out to be a recipe for confusion, which is bad news in any situation and, in particular, where health and safety is concerned.

Electing a workplace health-and-safety representative

Another key point to note is that workplace health-and-safety representatives are elected by workers, either directly or via their Trade Union, rather than being appointed by managers.

There are many reasons for this, not least the need for the workforce to have trust in them.  It is unusual for workplace health and safety representatives to be dedicated purely to health and safety duties, instead they are more likely to be workers who take on the role as an extra responsibility.

This can both promote trust and provide them with greater insight into how their colleagues feel about health-and safety issues.  At the same time, however, if the role is to have meaning, then the representative has to be given sufficient time (and resources) to perform it effectively.

The responsibilities of a workplace health-and-safety representative

According to the letter of the law, health and safety representatives appointed via a Trade Union are automatically granted stronger powers than health-and-safety representatives appointed directly by the workforce.

Specifically, they can inspect the workplace and also conduct investigations into accidents, hazards, near misses and any other health and safety related issues. Employers can, if they wish, grant these powers
to health-and-safety representatives appointed directly by the workforce and it may benefit them to do so in order to inspire a greater degree of confidence in them on the part of their staff, otherwise, the role of a directly-appointed health-and-safety representative is essentially one of a communicator and a facilitator.

Directly-appointed health-and-safety representatives will be expected to attend all relevant training, so that they are well-informed on health-and-safety matters (and so that their knowledge is kept up to date) and will act as a central point of contact for employees to raise health-and-safety concerns which they wish to be passed on to senior management.

Likewise they may be tasked with updating their colleagues with relevant information such as action taken by management on the issues raised. They may also be required to liaise with the HSE and any other relevant authorities.

General Safety Issues

Anticipating, reducing and mitigating risks using portable EX Equipment

Written by Christopher Latter

When you work in extreme environments like underground mining operations, there are various risk factors which need to be addressed. You can take various measures to cope with these risks, including performing risk assessments and modifying environments as necessary to minimise risks. When the primary risk on a site is an explosive atmosphere due to the presence of certain gases and temperatures, there are very specific steps that should be taken. One of the key measures is to implement portable EX Equipment that can be taken to the site during use and removed once the job is done.

What is EX Equipment?

EX equipment is designed and manufactured with systems that protect against ignition and thereby minimise the risk of explosion. It has to be fully compliant with ATEX directives on explosive atmospheres and protective systems to be used in them. It means workers can get the lighting, heating, ventilation and power they need without the fear that the hardware could cause an explosion in a volatile atmosphere.

Working in these types of extreme environments is impossible without electrical equipment such as:

  • Tools
  • Lighting
  • Ventilation
  • Generators

But ordinary electrical equipment is prone to heat and surges that could ignite flammable gases and lead to disaster. When a site is being assessed, the assessor should identify the hazards and specify what equipment will be needed. In addition to flammable gases, this could also involve hazards like darkness and toxicity of the air. Recommendations can then be made for the equipment to be implemented that will make the environment workable.

Risk reduction and mitigation

If the working environment contains a gas that obscures vision or is toxic when inhaled, there needs to be ventilation to minimise the presence of that gas. But if there is also a flammable presence, an ordinary fan and shaft system could potentially cause an explosion. But with portable EX equipment, you get a solution that is tailored to deliver the safest possible environment where these types of risks are present. The portability of the solution makes it easy to install and modify to vent the gas, and the explosion resistance mitigates the risk of ignition. The result is the safest possible working environment where workers can be productive without worrying about the hazards of the space.

EX Equipment is an essential component of a comprehensive risk management plan for hazardous work environments. It provides the full range of necessary equipment to make an environment workable whilst reducing the risk of ignition and explosion to the bare minimum. It is built to the exacting specifications of the European ATEX directives, and no extreme work environment should be without it.

 

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Do you have Insomnia? What to do to get a good night’s sleep?

Written by Simon Morris

If you have Insomnia and don’t get enough or perfect sleep in the night, then you are absolutely standing the right place. It is because in the same article you are going to meet some good techniques and tips by which you easily get a perfect sleep at night. Insomnia is a disease in which a person isn’t able to sleep at night. After performing so much time and techniques also the person who is suffering from insomnia is don’t able to sleep properly.

Therefore, now the major question that arises here is what that person needs to do in order to tackle the problem of insomnia? Well, there are several simple methods present which people have to follow when they have insomnia. Among all the methods one of the best is counting sheep. In the same method, the person who is suffering from insomnia thinks that he is standing in a ground which is fully filled with sheep. After then, he has to start counting the sheep and count them all properly. By doing the same task, one becomes able to get a good sleep at night.

Take proper diet and use a good mattress

Well, the same thing which you listen to here is the most important among all to get a perfect sleep at night. One should know that taking the proper and fully enriched diet with nutrients and minerals help a person in getting off all types of sleep-related problems. People have to take that diet which is heavy or which help them out in getting more and a perfect sleep at night.

Another major thing on which they have to pay more attention is the sleeping process. They have to know that in order to get good sleep they have to choose the best and most appropriate type of mattress. It is because sleeping on it is scientifically good advice as it helps in getting proper sleep. Also, if a person wants to enjoy the proper sleep, then that person has to take a proper position to asleep in which that person feel more comfortable and relax.

Perform physical exercises regularly or take sleeping pills

These two are also the best methods to overcome the problem of sleeping related activities when you have insomnia. One should know that they have to do some physical exercises regularly on a daily basis as to become healthier and to get proper sleep. Yes, by doing the physical exercises a person’s calories burn, and then he required to take rest, and as a result, that person gets a good sleep at night.

On the other side, if a person isn’t able to sleep properly even after following all the methods or techniques which are mentioned above, then the last option is taking sleeping pills. It is the simplest and easiest method to make a deal with the same process. People who are suffering from insomnia only have to take pills, and then they simply get an appropriate sleep at night.

General Safety Issues

Keep Your Workplace Safe in Emergency Situations by Avoiding These 5 Common Mistakes

Written by Nora Mork

When there’s an emergency at work, you’ve got to stay calm, think clearly and have an effective plan in place in order to keep the situation under control. If something unexpected, frightening and potentially dangerous is taking place, it’s natural for people to begin panicking, but in order to keep everyone safe, being prepared for these situations is key.

Whether big or small, it’s essential to be ready for an emergency situation that may present itself. Here are 5 mistakes you’ll want to avoid to help maintain a safe workplace during an emergency:

Not Doing Drills

It’s one thing to talk about a plan, but it’s another to work through it in real time. It’s absolutely crucial that you’re drilling the plan you have in place in order to ensure all staff know what will happen, and what they need to do. Not only will this help them stay calmer during an emergency, because they know what’s happening, but you’ll also be able to see what potential snags your plan may run into.

“Things can happen by chance, that you may not have thought about before. For instance, perhaps there is a designated emergency exit for staff, but there was a heavy snowfall the night before, and now that exit has been blocked off. Drilling this before a real emergency happens means you can identify these problems and figure out solutions beforehand,” explains safety blogger Judith Archer of SimpleGrad and StudentWritingServices.

Miscommunication or lack of communication

When it comes to workplace safety, everyone has a role to play, whether they’re leading workers to safety, or simply remaining calm to help keep others calm. It’s important to effectively communicate your safety plan to everyone involved, so they know their role, and what everyone else is responsible for. If there’s a lack of communication or miscommunication about things, it’s easy for a stressful and panicked situation to quickly become chaotic.

Old or Missing Equipment

It’s great to have a fully prepared staff, but if the necessary equipment isn’t around or working when it’s needed, your plan will quickly become irrelevant. Make sure that there are plenty of the necessary supplies that would be needed in any emergency situation, they’re easily accessible and always in the same place. “If there’s maintenance that needs to be done, for example with a fire extinguisher, or if certain equipment has a shelf life, make sure that these things are being taken care of. Designate a specific person to look after these things, and have a secondary person act as a follow-up,” suggests Betty Gaddis, a health writer at Rated Writing and LetsGoAndLearn.

Not Keeping an Updated Emergency Plan

Things are always changing, so it’s important that your emergency plan is reflecting those changes whenever necessary. Whether it’s rearranging the setup of office furniture, adding more staff member or saying goodbye to a staff member who played an integral role in the emergency plan, there needs to be a frequent evaluation of the plan to ensure things are kept updated.

Being Ignorant to the Risks

There may be a very low risk for certain emergencies within your workplace, but it’s still important to have a plan and be prepared, regardless of what emergency you may be faced with. A trained safety consultant can present you with a number of different scenarios and help walk you through them. Just because something hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it never will, so it’s good to be prepared even for an emergency that has a low risk of happening.

Whether the emergency is big or small, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may present itself. Things can quickly become chaotic and even more dangerous if there isn’t a prepared plan in place. Avoid these mistakes, and you can help create a safer work environment that’s ready for any emergency situation.

Nora Mork is a business writer at Assignment writing services and Top Canadian Writers. She helps businesses create better content and writes posts for Grade on fire blog.

Uncategorized

Road Resurfacing Simplified

Critical data collected at highway speed

By Jeff Winke

Traditionally, highway resurfacing projects have been a challenge, not only for the contractor, but the inconvenienced community through which the road passes. To collect the project data needed to perform the resurface, typically required lane closures and a team of surveyors collecting data points from along the side of the road with diverted traffic whizzing past.  It was a slow, cumbersome, and dangerous process, that affected the daily commuter flow and affected the contractor’s project timeline.

But things are better.

Designed to work at the speed of highway traffic, the Topcon SmoothRide resurfacing system is intended to safely assist road resurfacing contractors without the need for road or lane closures. The system is fully automated with GNSS and sonic tracker control. It is designed to deliver accurate thickness boundaries while maintaining projected yield. It eliminates the need for survey strings, averaging skis, and lasers.

“In most situations, it’s inconvenient or impossible, to shut down a road and map its surface using traditional point-to-point surveying methods,” says Murray Lodge, senior vice president and general manager of the Topcon Positioning Group Construction Business Unit. “We’ve developed a way to scan roads at highway speeds with no need for lane closures, crash trucks, escorts or any other typical road survey collection obstacles. With the new RD-M1 scanning unit, the system maps the existing surface elevations — with many more points captured versus what can be expected with traditional tools — providing more accurate data needed to confidently estimate materials, as well as form the basis of the final design surface.”

The SmoothRide system uses a Topcon RD-M1 (Realistic Dimension – Mapping One) Road Resurfacing Scanner that is attached to a vehicle, typically a pick-up truck. The downward facing laser scanner connects to a standard tow hitch or the front of any vehicle with standard tow hooks. With using standard tow hitches and hooks, the scanner is designed to be easy to remove and adapt to any vehicle, thus eliminating the need to have a dedicated vehicle to operate the RD-M1. The unit is designed to collect millions of points at scan rates of up to 100 times per second.

Cruising at normal highways speeds, the 3-D surface scanning can cover miles of road in a short time. The collected data is automatically timestamped and stored for the next step of data management and point cloud generation. The mounted scanner captures millions of data points that are collected safely from the cab of the truck or car. Topcon points out that the driver can begin a road-surface surveying session by simply clicking the start button on their laptop computer and go.

The RD-M1 employs Collect 2.0 graphical collection software, which features an interface status bar that indicates the optimum speed for collecting road information based on the project requirements. Capturing road details at proper speed helps enable SmoothRide to deliver the best possible results.

“I like that we can collect accurate topos while driving 50 miles per hour,” stated Chris Smithson, project manager with Big Creek Construction, Lorena, TX. “We used it recently on a 3.5-mile section of Ranch Road 2838 in Mexai, TX where we were able to give the State more accurate cross sections and dirt quantities on the two-lane road and shoulders project we worked on. It saved us time and money.”

Knowing the surface details in advance allows the contractor to successfully plan for an accurate material calculation, which can help with knowing how much asphalt or milling will be required for the project. SmoothRide is considered to be especially appropriate for mainline paving or milling projects requiring long sections of road that needs resurfacing.

A feature called Memos is designed to allow operators to create balloons with messages on the map. The collected data can also be made visible in the processing software — enabling specific site conditions to be noted for future reference.

A Manage Runs feature is designed to enable operation without necessitating an internet connection. The software display’s large buttons which are intended to make using a tablet or laptop with touch screen easier. Operators can copy data collections to a USB drive, delete them from the hard drive, and add or remove them from the manager.

The RD-M1 Collect 2.0 software has a Plan Route feature that allows for the import of kml files of predetermined routes, designed to help ensure that nothing is missed during the data collection run.

“Using the map downloader, operators can be assured of having all map details visible while collecting data, without the need of an internet connection. Additionally, overlapping locations can be managed by creating areas where predefined overlaps are required for the project,” said Kriss Maas, manager of machine control, Topcon. “The detailed road surface scanning can be used to create and manage large point cloud information with our intuitive ‘Mobile Master Office’ software. The data can then be seamlessly transferred into MAGNET Office software’s ‘Resurfacing’ module to bring out the full array of software features needed to meet smoothness and cross slope requirements, while adhering to any minimum or maximum thickness specified for the job.”

The SmoothRide system can assist contractors with variable depth milling and achieve uniform thickness in paving. The system is said to eliminate the time and costs of survey work and to benefit bid and spec jobs in advance by providing more accurate surface data.

“For rehabilitation and maintenance projects, the system simplifies scanning the existing roadway surface, which we can then use for building the model for automatic machine control of our cold planers,” said Ryan Zenahlik, technology specialist for Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc., Jarupa Valley, CA.

The system is said to reduce the costs and need for survey work, and to benefit bid and spec jobs in advance by providing more accurate surface data.

“We use the 3D scanner part of SmoothRide as a survey tool to safely collect the data we need and eliminate hours of cross-section measurements,” stated John Dowalter, survey and machine control manager for Shelly and Sands, Zanesville, Ohio. “The system’s RD-M1 Scanner is great for capturing bridge approaches that sometimes have a big skew leading up to the bridge surface. That feature helped tremendously on a recent resurfacing section of I-71 between Columbus and Cleveland, which has a number of bridges that could have occupied hours of time for my crew.”

In summary, the Topcon SmoothRide system is designed to offer 3D scanning collected while driving the job-site road, which is said to replace hours of surveyor-obtained cross-section measurements. The system’s software is designed to deliver confidence throughout the paving and milling process by providing the key data needed to complete the job accurately to spec. As Topcon would phrase it, this resurfacing roadwork system fits squarely in the intersection of infrastructure and technology.

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Jeff Winke is a business and construction writer based in Milwaukee, Wis. He can be reached through jeff_winke@yahoo.com.

General Safety Issues

Best Practices for Aerial Lifts in Construction

Written by Brandon Olson

Working on a construction job site is a risky business. The hazards that can lead to injury or death are many and varied. Using an aerial lift on the job increases the risks. That’s why it’s so important to practice safety on the job at all times. Here are five common aerial lift accidents and how to prevent them.

How to Avoid Worker Electrocutions

Electrical shock is a leading cause of aerial lift worker deaths. Electrical safety on a construction job starts with this: always treat overhead lines as live unless told otherwise by a power company rep. Other safety best practices include:

  • When possible, don’t position the lift between overhead power lines
  • Belt off only to the lift’s attachment points; do not use a pole or other structure
  • Keep at least 10 feet away from live power lines at all times
  • Have the power company shut down the power lines in the work zone before starting a job
  • Wear insulated gloves, boots, clothing, and hard hats when working on or near power lines
  • Use insulated buckets near overhead power lines

Make sure all workers wear fall protection equipment . If a worker becomes unconscious after receiving a shock, the equipment can prevent a fall.

How to Prevent Falls from Aerial Lifts

Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers. They account for one-third of all deaths in the industry. Not all of them are falls from aerial lifts. But there are enough of them to mandate fall protection gear for aerial lift workers.

Preventing falls from aerial lifts starts with walking the work site to identify hazards. These can range from nearby workers or vehicles to unsafe weather or terrain. Nearby objects that could strike the lift are another hazard to be dealt with. These hazards are why OSHA requires all aerial lift workers to wear fall protection equipment. This includes body harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest gear that attach to the platform or basket. Other fall prevention best practices include:

  • Ensuring all access gates or openings are closed before raising the platform of bucket into the air
  • Standing firmly on the floor of the bucket or platform
  • Not climbing or leaning on the guardrails
  • Never using ladders or planks while in the lift bucket or platform
  • Never tying off to structures or poles while in the bucket

All aerial lift workers should be trained in fall protection practices. Managers need to make sure workers follow them.

Avoiding TipOvers and Collapses

Tipovers and collapses lead to some of the deadliest accidents because they can crush people in the bucket and on the ground. Tipovers have many causes. The two most common are improper handling of the lift and careless pre-start inspections. Tipovers can also result from:

  • Exceeding the lift’s max load limit
  • Carrying objects that are too large
  • Driving the lift with the platform raised
  • Exceeding vertical and horizontal height limits
  • Operating the lift during strong winds or severe weather

To practice tipover safety best practices, stay within the lift’s load limit at all times. Never travel to the job site with the bucket or platform raised. Don’t raise the platform while driving on soft, uneven or sloping terrain. Avoid using too much horizontal force when working on scissor lifts. Don’t raise the platform in high-wind conditions.

Collapses most often occur due to mechanical failures. These can be avoided through regular maintenance and detailed pre-start inspections. Training plays a key role in knowing how to conduct a good inspection.

How to Protect Against Objects Falling from Lifts

There’s a reason hard hats are required on construction sites – falling objects.

Even more so when the job involves an aerial lift. Workers on the ground are usually the victims of falling objects. But workers on lift platforms can get injured as well.

Objects fall from aerial lifts for many reasons:

  • Carrying objects larger than the platform
  • Carrying unstable objects or unbalanced loads
  • Failure to close all openings on the bucket or platform
  • Striking a fixed object that causes items on the lift to fall off

Best practices to prevent falling objects involve doing the opposite of these bullet points. Operators should also avoid setting up the lift underneath overhead objects. Ground workers should avoid working underneath or near the lift when it is in the air.

Preventing Ejections from the Lift Platform

Ejections are a type of aerial lift fall that can lead to serious injury and death. They can occur for one of three reasons:

  • The bucket or platform makes forceful contact with another object
  • Falling objects hit workers on the bucket or platform
  • A sudden jerk of the lift causes workers to lose their footing

Avoiding worker ejection begins before the lift even goes up into the air. It starts with making sure the outriggers are set on solid, level ground. If not, they should be set on pads. The operator needs to check that the lift brakes are set. Wheel chocks should be used on sloping surfaces, but only when safe to do so. Warning signs should be placed around the work zone. Once in the air, operating the lift according to OSHA guidelines can also help prevent ejections.

What’s the best safety practice of all? Making sure all aerial lift workers are OSHA trained and certified before they get on the lift. It won’t prevent all accidents. But it will greatly reduce the chances of one happening on your job site.

Tom Wilkerson is CEO of CertifyMeOnline.net (CMO), a national leader in online, OSHA-compliant aerial lift training and certification. CMO has helped thousands of companies throughout the U.S. discover the easy way to self-certify their aerial lift operators in-house.

Resources:

http://www.elcosh.org/document/1596/d000538/Aerial+Lift+Safety+in+Construction.html https://www.certifymeonline.net/blog/safety-tips-for-construction-workers/