Ladder Safety Training Programs

Training Requirements OSHA 3124-12R 2003

Employers must train all employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and instruct them to minimize these hazards. For example, employers must ensure that each employee is trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable:

§  Nature of fall hazards in the work area; Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used;

§  Proper construction, use, placement and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; and Maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used.

Note: Employers must retrain each employee as necessary to maintain their understanding and knowledge on the safe use and construction of ladders and stairs.

Employee & Student Training

There are several good quality free, or inexpensive options for Ladder Training available. In the workplace they are and additional tool and resource for providing training to new employees as well as existing employees as a refresher every two or three years. The training is also good resource for students who have not entered the workforce as a self-study module.

Ladder Safety Training

The American Ladder Institute offers Free Ladder Training with a certificate of completion in three ladder categories:

• Stepladder
• Extension Ladder
• Mobile Ladders

Werner Ladder and ladder manufacturer provides training via BlueVolt in two categories:

• Ladder Safety
• Pump Jack Safety

Assessment

Both cover and document the training along with providing an assessment to document the training effort and compliance. In the workplace a manager can alternate between the two programs for refresher training.

Ladder Training Links

http://www.laddersafetytraining.org/

http://www.wernerco.com/us/en/support/online-safety-training


Safe Culture

Safety Programs require employee involvement with management leadership and commitment. To develop a  Health Safe Culture, management responsible for the administration should review and participate in the training initiatives as well.
 

HVAC Training _ Grants & Scholarships

For more than a decade the amount of people choosing a trade career path has declined as the number of skilled tradespeople reaching retirement age and was increasing. In the next 5-8 years these retirement numbers will spike again.This leaves a big void in the construction and service industries with many companies struggling to fill positions with qualified candidates.

Many people are not aware of various Scholarships and Grants for trade programs that are available locally and nationally. Many of these are available from equipment manufacturers and trade associations. Throughout the year when these programs become available, I share the information. The Fall 2015 Semester is fast approaching, and before you know it, registration for Winter/Spring 2016 will open for most institutions in October. Below is the information on another HVAC Scholarship opportunity. Please share the information with your operations staff, colleagues, friends and students, and for additional training resources visit my blog page where training resources are listed on the right side of the page.

Retool Your Future with a $5,000 Scholarship!
hilmor, the HVAC/R tool brand from the same people who brought you IRWIN and LENOX tools, is returning to launch the third annual Retool Your Future scholarship competition! This exciting scholarship contest provides HVAC/R students with an opportunity to retool their future and set the stage for success. I hope hilmor continues this commitment for many years to come.
Students have the chance to be one of six grand prize winners and receive:

• A $5,000 scholarship award
• An HVAC/R Starter Kit to outfit you with innovative new hilmor tools to get you started in the HVAC/R industry
• A 2016 AHR EXPO Prize Package to travel to the world’s largest HVAC/R trade show in Orlando, FL
• A hilmor Green Wall featuring exclusive new hilmor tools donated directly to their school

All you have to do is visit RetoolYourFuture.com to enter and submit a 250-word essay telling hilmor how the HVAC/R industry will “retool your life.” The online essay contest opens August 1, 2015 and closes October 31, 2015. For contest rules, and to enter, visit RetoolYourFuture.com.

Thank you

Refrigeration History, a question

While preparing a refrigeration systems class lesson I came across the following page on Refrigeration Research Inc page (http://www.refresearch.com/Social-Media/ArtMID/432/ArticleID/5/The-Grunow-Refrigerator ) on a refrigerator manufactured in the 1930’s that utilized a refrigerant identified as Carrene. This happened to be totally unrelated to the topic I was working on, but found it interesting.

I have never heard of a refrigerant named Carrene in the application used in the article. While I am aware of the name Carrene 7, first coming across a little round red metal tag affixed to an 06D or E cylinder head of a Carrier compressor in the late 1970’s. The tag only contained the chemical element compound for R-500, and the word Carrene 7. I was unaware until now the name referenced other refrigerant formulations.  Researching this further I found that in another article this refrigerant is identified as Dichloromethane, R-114 (http://musingsonentropy.com/2013/04/04/1930s-household-refrigerators/ ).  However, when I look up R-114 it is presently listed as Dichlorotetrafluoroethane.

My quest to learn more about the Carrene refrigerant lead me to an American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Refrigeration Research Museum page (https://www.asme.org/about-asme/who-we-are/engineering-history/landmarks/207-refrigeration-research-museum ), and other refrigeration system processes that I was aware of, but never really read about.  But in the last paragraph in this article states that the Grunow-type SD refrigerator was the only refrigerator to use the Carrene refrigerant. I also can’t find the origin of the word Carrene.

So as the industry transitions into the next generation of refrigerants and equipment, I think it’s relevant to look back at the history and some other industry advancement milestones and have the following questions: Does anyone have any information on the Grunow SD refrigerant, Carrene and the origin of the word? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

Picture Source: Refrigeration Research

Article was posted to LinkedIn Group Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE) on March 31, 2015

Continuing Education / Training of HVAC Journeyman

The following question was originally posted to a LinkedIn HVAC Educators Group on March 26, 2015 to open a dialog on continuing education of HVAC  journeyman based on personal observations.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Continuing-Education-Training-4642714.S.5986812180463448065?view=&gid=4642714&type=member&item=5986812180463448065&trk=hp-feed-group-discussion


In this area (SE. PA, NJ and De) a contractor promotes in their advertising that their techs receive 150 hours of training annually. My question is: Assuming a tech has completed a structured training program that includes a combination of school and field experience such as an apprenticeship, how many hours of annual training should a tech service tech receive a year to maintain / improve proficiency, learn about new technologies and equipment, and new equipment specific service practices?

The reason for the question is once a person achieves journeyman status it appears the number of these techs participating in continuing HVAC education programs appears extremely low. This observation is based on resumes, job applications and interviews reviewed over the past two years for open positions I was hiring for, as well as a low enrollment in training programs of techs that fall into this category I am associated with.

HVAC Service Practices - A Closer Look

HVAC Service Practices

We have all seen poor, or at a minimum, questionable HVAC installations. Trade publications frequently post some of these. One publication has a slide show compiled from reader submitted pictures titled “Wall of Shame”.  I have been doing something similar for a number of years. I incorporate pictures I take during my travels in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware areas into various Power Points for the respective training areas such as “How Not to Pipe”.  These are utilized in my training programs as examples and discussions on the problems and effects on the system.

Cost of Ownership, Efficiency and Life-Cycle

How do these poor practices really impact the overall operation, efficiency, cost of ownership and life-cycle?  After a class this semester in which some of the installations were discussed, I decided to find out and further chronicle five installations by engaging the owners of the equipment to look closer at the installation, equipment, and service history, along with their views of our industry as a result of their experiences.  

Purpose

The purpose of this project is not to criticize, or single out any segment of the industry or contractor, but analyze the information to see if the training that I provide can be improved as well as sharing the information for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Others as well as I, compare HVAC compressor failures to heart disease. In most instances, a compressor failure is not a result of a single action or misstep, but the effects of years of lack of proper timely preventive maintenance, poor installations, and service practices. What better of a way to demonstrate and reinforce the proper methods and procedures then by incorporating incorrect or poor practices and results?

Stay Tuned

Look for the detailed job analysis and pictures to begin in the next few weeks.

Non-Evasive Test Instruments, Thermal Imaging

Non-Evasive Test Instruments

One of the most underutilized non- evasive test instruments in the HVAC fields is thermal imaging.  I first utilized the technology for inspection of motor control and load centers about 15 years ago. The services were provided by an electrical contractor business partner and incorporated into our electrical preventive maintenance program for annual inspections.

Value of Thermal Scanning as a Reactive Maintenance Tool

After a myriad of roof leaks in an 11 year old building, and my concerns that the root causes were not properly being identified and corrective actions taken, I employed this technology. The roof leaks and damaged insulation areas, as a result of the leak, were identified within twenty minutes. It eliminated the destructive testing method of taking core samples of the roof material, insulation and patching along with the “wait and see” approach. More importantly, it saved countless in-house roofer labor hours and callbacks for the same leak until the issue was finally resolved.

Thermal Scanning to Identify Heating Loop Issues

Seeing the results, success and benefits of the thermal imaging as a preventive maintenance as well as a diagnostic tool I purchased a lower to mid-level price point model at the time as well as training.  While more features continue to be added, the biggest advancement to occur, in my opinion, in thermal imaging is the reduction of cost.  I became responsible for a healthcare facility that  had an aged infra-structure. The facility employed two screw chillers and  three hot water boilers in a dual temperature configuration with two zones for three buildings.

Energy usage was substantially higher than similar size facilities, along with the inability to maintain proper water treatment of the closed loops. Valve identification charts along with all Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) drawings were non-existent upon my assuming responsibility, not to mention more than half the valve tags were missing as well.  I love a challenge, and this was clearly a challenge. Hand sketches were made of the piping and panoramic pictures taken of the central plant and pieced together then mounted on foam board for offsite reviewing; valves were numbered and valve charts developed. After existing water flow pattern and valve positions were documented, thermal scans were first used to identify valves that were passing. In addition, valves were found in the incorrect positions with respect to the season. Corrective actions were taken and correct water flow patterns were established for the seasonal operational mode.

An area of concern was the inability to maintain proper water treatment on the closed loops.  I suspected a leak or open drain valve, but none was evident in the mechanical rooms.  Water meters were installed on the boiler and chilled water makeup lines. The boiler make up on Zone A indicated almost 950 gallons per day were being added to the system. I had staff check every accessible area of piping as well as all air vents and fan coil units.  No leaks were found other than minor valve packing leaks. One area of the piping distribution system was under slab. When a thermal scan was performed on the area, a leak under the slab was identified. The heat signature continued in the direction of an outside courtyard to a point about 30 yards away. At this location there was a set of store front doors; one side was inoperable due to a settling of a canopy support column. Thermal scan of this area indicated a temperature 78 degrees when the outside temperature was 33 degrees. The thermal scans not only located a leak, but the root cause of the column settling. A 21 – 26% reduction in energy associated with the equipment was realized depending on the month and ambient conditions as a result of the corrective actions. What could not be quantified was the resulting thermal satisfaction in terms of temperature and humidity control in the building. Unfortunate consequences of the condition were boiler tube failures from the lack of water treatment and oxygen.

Proactive Maintenance

The use of thermal scans ranging from bearing, motors, air duct leakage to identifying blocked passages of chilled water coils, thermal scans are another method to determine a cause, or contributing factor of a thermal complaint or problem.  Thermal scans are an efficient use of time and labor resources. The use of thermal scans allows an organization to move from a reactive to a preventive mode to improve operational efficiencies.

AuthorStream _ Link

Please contact me (johnrsmithjr@comcast.net) for a link to my AuthorStream page that contains PowerPoint (.ppt) presentations and other information related to the HVAC Training and Facility Management fields.  The majority of the information I have hosted on the AuthorStream site has the access rights currently set as private,  permission is required to access. I am in the process of relocating and condensing all of the information on  a single site.

My goal is to compile and mirror the information that I provide in the DCCC WebStudy programs I am associated with and maintain a single external site.

Thank you and have a great day.

CompressorTerminal Venting

A compressor condition and failure not often discussed is Terminal Venting. Terminal Venting is a result of an electrical ground fault occurring in the compressor with one or more of the compressor terminals being ejected from the compressor shell.  Obviously when this occurs, any refrigerant and oil in the compressor is vented / discharged through the terminal opening to the atmosphere. The refrigerant and oil mixture will be discharged at the pressure of low side pressure at the time of the failure. In addition to the oil being hot, the oil and refrigerant mixture can ignite as a result of the ground fault resulting in a potential fire hazard.

Safety is paramount; you should never under any circumstance apply power to a compressor with the compressor terminal cover removed. In addition to the safety hazards listed above, the terminal can be discharged with the force of a 22 caliber bullet.

A terminal venting condition has a higher probability of occurring if a ground fault condition exists and power is reapplied to the compressor by either resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse. If an over current device is found open, the unit should be checked for a ground fault using a megohmmeter (megger).  A standard ohmmeter may not detect a ground fault under certain conditions. In addition to following standard safety practices related to electric, use extreme caution when removing the compressor terminal cover and disconnecting compressor wiring. The compressor terminal pins could have become weakened from the initial ground fault or the equipment owner could have reset the breaker (more than likely several times) which could further lead to a deteriorating pin assembly.

Be safe and always wear proper PPE.

Electrical Bus Duct Failure, Additional Pictures

Additional Electrical Bus Duct Failure Pictures
This demonstrates the need to always have proper PPE and be aware of your work environment. This occurred on a Wednesday at 11:00 am

Note molten copper and other materials embedded in wall

Fire Stopping

Life Safety Systems in a building are critical systems. There are many elements of the systems that provide safety to the occupants and assets that are not just limited to sprinkler or alarm systems. One of the areas is Fire / Smoke Stopping.  This is the most misunderstood element by contractors, facility managers and in-house maintenance staff along with having products misapplied. In a regulated healthcare environment fire and smoke barriers are scrutinized by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and maintained at a high level. Conversely in commercial buildings and other occupancies these are not given much attention.

Fire stopping’s purpose is to compartmentalize and prevent the spread of flame and smoke through a structure during a fire. The major misconception is that sealing a penetration in a rated wall or floor is as simple as taking a fire stopping product and sealing the penetration, which just simply is not the case. In most cases the fire stop material is installed by untrained field personnel, not following the proper procedures and requirements. Usually each trade is responsible for fire stopping their penetrations.  If the product is not properly selected based on numerous variables such as the item being fire stopped, wall or floor construction material and rating, annular space around the item, the installation may not perform properly in a fire.

Manufacturers submit their product and solutions for independent testing and certification.  There are four third-party testing laboratories that test products according to two standards American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  The Approved Assemblies are compiled in the manufacturer’s technical libraries. These provide all the information required to an installer to properly seal the penetration.

Various AHJ staff that are responsible for inspecting facilities are receiving more in-depth training. They are not simply looking for unsealed penetrations; they are reviewing fire barrier management documentation showing what Approved Assemblies were followed as well as installer qualifications.

Training is available from all the major manufacturers. You should partner with your vendor and manufacturer to utilize the resources and training they have available. Key facility management along with operations staff should receive training.  Once a clear understanding of the requirements is obtained, a survey of the facility can be conducted for compliance and fire barrier management plans can be formulated and implemented.

More information can be obtained from:

http://www.firestop.org/about-ifc.html

https://www.us.hilti.com/firestop

Electrical Safety, Training 01

A number of years ago I was introduced to the Burn Foundation (http://www.burnfoundation.org/ ) through the Hospital Fire Marshal’s Association (http://hfma-safety.org/specialprograms.html ) As Director, Facility Management my responsibilities at the time included not only fire safety and life safety system for the facility, but also to provide fire safety training for seniors in a CCRC.

While working with the Burn Foundation on some senior fire safety training initiatives I learned at the time they just completed a Contractor Safety DVD, Contractor Safety Preventing Electrical Injuries in conjunction with PECO Energy an Exelon Company. The DVD is a 20 minute presentation that primarily addresses electrical safety for all trades which I highly recommend.

The reason I find the video extremely useful is that it also chronicles the story of an electrical utility company employee, who is an electrical burn survivor and the consequences of not following the basic safety rule “Test before Touch”.  He came in contact with an energized 7,000 volt utility line, subsequently tripping a 140 amp fuse.

I use this video as an annual in-house electrical training refresher and in all of the various HVAC / Electric training programs I am associated with.  All training programs should include relevant safety training. No matter how many times I watch this video, when it gets to this portion I find it hard to watch. His unfortunate experiences really drive home the importance of electrical safety.
 

Electrical Safety Month

May is Electrical Safety Month; I highly recommend incorporating the Burn Foundation’s Contractor Safety Preventing Electrical Injuries into electrical safety training programs. May is a good month for electrical safety awareness since summer is approaching.  Plans for IR scans of electrical distribution systems and panels should be formulated now. In theory, in a few short weeks depending on location, systems will be experiencing higher electrical loads. When loads are lower, problems are harder to detect.

 

Bus Duct Fault @ 800 Amp Bus Plug

 

Annual Building Automation System (BAS) Review

As we begin a new year it is wise to conduct an annual management audit and review of Building Automation Systems for facilities if not currently performed on a regular basis.

In many cases the operation and management of the BAS is left to the Building Engineers and maintenance staff. The reality is changes occur that are not in the best interest of the building, equipment and energy efficiency. Some of these changes while only a temperature set point actually have an impact on the sequence of operation which translates into increased energy use.  They are made without having a thorough understanding of the impact, system, or proper training.

The BAS and mechanical systems over a number of years morph with a combination of old and new technology and hardware, as well as the strategy towards the system, in many instances changing as management changes.  Often a clear long-term plan for the BAS system is not in place for this critical piece of infrastructure.

 Areas that should be reviewed include equipment and occupancy schedules, points overridden or command by a Building Operator, graphics, trending, alarms and network security. 

Occupancy schedules

Obtain an occupancy schedule for the upcoming year from all key people in the building for their respective areas of authority and enter the required changes.

Do you have the scheduling ability to drill down to individual pieces of equipment and suites or does a global schedule prevent this? In some instances the global schedule has an “all or nothing” control approach and a negative impact on efficiency when only a small portion of the area requires a schedule change.

Review points overridden, commanded or unauthorized changes along with associated graphics for these deviations, and provide corrective actions.
 

Does the equipment and floor plan graphics accurately reflect current conditions, space names and any renovations or system changes that have occurred?

Current trending information

Are the existing trends required?

Are additional trends required?

Review the trend intervals

Review trend management including how the trend data is managed including responsibility, format and storage. Ensure the data can be exported in a useful format and process defined for periodic review of the trend data. 

Alarm

Review a printout of all critical alarm points, priorities and functionally test the email or text messaging notification delivery system and confirm receipt of all alarms by recipients.

Network

Review a users list of those that have access to the system.

Review the privilege level of direct and remote access that is permitted.

Ensure user logon and passwords are not shared to permit proper logging of system changes.

After an in-house review is conducted, consult with the BAS service provider for any changes they may have to make that is beyond your staff’s capabilities, as well as reviewing the system and performance for their findings.  As the system morphs and evolves over the years, field devices and controllers are replaced and added that may result in the system becoming unbalanced and slow in the acquisition of data. This impart could be because there was not a clear management plan and oversight in place for the system The BAS service provider should review the system and ensure updates are current and back the system up before proceeding with any changes. It is also advisable to understand how the system restoration files are managed along with availability in the unfortunate event they may be required in the future. Restoring or rebuilding a system can be a time consuming and costly task depending on the size and complexity of the system.