Everyday activities including work, play, school, shopping, travel, and just about
everything we do involves some sort of safety risk. So how do we protect ourselves
and others from these potential injuries?
October has been designated “Fire Prevention Month” to commemorate the infamous Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October of 1871. More than 300 people died in that fire and almost one-third of Chicago burned.
Fire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed Fire Extinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the pin and seal replacement—this must be verified with a dated inspection tag. If the extinguisher fails to meet these requirements, it must be replaced.
Inspections, Investigations and Audits are a necessary part of the Safety process and therefore should be completed to the best of your ability. Compliance Inspections cause a lot of grief, but should be viewed as learning opportunities and improvements. There should be nothing to fear if you are doing what is expected and required. Investigations are used to determine the facts of a situation and typically answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how. Audits should be viewed as a checks and balance between a process or procedure and the employees doing that activity. All three items can be stressful, intimidating and somewhat time consuming but when the focus is on learning and improvement, the results should be positive.
You feel it in the air. Labor Day has passed, leaves are starting to turn, days are getting cooler, and pumpkin spice is taking over the coffee shops. Fall is here, which also means school is back in session. Each school year 23.5 million children return to school nation-wide. During this time, school children are most at risk for injury when approaching or leaving the school bus and within school zones. Help make this school year safer for everyone by following these safety tips:
Save yourself, Save your project, Save your team, Save your client, Save your company.
Everyone has been involved in a safety issue at one time or another at work or on a project. How many times was the issue due to an accident? How many violations were revealed during an OSHA inspection? What about your company’s internal safety audit, what did it find? Did you see someone else at fault or maybe yourself at fault? Is a fellow worker in danger? What is the one thing in common in all of these questions? PEOPLE.
Think about your daily responsibilities and the people who are counting on you to come home safely. Working safe is a very small price to pay for being able to improve and maintain your lifestyle. There is no job that is worth the risk of injury.
Complacency can be defined as self-satisfaction, often combined with a lack of awareness of hazards. Complacency is extremely hazardous in the workplace. We get so used to things being done the same way that we do not always look at the hazards that may surround us. We also may underestimate the risk of tasks that we perform regularly, or fail to notice a change in our environment when we become complacent in our daily routines.
Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety.
Outdoor workers can be exposed to hot and humid conditions and are at risk of special hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.
A review of the OSHA stats regarding fatalities readily highlights trends on how workers are being hurt or killed. In fact in the latest report, three of the first five incidents listed, show workers who died from some sort of fall. It is important to remember here that non-work related injuries and fatalities often mirror the OSHA
statistics.
Here are a few examples showing how ladders are commonly misused. Many injuries and fatalities occur every day while working from ladders at relatively low heights. Working at any height is dangerous if safe ladder practices are not followed.
A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or
damage – but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the
chain of events prevented an injury, fatality, or damage; in other words, a
miss that was, nonetheless, very near. Other familiar terms for these events is a “close call”, or in the case of moving objects, “near collision” or a near hit.
Thousands of earthquakes occur every day. However, major earthquakes are much less common. There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, so it is important to have an emergency plan in place and know how to behave when an earthquake strikes.
By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, an Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions.
At SSOE, we believe in our employee’s wellbeing. We understand that our employees are our most valuable asset.
Employees need to wear the proper respirator when working in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present. These types of hazardous exposures may cause
cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or even death.
Aerial lifts include scissor lifts, articulating booms, bucket trucks, and cherry pickers. Many workers are killed or seriously injured because:
High-visibility clothing started in the highway industry where workers were exposed to vehicle traffic and needed to be seen in all light conditions. Today, high-visibility clothing is worn in any situation where we want visibility on a worker and can be required on all construction projects to bring attention to the user.
Summer Time!! Yes folks, it’s that time again! Time for warm weather, grilling, picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! If you practice common sense and safety in all of your activities you will keep looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
When packing and making plans for a work road trip or vacation, don’t forget to
include “Safety” in all your preparations and activities. Vacations offer time to escape from everyday concerns and provide time to rest and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. However, many of the hazards associated with everyday life will also follow you on your travels, so be sure to include “Safety” in all your plans. Even seasoned “road warriors” need to prepare for safe and secure travels.
New Ladder Safety Standards
The new rule brought forward by OSHA sets out a requirement for employers to have
ladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24
feet. It phases out the use of cages or wells for fall protection, and everything is to be
implemented under a very precise timeline.
The revised ruling establishes a phase out of ladder wells and cages over the next 20
years per OSHA 1910.128(b)(9)(i).
In the United States there are two regulatory agencies that can cite employers for not properly protecting employees. Both agencies fall under the United States Department of Labor; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These regulatory agencies are responsible for enforcing the safety and health laws to protect employees.
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 366 of the 971 construction fatalities recorded in 2017 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable.
Just as motorists are allowed to drive their vehicles on public roadways, farmers are legally allowed to operate their farm equipment on those same roads. In rural areas, you may encounter farm equipment, and other slow moving vehicles. The best thing to remember as you follow a slow moving vehicle is to be patient and slow down.
Orange You 4 Safety? #orange4safety
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving; talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, changing the radio station, loud music, grooming, young children in the back seat, watching a video – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Police are on the lookout, especially this month, for distracted drivers.
A Helping Hand….
Slips, Trips, and Falls can happen anywhere at work, home, or play. Often times these will happen when we are in a hurry, taking shortcuts, or simply not paying attention. All of these can be avoided if we just slowdown. Our lives can get so busy that we’re thinking of other things, therefore leaving us distracted.
It’s SSOE’s policy to provide employees, visitors, and contractors with a safe and healthy environment.
Many people are concerned about the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare,
we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take before-hand to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Do you know how to do your job correctly? How do you know?
Ready to spring forward? Daylight Savings Time 2019 will begin for most of the U.S. on Sunday, March 10th, at 2 a.m. Nowadays, with our cell phones, computers, and electronics changing their time automatically, it can be easy to forget the opportunity to perform important annual upkeep in your home. To keep your family and home safe, as well as prepared, make time for this short safety checklist.
Last week we introduced you to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against health and safety hazards. PPE is designed to protect many parts of the body, i.e., eyes, head, face, hands, feet, and ears. Following are a few more details regarding PPE.
What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It has no detectable odor and is often mixed with other gases that do. Carbon monoxide can be inhaled without even knowing it. CO is emitted from burning natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. Forges, blast furnaces, and coke ovens produce CO, but one of the most common sources of exposure is the internal combustion engine.
CO can be found in the home.
Many times, a violent act is preceded by a threat. The threats can be explicit or veiled, spoken or unspoken, specific or vague. Observed behavior might suggest the potential for some type of violent act to occur. Off-handed remarks or comments made to people close to the individual may suggest problematic behavior. Dealing with threats or threatening behavior, whether that is detecting, evaluating or finding ways to address it, may be the most important steps to prevent violence.
Slips, trips, and falls are the second highest cause of accidental deaths and injuries, behind motor vehicle accidents. Each year, almost two million disabling injuries and thousands of minor injuries occur on stairways. While slips, trips, and falls are the cause of numerous injuries and deaths every day, they are among the easiest to correct.
Winter weather and slippery conditions are here. Walking on snow and ice covered
sidewalks, parking lots, and work sites cause a substantial number of falls for workers and pedestrians. It is important to avoid routine behaviors and to be on guard for changing conditions and hazards. Wet or icy surfaces, uneven pavement, snow covered hazards, glare, and poor visibility all increase the risk for falls and injury. A minor fall may only result in bruised pride, however the potential is always there for serious injuries, such as broken bones or even fatal injuries.
Stop and think about your favorite winning sports team. How do they do it? Do they have a superstar that will always carry the team? Sometimes but not likely! Consistently winning teams are made up of individual players who all maintain a high level of intensity and share a collective mindset that they will not be defeated, and that is how they succeed as a team. Every team member puts in the hard work and practice that gives them the confidence and ability to make the winning plays when the game is on the line.
Making Those New Year’s Resolutions? They often include health, finances, safety, and career.
As we settle into the Holiday season and we celebrate with those holiday parties,
keep Safety a priority. Travelling with family and friends exposes everyone to risks of
bad weather, bad conditions, busy traffic, frustrated, and impaired drivers.
The cold and snowy winter weather is just around the corner and so is the need to
prepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving. No one wants to
break down any time, but especially not in the cold or snowy weather. Now is a good
time to get your car serviced and your mind thinking and prepared for your travels
coming in the next few months.
Most employers require their employees to wear eye protection at all times while they are working. The “at all times” mandate for eye protection occurred after employers recognized that employees failed to use eye protection when required. Many times injury to the eye is not repairable and there is not a way to replace the eye if damaged beyond repair. Doctors can replace, sew back, and remove many body parts, but they cannot replace the eye. Eye protection is tested and must meet the standard ANSI Z87 or Z87+ which requires the following testing; basic and high impact lenses and frames, exposure to non-ionizing radiation, and chemicals and durability to flammable and corrosion. Additional markings on the frames and lenses will be for the following.
Criteria for the Traditional Hard Hat and New Helmet:
Hard hats come in several different types and are all rated under ANSI Z89.1. Type 1 is a top only impact protection. Type 2 offers both top and side impact protection.
Hard Hats are also broken into three classes relevant to possible electrical exposures under ANSI Z89.1.
Who is responsible for the creation of safety rules?
It was the guy we’ve all heard about who cut off two of his fingers after he removed the guard on a saw. He was helped by the machinist who didn’t have the time to go back to the lunch room for safety glasses and lost an eye when the bit broke in the drill press. They both got advice from a co-worker who had his head split open by a falling hammer because he “just plain didn’t like to wear hard hats.”
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. With an average of 455 daily fires, cooking is the leading cause of home
fires and home fire injuries according to NFPA’s Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment Report & NFIRS data.
Here are some reminders during yard cleanup.
Daylight Saving Time has ended. Setting all the clocks, watches, and appliances to the new time is the easy part. The hardest part of ending Daylight Saving Time might be adjusting our “body clocks” to the time change. Studies have shown that it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week for our bodies to adjust to the rapid change in time and daylight hours. So what does that have to do with safety?
Halloween is just around the corner! Here are some tips for trick-or-treating with your children as well as some scary safety statistics that are sure to make you shiver with fear.
If an emergency occurs, the need to communicate is immediate. An important component of the preparedness program is the Crisis Communication Plan. A Crisis Communication Plan is an established set of guidelines on how to communicate with employees, clients, and the media. Adhering to the plan protects the company and employees, and effectively allows the situation to be contained.
October has been designated “Fire Safety Month” to commemorate the infamous Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October of 1871. More than 300 people died in that fire and almost one-third of Chicago burned. Out of the Chicago ashes grew the realization that stricter building standards, with special attention to fire safety, should be included in future building construction. That was then….this is now: In 2017, fires caused 3,400 civilian deaths and 14,670 injured in fires across the US: 77% of those fires occur in residences.
October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time when we should all be aware of ways to help learn fire safety.
Annual Inspection Certification
Fire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed Fire
Extinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the pin and seal replacement—this must be verified with a dated inspection tag. If the extinguisher fails to meet these requirements, it
must be replaced.
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump,
blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to
the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. After a concussion,
some people lose consciousness for a short time. However, most concussions do
not result in a loss of consciousness. Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild”
because concussions are not usually life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be
serious. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion can help you get
better more quickly.
As the United States and Mexico prepare for the hurricane season, we already have a major storm approaching the east coast with others in the loom. In addition, China prepares as a monster typhoon approaches. Preparing for a hurricane / typhoon can be challenging securing your property and making plans but after things are secured, take shelter elsewhere. The best plan is to leave the area, with the advanced notice and hold up somewhere safe. During a hurricane there is usually very high winds, heavy rains, lightening and the creation of tornadoes. All these can cause serious injury and many times death!
Do you take chances at home, work or play? Have you ever cut corners and done something at risk? Are you a gambler and willing to take chances? Safety policies and procedures are not suggestions. It is mandatory to follow all safety procedures at all times – no exceptions! No one can protect you more than YOURSELF and you must follow the rules, regulations, policies and procedures so that you are not exposed to a dangerous situation. Claiming ignorance is not an admissible defense. For Safety’s Sake, Do Something to prevent an incident or injury from occurring.
Part of a Safety Always culture is to be safe at work, home, and play. School is starting up and we want to remind everyone about taking extra precautions while traveling. Our kids need to be kept safe also! When driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. This will allow for more time to stop once the signal lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children; there are exceptions depending on how many traffic lanes. Please visit http://www.schooltrainingsolutions.com/state-laws/ to find out about lane restriction laws in your state.
Wildfires can happen anywhere! Whether caused by humans or nature, wildfires can start and spread very quickly. If a wildfire started near your home or in an area you are traveling, would you know what to do?
Electrical hazards led to 82 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Electrical Hazards can be defined as a serious hazard that exposes
workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions.
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 7, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management launched a newly redesigned website today. This week, the firm is celebrating 70 years of making clients successful.
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 6, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global architecture, engineering, and construction management firm, is proud to celebrate 70 years in business this coming Wednesday, August 8, 2018.
SSOE was founded in 1948 when structural engineer Al Samborn returned to his hometown of Toledo after completing his military service to start his own engineering firm. Today, the firm has grown into a Top 10 Engineering / Architecture firm (BD+C) with 1,100 employees in 30 global offices across six countries and is one of Ohio’s largest engineering firms.
Struck-by hazards led to 93 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Struck-by Hazards are defined as injuries produced by forcible
contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 3, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their re-certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey.
Caught-in or -between hazards led to 72 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Caught-In or -Between Hazards are defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object.
Fall Hazards led to 384 construction worker deaths in 2016 (38.7% of construction site fatalities). By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Fall Hazards are defined as anything at your work site that could
cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall.
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off. All workers are at risk during a heat wave. Read more
Electric Shock Drowning happens more than we know about.
This is only a small portion of what you need to know. Please visit the websites below for more information. Be empowered, not electrocuted!
Your body depends on water to survive. Every organ, cell, and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. Your body uses water to regulate its temperature, remove toxic substances, and help the absorb essential nutrients. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 18, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management is proud to announce their re-certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey. Read more
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, August 25, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, announced today the acquisition of Birmingham-based architectural firm, The Burell Group (TBG). TBG brings an extensive architectural portfolio to SSOE, continuing the firm’s strategic commitment to growth in the Southeast U.S. Read more
LAGRANGE, Georgia, July 11, 2017 – Sentury Tire, a global advanced-technology tire manufacturer of automotive and aircraft tires, selected SSOE Group, a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, to design its 1.4 million square foot tire manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, June 7, 2016 – SSOE Group, (www.ssoe.com) a global project delivery firm, specializing in engineering, architecture, and construction management is proud to announce their certification as a “Great Workplace” by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. SSOE earned this credential based on exemplary ratings provided by their employees in an anonymous survey. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, January 29, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, was honored this month with the Culture of Health Award by CHC Wellness, an onsite corporate and community provider of health and wellness programs. This award recognizes leadership in raising the level of engagement among employees by creating a culture of health that encourages, supports, and rewards healthy living. SSOE was selected for setting a standard for wellness within their community, displaying a top-down effort that has positively impacted the lives of their employees, and for dedicating considerable efforts to expand participation in their wellness programs.
Read more
LEÓN, Mexico February 14, 2014 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), ranked 10th internationally among Manufacturing Design Firms (ENR, 2013), announced today that they have opened operations in León, Guanajuato, Mexico—their first office in the country. SSOE now has operations in eight countries. Over the next three years, SSOE plans to hire 25-30 individuals to support the León office. SSOE’s expansion into Mexico continues the company’s trajectory of international growth; the firm has added nine offices in new geographic markets in the last three years through both acquisition and organic expansion.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) embarks on an ambitious recycling technology as helium prices go through the roof. Ed Royzman, Principal Engineer at SSOE, tells the story of how a research institution opted to make adaptive changes that not only improves its bottom line but also sets an example for the industry – promising significant long-term returns. His article is featured in the December 2013 article of Laboratory Equipment Magazine.
Concrete pumping is usually the preferred method of delivery of a concrete mix to a job site’s pour. This involves the use of a machine that accepts the concrete from the mixer then places pressure on a large hose to push the concrete through to the point of the pour. Chute delivery uses a series of wide ducts in which concrete slides down to the desired location of the pour. Until the invention of the concrete pump, chutes were used frequently. Today, chute delivery is rarely used in the United States, but is frequently utilized in developing countries where construction equipment is not available. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, July 18, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, today announced the formation of a joint venture with M.E.I. Project Engineers Sdn. Bhd., a multidiscipline EPCM firm. The partnership will bring clients a number of benefits including additional technical resources, a greater scope of technical services, expanded project management systems, as well as increased geographic coverage. The joint venture, known as SSOE & M.E.I. Project Solutions was registered as an entity in Malaysia on December 12, 2012.
Toledo, Ohio, May 31, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm along with their client Volkswagen Group of America is proud to announce that it has received one of eight Grand Awards for Engineering Excellence at the 47th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards—a national juried competition sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The award, presented in honor of the new Volkswagen Assembly Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was presented to SSOE and Volkswagen representatives at an award gala in Washington D.C. on April 23, 2013.
TOLEDO, Ohio, January 14, 2013 – SSOE Group, a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, and Evergreen EDC, a multidiscipline engineering, design, and construction management firm, today announced a merger of the firms. The merger will expand both firms’ geographic reach as well as provide their clients access to enhanced services and resources. The merged entity will operate under the SSOE Group name after a brief transition period.
It’s that time of year again! Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Take this opportunity to address items that will help ensure your safety during the fall and winter months. Read more
The latest Weekly Fatality / Catastrophe Report released by OSHA for the week of August 11, 2012 highlights a disturbing trend. Out of the 26 reported fatalities, 13 were attributed to some sort of a fall. The most recent incident happened in the middle of October at a project located in Tennessee. The project was put on hold to conduct an investigation after two workers from a large construction company were killed in a fall that was caused by faulty scaffolding. Read more
In the October 2012 issue of Utility Products magazine SSOE’s Ed McConnell, PE, discusses how communication, training, and culture changes within an organization can be the solution to minimizing arc flash injuries Read more
The nature of work is changing at whirlwind speeds. According to a recent study commissioned by Regus, a provider of flexible workplace options, almost 50% of workers worldwide reported an increase in stress levels last year! This study also found that stressrelated health conditions account for 75% to 90% of all doctor visits, and that 30% to 50% of new disability benefit claims are attributed to poor mental health. Some statistics suggest that up to 60% to 70% of workplace accidents may be caused or influenced by stress. Read more
When is flu season? Flu season begins in October and runs through May, with peak flu activity in January and February. The best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The vaccine for the 2012-2013 season has arrived at many health providers, clinics, and other dispensing locations. Now is a good time to be vaccinated before the flu season gets started. Read more
Always take a few minutes to review the task at hand before starting any work. Consider how to complete the task safely by using the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment for the job. Take the time to make a Safe Plan of Action (SPA) for every task. STOP is a good formula to follow for all your work, home, and recreational activities. Read more
On Friday August 31, Ohio joined the majority of other states to ban texting while driving. Distracted driving is considered to be any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from their primary task of driving. All distractions endanger the driver, passengers, other drivers, and bystander safety. Read more
Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga, Tennessee production facility is a model of environmental responsibility and sustainability. SSOE integrated these core values into every level of the project, from design through construction. The site includes outbound logistics, an extensive training center, media center, social hall, cafeteria, technical center, tank farm, recycling center, and fire station.
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[accordion title=”Sustainable or Recycled Materials and Resources”]
The buildings are comprised of a concrete and steel infrastructure with an insulated metal skin. Locally extracted and manufactured materials were specifi ed. To the fullest extent possible, wood, cardboard, metal, and concrete were recycled using a local vendor resulting in nearly 78% (4,602 tons) of construction and demolition waste being recycled or salvaged.
48% of total building materials were manufactured using recycled materials.
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By using ASHRAE/IESNA standards to design the energy consuming systems, the team reduced the amount of energy that will be used in both the facility and manufacturing processes by 42%.
On-site renewable energy sources generate a portion of the buildings’ energy needs. The facility will include a solar park to generate energy.
A white, reflective roofing material was installed on 100% of the roof. It refl ects heat resulting in lower cooling costs and energy savings.
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[accordion title=”Site Selection / Sustainable Site”]
Significant time and money was invested in order to prepare the brownfield site— previously a munitions manufacturing and testing site. The team stabilized the soils, mitigated the pollution, and relocated an existing stream. Volkswagen set aside 235 acres as permanent green spaces and reserved additional acreage for native or adapted plants.
An extensive storm water conveyance system consisting of bioswales, vegetative ditches, and culverts acts as the primary storm water management system. Specific plants were planted in the ditches and swales to fi ltrate suspended solids.
To reduce the heat island effect, roller compacted concrete was placed in strategic areas of the parking lots and roadways.
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All exterior lights provide only the minimum lighting required for safety to ensure that light does not spill into the night sky and adversely affect the surrounding nocturnal environments through excessive glare.
Measures to promote environmentally friendly commutes include providing bike racks for visitors and employees, showers and lockers for employee use, and preferred parking for those driving low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and those who carpool.
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[accordion title=”Indoor Air Quality”]
The HVAC system utilizes ASHRAE 62-2004 as its basis. A construction indoor air quality management program was successfully implemented with the support of all contractors working on-site. A stringent low-emitting materials policy is in place to reduce the use of off-gassing materials within the buildings in accordance with LEED indoor environmental credits 4.1–4.4 and 5.and preferred parking for those driving low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and those who carpool.
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Through low-flow water closets and urinals, the plant achieves a 58% reduction in potable water used for sewage conveyance. Additionally, the plant collects rainwater from its roof for use in the sanitary waste system. Low-fl ow showers and faucets further decrease potable water usage. Together, these strategies save more than 3 million gallons of potable water each year.
All grass and plant species on-site are either native or adapted and are drought-resistant, allowing them to survive without a permanent irrigation system.
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To learn more about the VW facility, visit: www.ssoe.com/platinum
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TOLEDO, OH, April 20, 2012 – SSOE Group, an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today the launch of a new blog focused on safety and construction. This blog was launched to promote a culture of safety at SSOE and act as a resource for our clients. It provides timely tips on safety measures. Future entries will address a wide range of topics including safety tips for the construction site, the office, as well as at home.
Challenging. Competitive. Rich with opportunities. From where we sit as a global provider of EPCM services, those words sum up the world’s current economic landscape. Our management team, like yours, studies information on economic trends and their affect on the production of goods and provision of services worldwide. Our expansion plans are all about being wherever our clients want to be. READ MORE
Whether our clients decide to further expand within their home country or break new ground across the globe, increasingly the projects have tight schedules. The most obvious reason is the faster the products can be manufactured, the sooner they can generate revenue. Once the decision is made to develop the facility, time becomes a key factor. As the completion date draws near, every week is measured by production gained or lost. If the facility is to be developed in an unfamiliar location, working with a company that lacks global experience invites delays and missteps. READ MORE
“It’s a small world after all” is proving more and more true – except when selecting a site for a new location across the globe. When a company is faced with finding a site for a new facility thousands of miles and several cultures removed from “home,” the distance factor can seem insurmountable. SSOE’s site selection services neutralize the difficulties this challenge poses. READ MORE
Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga, Tennessee automotive manufacturing campus is featured in Site Selection Magazine’s May 2012 issue. SSOE Group’s Brian Spencer, PE and Louise Schlatter, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C discuss the integration of LEED principles into the design of the 2.7 million SF facility. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, April 2, 2012 – SSOE Group, an international EPCM firm, announces the acquisition of CRS Engineering & Design Consultants, a 50-person mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.
CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design.
Toledo, Ohio, January 23, 2012 – As economists debate the state of the economy and where it’s headed— SSOE Group, a U.S. – based engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is thriving. In recent years, in the heart of what some are calling a mild depression, SSOE maintained profitability and earned its highest revenue numbers ever. In fact, in its 2011 fiscal year, it posted its largest revenue in the company’s 64-year history. This is proof that SSOE is demonstrating some of the growth strategies and simple shifts in mindset that other businesses will likely embrace in order to succeed in today’s economy. For SSOE, a priority in recent years is a shift in international growth, as indicated by the recent acquisition of NKS Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (also known as d-Tech) in Mumbai, India.
Choosing the wrong consultant and especially the wrong property could be detrimental to your project budget and schedule. SSOE provides an overview touching on the important aspects of site selection and the details that will help you make an informed choice on a firm to partner with. In our site selection presentation, we explain our step-by-step process of securing solid ground for your facility, and how our way of working helps save you time, trouble, and money on your project. Read more
Set Up an Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan
In this month’s issue of Chemical Processing, SSOE Group’s Anna Koperczak, Senior Environmental Specialist, discusses the upcoming deadline mandated by the U.S. EPA. In this article Koperczak also breaks down the components of a successful monitoring plan necessary to fulfill this federal regulation. Click the link below to read Anna’s article in Chemical Processing magazine. “Set Up An Effective Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Plan”
Our Senior Environmental Specialist, Anna Koperczak, gives expert advice on how to set up a GHG monitoring plan. Anna has more than 20 years experience preparing environmental permits and helping clients comply with environmental regulations for their facilities and processes. She has utilized her extensive knowledge of reporting and permitting requirements for a variety of clients, including those in the automotive, energy, food, chemical, steel, and refining industries.
View the Q&A below
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| What is it? | In May 2010, the EPA issued a final ruling to increase the major source thresholds for GHGs from 100/250 TPY to 25,000 TPY, effectively “tailoring” the PSD and Title V permit programs to target only “major” GHG sources and major modifications. GHG’s include CO2, N2O, CH4, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. |
| Why does it exist? | To phase in permitting requirements and reduce the number of applications submitted at one time. |
| Who does it affect? | All facilities applying for, renewing, or revising an air quality permit; or facilities that increase their GHG emissions by 75,000 TPY. |
| What’s required? | Phase 1:Permits Issued Jan. 2, 2011 – June 30, 2011
Phase 2: Permits Issued July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2013
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| How does SSOE add value? | SSOE applies its broad knowledge of industrial processes and facilities and full range of services to identify emissions issues before permits are submitted for review. |
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| What is it? | In October 2009, the EPA issued the “Mandatory Reporting of GHGs Rule” that requires industrial facilities to report their GHG data and other relevant information. The Rule is referred to as 40 CFR 98 (or Part 98 Rule).The gases reported include CO2, N2O,and CH4. |
| Why does it exist? | To gain accurate and timely GHG data that will inform future decisions. |
| Who does it affect? | Facilities that emit 25,000 TPY of GHGs, and any of the following facility types:
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| What’s required? | Facilities that exceed thresholds are required to submit annual reports to the EPA. |
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| What is it? | In February 2011, the EPA issued new regulations regarding the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers. |
| Why does it exist? | To regulate the emissions of HAPs, such as HCl, particulate matter, CO, mercury, and dioxins/furans from major sources of HAPs. |
| Who does it affect? | Facilities with boilers that emit at least 10 TPY of any single HAP and/or at least emit 25 TPY of all HAPs. The rule covers new, reconstructed, and existing boilers. |
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| How does SSOE add value? | Experience with various industrial boilers and comprehensive services, qualifies SSOE to identify cause and effect of emissions throughout both facilities and processes and provide integrated solutions. |
A: To begin, you’ll need to identify the sources of GHG emissions in your facility. The obvious places to consider are any combustion sources, boilers and heaters for example, or the actual production of GHGs. Also look at any chemical reactions that emit GHGs.
A: Not necessarily. There are various ways to measure GHGs and you’ll want to determine the most efficient and accurate way for your circumstances. Meters are a common solution. Make sure you use the appropriate meter for the equipment. Consider too that you may already have some metering in place that can be used to measure GHGs. You can use a PLC to gather the information from the meters. Make sure to include the calibration of equipment in your step by step monitoring plan.
Measuring the amount of fuel a piece of equipment uses is another way to calculate the amount of GHGs it emits. Also, the throughput of a piece of equipment can also help you calculate the GHG level.
Another viable option for gathering information is to examine past utility bills and use the reports to determine emission levels over a period of time.
A: You will want to collect your data at a minimum monthly. That way you can see trends in emissions if there are issues.
A: That depends somewhat on the size of the facility(s). I estimate three to four months for identifying the sources, establishing the best monitoring approach, calibrating equipment, and collecting data.
A: You have many options for reducing levels. Among them are converting from coal-fired to natural gas boilers, configuring your process to use fewer, larger boilers (or more small ones), updating older equipment, upgrading processes, recovering waste heat, and installing various types of equipment that reduce emission levels.
We help clients compare these solutions, taking into account the cost of equipment, labor, and maintenance, as well as the results they generate.
A: I think you first have to consider if you have the internal resources to keep abreast of the changing regulations as opposed to an outside resource whose job it is to do so. It is valuable to have the person filing reports know how the EPA wants the information structured and how to compile it efficiently. That comes with experience.
Since understanding current regulations, reporting, monitoring, and permitting require special skills, many companies prefer to use an outside expert rather than increase headcount. Another approach is to use an outside resource to train your staff to do some of the activities—calibrating the monitors and collecting data for example.
A: There is little doubt that the EPA intends to eventually mandate that companies reduce their emissions to meet certain levels, regardless of whether they are seeking permits. As part of this, the emission levels of companies will become public knowledge.
A: I’m advising our clients to consider how public knowledge of their emissions levels will impact all aspects of their business, the public’s perception of their environmental policies, their relationships with partners and vendors, and perhaps sales. Companies should start now to reduce their levels and see this as an opportunity to gain recognition as an environmental leader.
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