SEPTEMBER 2013 the official magazine of CSDA
JAN. 21–24, 2014 FREE REGISTRATION PAGES 21 AND 53 JOIN CSDA AND SAVE! PAGE 62
Skill and Accuracy Help Concrete Polisher Hit the Mark
Polishing Work Helps Jersey Shore Shine Concrete Bridge Pontoons Refurbished The Key to Sustaining Floor Systems
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President’s Page
JUDITH O’DAY CSDA President
T
he health and well-being of employees, and quite possibly that of a business, largely depends on an employer’s awareness and compliance with various rules and regulations. These rules tend to be on a state or federal level, particularly those promulgated by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The ignorance of or failure to comply with regulations can have potentially disastrous results, both physically and financially. CSDA has long been dedicated to advancing the health and safety of member companies and employees. By formulating and offering specific training courses, Best Practices, Standards & Specifications and through its alliance with OSHA, CSDA has made available many opportunities to educate and protect workers while on the jobsite or in the shop. It has become apparent that OSHA will revisit the silica exposure levels previously enacted in its regulation 29CFR 1926 55a. Because silica exposure is a possible hazard on or near any construction site, it is important that the construction industry, and especially CSDA, be intimately involved in the discussion and development of a reasonable permissible exposure level (PEL). A significantly reduced PEL will seriously impact all concrete sawing, drilling, cutting, polishing and removal enterprises. The association is committed to being proactive in this new rule-
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making. A number of years ago, an immense investment of time and effort was made by CSDA Past President Susan Hollingsworth and the association’s Safety Committee. A “silica task force” investigated and documented operator exposure levels for a variety of the services commonly provided by CSDA contractor members. This data was then provided to the members to enable them to better evaluate potential operator exposure levels on any jobsite. Building on this substantial data base, the Safety Committee asked Kellie Vazquez of CSDA member Holes Incorporated in Houston, Texas to spearhead the delivery of a Best Practice to help contractors understand and control silica. The release of this document is imminent and may lead to more documentation on the subject of silica exposure. The association and its members are working to assure that the voice of this niche industry is heard, and that any final rule impacting silica exposure levels—proposed or enacted—is one that is reasonable and will not put contractors at a disadvantage. Rules and regulations are a fact of life. Working to shape the content of those rules is essential. CSDA Board and committee members are out there working hard, not just to benefit the association but the whole industry. Their efforts are very much appreciated and shows what can be achieved through trade associations like CSDA.
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the official magazine of CSDA
CSDA OFFICERS
concrete cases
President, Judith O’Day Terra Diamond Industrial joday@terradiamond.com Vice President, Kevin Baron Western Saw, Inc. kevinb@westernsaw.com Secretary/Treasurer, Mike Orzechowski DITEQ Corporation mikeo@diteq.com Past President, Jim Dvoratchek Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. jimd@hardrockconcretecutters.com Executive Director, Patrick O’Brien Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association pat@csda.org
CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring in 2014)
Bullseye!
6
Kevin Baron Western Saw, Inc. kevinb@westernsaw.com Tim Beckman Cutting Edge Services Corporation beckman@cuttingedgeservices.com Paul DeAndrea DeAndrea Coring & Sawing, Inc. paul@deandreacoring.com Steve Garrison Hilti, Inc. steve.garrison@hilti.com Donna Harris Concrete Renovation, Inc. donna.cri@sbcglobal.net
Surf’s Up
14
Ron Rapper Husqvarna Construction Products ron.rapper@husqvarna.com
CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring in 2015) Ty Conner Austin Enterprise tconner@austin-enterprise.com Matthew Finnigan National Concrete Cutting, Inc. matthewf@nationalconcretecuttinginc.com
Skill and Accuracy Help Concrete Polisher Hit the Mark
Polishing Contractor Makes the Jersey Shore Shine
Pontoon Stays Afloat
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Giant Bridge Sections Refurbished and Re-employed
Mike Greene Greene’s, Inc. mikeg@greenesinc.com Greg Lipscomb Diamond Products Limited glipscomb@diamondproducts.com Sid Kilgore Dixie Diamond Manufacturing skilgore@dixiediamond.com
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What a Relief
36
Core Drilling Aids in Construction of Relief Roadway
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Concrete Openings Magazine Official Magazine of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Volume 22, Number 3 ISSN: 1093-6483 Concrete Openings magazine is published by O’Brien International, Inc., four times each calendar year in March, June, September and December. Editorial contributions are welcomed and advertisements are encouraged. Please contact the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association 100 2nd Avenue South Suite 402N St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel: 727-577-5004 Fax: 727-577-5012 www.csda.org Magazines, newspapers and private individuals are welcome to reproduce, in whole or part, articles published herein provided that acknowledgements are made in the following manner: “Reprinted courtesy of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association, Concrete Openings magazine, Issue Date.” No alterations should be made in the text of any article. Publisher Patrick O’Brien ASSOCIATE Editor Russell Hitchen CONCRETE CASE Contributors Jeffrey Boggs Andy Bowman Robert Fruland David McArthur John van Dyk Editorial Review Committee
c o n t e n t s 12 New Faces, Same Goal
International Association Announces New Member and Officers During Annual Meeting
20 The Business of Business
Putting the “Super” Back in Supervisor
30 Safety Counts
Work Zone Safety: Six Tips for Concrete Sawing and Drilling Professionals
34 Tech Talk
Demolition Robots: Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Electrical Issues
40 Social Media Focus
Is Facebook Right for Business-to-Business Marketing?
42 Polished Perspective
The Key to Sustainability – Part I
46 Core Health
Personalize Your Diet
49 OSHA/CSDA Alliance Latest 50 Industry Bits
Skip Aston Rod Newton Pat Stepenski The information and recommendations in this magazine are provided for use by fully qualified, professional personnel. The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association and the publisher disclaim any responsibility as to their use by readers and shall not be liable for damages arising out of the use of the foregoing information. All bylined articles published in this magazine represent solely the individual opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association.
56 Certification 57 Membership 60 Calendar 64 Director’s Dialogue
46 Cover Photo: Polished concrete at a refridgerated distribution center, Rialto, California.
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Bullseye! Skill and Accuracy Help Concrete Polisher Hit the Mark
The customer had experienced problems with the durability of its existing polished concrete floors.
Surface preparation work was specified at a new 500,000-square-foot distribution center.
systems had been used, but none of them achieved the long-term durability and ease of maintenance sought by the customer. GMI set about investigating various components such as concrete placement, finishing, polishing technique and the use of acid blocker sealers. These investigations led Bowman to Florida, where he examined an existing floor system and evaluated its condition and capabilities. It was important to not only look at the general wear of the surface, which had only been in use for a few months, but also its repellency of etching and staining. By taking time to examine the existing floor system, Bowman was s the customer was the second-largest retailer in the U.S., able to build an accurate model for a series of tests to create an improved, expectations were high. GMI Engineered Products, LLC more robust end product for the new facility. Next, GMI traveled to Ryan of Bluffton, Ohio was designated as the coordinator and Companies’ headquarters in Minneapolis to conduct the tests in front of management company for the polishing work, acting on the general contractor. A concrete slab was poured and a portion of the behalf of the general contractor, Ryan Companies of Minne- company’s shop floor was allocated, giving GMI the opportunity to test apolis, Minnesota. GMI enlisted the help of fellow CSDA member Color on both new and existing concrete surfaces. The new slab was placed Surface of Henderson, Nevada to act as the polishing contractor. to the specifications of the customer, then both test areas were polished. “Our role was to establish the end user’s expectations, make sure they After the desired level of finish was achieved, the specified sealer and acid were achievable and aid the polishing contractor in meeting those expecta- blocker was applied. tions,” said Andy Bowman, engineer and product developer for GMI. Once the floor was prepared and polished, representatives of AmerThe planning of this floor polishing project began in 2011, when Mitch ican Engineering Testing, Inc. (AET) examined the surface to see how the Kittel of Ryan Companies approached GMI looking for a solution to his new floor system fared using tests set by the American Society for Testing customer’s needs. The end user had experience with polished concrete but and Materials (ASTM). AET conducted tests ASTM C779 Abrasion Resiswas not satisfied with the overall sustainability of this floor system, particu- tance and ASTM C156 Water Loss (from a mortar specimen) Through larly its ability to repel chemicals and common spills. Several dry polishing Liquid Membrane-Forming Curing Compounds for Concrete. By passing Sections of a concrete patio were to be removed from the main terminal building.
The construction of a new 500,000-square-foot cold storage food distribution center in Rialto, California called for over 13,000 square feet of concrete surface preparation work. Two CSDA members combined to ensure the work was completed to the satisfaction of the client and hit the proverbial bullseye.
A
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C O N C RETE these tests, it was proven that the floor system met industry standards set for abrasion resistance and the repelling of moisture. The tests were a success, so the new floor system was ready to be used in the field. Discussions were held to determine the best time to apply the polished concrete finish, as this was a large construction project that would take several months or longer to complete. It was agreed that it would be advantageous to the polishing operation if the work could be done before the walls were set in place, but the risk of potential damage to the surface by construction traffic was understood. The decision was made to apply the new system to one of the customer’s facilities in Ohio first, which was already in the construction phase. GMI prepared a 400-square-foot area, half with a normal sealer and the other half with an acid blocker type sealer. The idea was to expose the area to construction traffic and evaluate the performance of each of the two halves, as implementing this new floor system at the front end of the construction phase would create cost savings for the general contractor and customer.
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Approximately 90 days after the test area was created, the interior construction was complete and the results were analyzed. Despite being exposed to heavy traffic, the floor returned to almost 100% of its reflectivity after being cleaned using standard polishing and sealing methods, and it had not lost any clarity. The general contractor was satisfied and agreed that it could be implemented at the front end of the construction schedule at the new facility in Rialto. A project management team for the California facility met with the team from GMI to schedule the polishing work, considering other trades that would be present during the work and the impact the polishing process would have on an accelerated schedule. It was agreed that the floor system would be installed prior to the metal stud framing of the building and drywall was to be left off the walls until the polishing work was completed. It was at this stage that Bowman contacted Robert Fruland of Color Surface, an established contractor with more than eight years polishing experience, to do the work.
A 400-square-foot test area was prepared to test the suitability of a new floor system.
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“We do polishing jobs that are all shapes and sizes, but this was a big one for us. The customer is as big as they get, so we were excited to do the work.” —Robert Fruland of Color Surface
Operators completed a four-step process to refine, densify, polish and seal the concrete surface.
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C O N C RETE “We have worked with Andy for over a year and he has helped us a lot. The work he is doing at GMI is ushering in a new wave of polished concrete,” said Fruland. “We do polishing jobs that are all shapes and sizes, but this was a big one for us. The customer is as big as they get, so we were excited to do the work.” The two CSDA members worked together to perfect the new floor system, with Color Surface using the polishing process on two separate jobs before starting work at the Rialto facility. Work began on July 7, 2013 with epoxy joint filling and minor surface repairs before the contractor initiated the refinement and polishing process. Excess filler was ground down using an 11-kilowatt planetary grinder to produce a clean and level joint. Ensuring the refinement process met the specifications of the customer was the most critical part of the process. Color Surface needed to grind the necessary amount of surface material to remove some of the top layer but avoid exposing the fine aggregate below. It was important to remain in the darker layer of the concrete, as this layer was the optimal hardness for the application. In order to get a floor as flat and level as possible, operators lowered adjacent areas to match the lowest measured area in the space. This became the base grade for the job. Operators used the same planetary grinding machine to remove an approximate 0.2 inches of concrete, covering 650 square feet per hour. To achieve the desired finish for the customer, GMI made modifications to the grinding equipment. New tooling receiver plates were attached that could receive the necessary 10-segment diamond tools for the refinement process. Once all scratches and blemishes were removed by these tools, coupled with the application of a surface refining agent, operators switched to a 5-segment refinement tool to continue the polishing process. This tool is made from natural materials designed to avoid the transfer of spent resins, which if left on the concrete can produce a contaminated surface finish. Even at this stage, the work performed by Color Surface was sufficient to produce a polished floor system of good quality. However, the contractor knew that in order to create the best surface possible and meet the needs of the customer, the rest of Bowman’s suggested polishing process would need to be completed. Operators continued with the refinement process, using the same refining agent but with a another 5-segment tool that would provide the necessary frequency in the concrete for a highly reflective and robust floor. Once the concrete polisher and Bowman were satisfied with the level of refinement, operators applied hydro densifier and hardener to the surface. This product sets on the concrete, providing a tough, dust-proof layer. The floor was then capable of repelling moisture and topical spills, making it a far more durable surface. In total, the team of five from Color Surface worked 10-hour shifts to complete 13,000 square feet of surface preparation and polishing in four days, completing the work on July 11, 2013. The project was completed as planned and the overall costs for the work came in under budget by approx 15%, which pleased the general contractor. For the polishing contractor and GMI, however, the most satisfying aspect of the job was that they were able to maintain a consistent quality of refinement and gloss on the floor. GMI conducted gloss meter tests in several areas of the floor to compare gloss values. The results indicated that the average variance between the areas was within four points and the overall gloss rating was 76, well above the 45 gloss average for this type of surface. and Iwere wererigged very pleased with not the gloss, but the clarity The “Robert cut sections and lifted out byonly a 500-ton crane. on this concrete surface. When a finished floor does not produce clarity, it is usually indicates a high degree of resin transfer and high levels of acrylic and urethane wax in the sealers. We did not encounter these issues on
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Online Training Program
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For more information, visit www.csda.org or call 727-577-5004.
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Color Surface completed 13,000-square-feet of polishing work in four days.
The new floor system produced a gloss rating of 76. this project. The level of production achieved by Color Surface was really great,” said Bowman. From the start, the project was a favorable one for both GMI and Color Surface. The general contractor had a customer that was asking for a better product and had a clear idea of what was to be achieved. This presented GMI with an opportunity to eliminate parts of the process that would not produce the desired results, as this can be a lengthy process if the customer’s expectations are not made clear. Having worked with the general contractor previously and built a good level of trust, GMI was able to relay accurately to Color Surface the needs of the customer. The result was a quality end product that met the expectations of all parties. “The preconstruction through installation services provided by GMI and Color Surface, together with their quality control practices, are unmatched by any group I have previously worked with. They not only
provided a product to the customer, but an educational experience. The process used on this project will now serve as a best practice for future jobs,” said Luke Martin, project manager for Ryan Companies. The customer’s 500,000-square-foot Rialto facility remains on course to be completed in June 2014 and will serve as a fully refrigerated distribution center for the southwest region of the U.S.
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM
Company Profile
Resources
Color Surface, based in Henderson, Nevada, is a new CSDA member for 2013. The company has been in business for 12 years and has support locations in Arkansas and Kentucky. Color Surface offers the concrete surface preparation services of epoxy coating, acid staining, stamped coating and general polishing work. The company has four trucks, five operators and services Nevada and its surrounding states.
General Contractor: Ryan Companies
GMI Engineered Products, LLC became a CSDA member in 2012 and is based in Bluffton, Ohio. Established in 1999, the company offers the services of concrete grinding, polishing and consultation work for polished concrete floor systems. GMI also supplies chemicals and tooling for surface preparation and polishing projects. Andy Bowman is the lead instructor of CSDA’s Concrete Polishing training class and contributes regular articles to Concrete Openings.
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Polishing Contractor: Color Surface Henderson, Nevada Phone: 702-303-7149 Email: colorsurface@me.com Website: www.colorsurface.com Project Coordinator: GMI Engineered Products, LLC Bluffton, Ohio Phone: 419-408-5906 Email: abowman@gmiengineeredproducts.com Website: www.gmiengineeredproducts.com Methods Used: Concrete Polishing
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New Faces, Same Goal
International Association Announces New Member and Officers During Annual Meeting
For more details of the Diamond Award ceremony and the industry-related seminars, read the June 2013 Concrete Openings article via the Archives section of www.concreteopenings.com. The next IACDS annual meeting will be held June 12–14, 2014 in Madrid, Spain in conjunction with the European Demolition Association’s annual conference. For more information about IACDS, or to download some of the technical documents produced by the association, visit www.iacds.org.
IACDS 2013 Officers (from left to right): Norikazu Shibuya (Vice President), Jose Blanco (outgoing President), Lars Sandstrom (President) and Julie White (Vice President).
Concrete sawing and drilling professionals from all over the world met April 22 in Munich, Germany to discuss the global status of the industry, make plans for the future and elect new leaders. The 18th Annual General Meeting of the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers (IACDS) brought together 35 representatives from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Japan, Liechtenstein, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Outgoing IACDS President Jose Blanco of Spain’s Association of Technical Demolition Cutting & Drilling, opened proceedings and was pleased to introduce a new national association to the IACDS membership. Russia’s National Association of Concrete Drilling & Sawing (NACDS) was formed last year in Moscow to represent sawing and drilling professionals. Andrey Kossolapov was elected president of the Russian association and represented NACDS during the Munich meeting. Having fulfilled his two-year term as IACDS President, Blanco stepped down and the delegates began the process of electing a new president and two vice presidents.
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Former vice president Lars Sandstrom of Sweden now assumes the role of president, while Julie White of the U.K. joins Japan’s Norikazu Shibuya as vice president until the 2015 election. In addition to the elections, attendees discussed the success of the 2013 Diamond Award ceremony and the association’s series of industry-related seminars, both of which took place at the bauma 2013 exhibition and trade show three days prior to the meeting.
The International Association of Concrete Drillers & Sawers is an international trade association of sawing and drilling associations from the concrete construction and renovation industry. Its mission is to provide an international union and cooperation of trade associations to support and promote professional development of professional sawing and drilling contractors and their methods. This umbrella organization of sawing and drilling associations formed in 1995 is composed of the associations from Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Andrey Kossolapov, the president of Russia’s new national association, introduced the organization to the delegates.
Pre-Convention Agenda Wednesday, March 12
CSDA 2014 Convention and Tech Fair
Convention Agenda
March 13–15, 2014 Tuscon, Arizona
Tuesday, March 11
Committee Meetings
CSDA Board Meeting and Golf Tournament
Thursday, March 13 Opening Session, Presentations and President’s Reception Friday, March 14 Roundtables, Tech Fair and Manufacturers’ Night Saturday, March 15 Presentations, Annual Business Meeting and Gala Dinner Room Reservation Deadline Hotel Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa February 3, 2014 Note: Rates are available three days prior and three days 3800 East Sunrise Drive after the convention on a space-available basis. Tucson, AZ 85718 Airline Info Hotel Reservations The Tucson International Airport (TUS) Tel: 570-742-6000 is located just 30 minutes and about 18 miles from the Resort and is serviced Room Rates by all major airlines. Rental car services $199/night (Single or Double) are available at the airport. Group Code: CSDA
100 2nd Avenue South • Suite 402N • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • Tel: 727-577-5004 • www.csda.org w ww. c o n c re te ope n in gs.com
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Polishing Contractor Makes the Jersey Shore Shine
Polishing operators restored a concrete floor damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
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The surf shop had 5,600 square feet of concrete flooring that needed treating with refining chemicals and equipment.
This May, a CSDA member was given the opportunity to help return a Jersey Shore surf shop to its former glory after a natural disaster caused extensive damage. The task was to rehabilitate 5,600 square feet of concrete flooring to produce a smooth, polished surface in time for the store’s grand reopening.
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urricane Sandy caused a trail of destruction from Jamaica to Maine and left much of the New Jersey shoreline destroyed when it made landfall in late October 2012. It was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season and the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, costing over $65 billion dollars to date. As Sandy moved up the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, winds reached speeds of 115 miles per hour and the effects could be felt as far away as Wisconsin. Farias Surf and Sport was one of the thousands of New Jersey businesses affected by Sandy. Established in 1969, the company sells surf boards, beach wear, kayaks and skateboards. Farias has stores in Beach Haven and Surf City, but it was the company’s flagship location in Ship Bottom that was hardest hit during the hurricane. The store was opened in 1983 and underwent a rebuild in 2007. This new building avoided total destruction by Hurricane Sandy but required some renovations before it could reopen.
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The business owner wanted a floor surface that was highly durable and easy to maintain. The Ship Bottom store is situated very close to the shore line, so there is heavy foot traffic from beachgoers who bring in sand and salt water on their footwear—two elements that can cause damage to most floors over time. It was decided that the best option was to polish the 5,600-square-foot concrete floor to produce a hard-wearing, yet aesthetically appealing surface for customers and staff. The floor was damaged as Hurricane Sandy blew through the Jersey Shore, so this was an ideal opportunity to refurbish a surface that, if maintained properly, would last for many years. Farias Surf and Sport approached New Jersey-based CSDA member Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. to do the work. The CSDA Certified Company set up a polishing division in 2006 to expand its range of services, and was more than capable of meeting the expectations of the customer. “One of the most important parts of planning a concrete polishing job, is managing the expectations of the customer,” said Jeff Boggs, Atlantic Concrete Cutting’s project manager for the job. “We did two separate test areas at Farias before a quote was even submitted, as we wanted the store owner to be aware of potential issues like imperfections and color variations. It was crucial that he understood not only our capabilities, but also the limitations of the surface itself.” First, the concrete polishing team from Atlantic Concrete Cutting had to prepare the work area. All walls of the store were covered and sealed with rosin paper to protect them from slurry. Next, a CRMX surface refining agent supplied by GMI Engineered Products was applied to the concrete floor. This agent was applied to aid in the removal of scratches and helped achieve a high level of clarity in the finished floor. This particular agent also contained an encapsulator that separated water from the by-product produced during the refinement process. This meant that all waste material could be classified as solid waste. With the surface refined, an operator began the grinding the floor with a 10-segment metal bond diamond tool. This type of surface preparation tool produces a more aggressive grind to remove coatings, eliminate scratches and expose aggregate. It is generally used in the first stage of the grinding and polishing process. The operator covered the whole floor area and prepared for the next phase of the refinement process.
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The process included the use of 5-segment refinement tools to produce a scratch-free surface.
It was then time to switch to a 5-segment refinement tool. This tool is made from natural materials and is designed to not transfer spent resins in the concrete surface, as they can cause contaminated finishes. The refinement tool was used to produce a scratch-free surface. At this stage, the floor could have been sealed but would not have produced the quality finish sought by the contractor and customer. Therefore, an additional step was included. The application of an additional 5-segment refinement tool provided a frequency in the concrete that was both tight and reflective. Once the floor was prepared, it was cleaned with an auto-scrubber to remove impurities and covered with a CRMX hydro densifier. This chemical hardener was applied in liquid form to dustproof the concrete with nano-sized particles. It was applied to keep moisture and common spills suspended on the surface of the concrete much longer than untreated surfaces. It also improved the abrasion resistance and durability of the floor. Burnishing equipment was used with sealing agents to provide a spill-proof floor that can repel moisture. w ww. c o n c re te ope n in gs.com
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The floor was completed in under a week and the store reopened in May 2013. The covering was then left overnight to dry before the polishing team returned to burnish the floor the next day. A propane-powered burnisher with a 27-inch-diameter tool was used to polish the surface, giving the concrete a shiny finish that was then covered with a sealing agent. The sealant was added to produce an ultra-hard, watertight and dust repellent surface that was chemical resistant. This was important because the floor would be exposed to high consumer traffic, spills and abrasions once completed. The operator finished the job by doing one last high-speed burnish of the floor. The polishing team used an 11-kilowatt floor grinder and a walkbehind auto scrubber, which were powered by a 60-kilowatt, 480-volt generator. All diamond tooling and chemicals were supplied by GMI Engineered Products, while burnishing pads were supplied by Norton Pro Diamond. The contractor was able to complete the 5,600-square-foot job over a period of six days with less than 90 man hours, finishing on time and within budget. “We are very satisfied with our polished concrete floor. It really works well with the open layout of our store and looks super clean. We have very high traffic in our store and it requires low maintenance. Being at the beach, we wanted the floor to be beautiful and versatile. We think this floor accomplishes both,” said Brian Farias, owner of Farias Surf and Sport. As parts of the Jersey Shore continue to be rebuilt, Farias’ Ship Bottom store reopened toward the end of May and business is returning to this local company. Atlantic Concrete Cutting has helped to put some of the shine back in the shore and is riding the wave of its success. Surf’s up! REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM
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Company Profile Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. has been a CSDA member for 22 years and is based in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Support operations are located in Totowa, New Jersey and Spring City, Pennsylvania. The company has been in business since 1991 and has 24 operators and 31 trucks, and offers the services of core drilling, wall sawing, wire sawing, flat sawing, curb sawing, sawing and sealing, highway and bridge deck diamond grinding, sawcut grooving, grinding and polishing, selective demolition and ground penetrating radar. Atlantic Concrete Cutting Inc. is a CSDA Certified Company and a CSDA Certified Operator company with DBE / WBE certifications issued by numerous state agencies and authorities.
Resources Customer: Farias Surf and Sport Polishing Contractor: Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. Mount Holly, New Jersey Phone: 609-261-7200 Email: jboggs@atlanticconcretecutting.com Website: www.atlanticconcretecutting.com Methods Used: Concrete Polishing
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The Business of Business
Putting the “Super” Back in Supervisor: OSHA’s Attempt to Make Hourly Employees Supervisors By Mark A. Lies II & Kerry M. Mohan
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n order to establish a violation, OSHA must prove a critical element—employer knowledge—which is typically shown with evidence that a supervisor or foreman “knew or should have known” of the violation. Because employers know (as well as OSHA) that supervisors cannot possibly be present at every location all the time to observe employee conduct, OSHA has attempted to expand employer knowledge by claiming that hourly employees are “supervisors” under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). This is simply because one hourly employee may temporarily direct one of his or her less senior co-workers, even if this hourly employee lacks any authority to hire, fire or discipline the other employees. Based on this interpretation, OSHA has increasingly begun to claim that an hourly employee is a temporary “super-
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visor” in every instance where two employees are working together, because one is able to tell the other what to do. This article addresses OSHA’s increasing attempt to claim hourly employees as supervisors to issue more citations, and how it may conflict with a recent Supreme Court decision limiting who “supervisors” may be under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”) involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, another entity within the U.S. Department of Labor.
Employer Knowledge The OSH Act and regulations promulgated by OSHA do not impose strict liability. Employers are not liable under the Act or a particular OSHA standard simply because a
violative condition exists or an accident has occurred. An OSHA citation can only be upheld if OSHA proves the employer either knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, of the presence of the violative condition. Because many employers are corporations, it may be difficult to determine what a corporation “knows.” Case law involving OSHA citations, therefore, has established a general rule that the actual or constructive knowledge of an employer’s foreman or supervisor can be imputed to the employer. In other words, if OSHA can prove that a supervisor or foreman knew, or with the exercise of reasonable diligence could have known, that a violative condition exists, OSHA can satisfy the employer knowledge element of its burden of proof in a contested case.
Who is a Supervisor or Foreman? According to OSHA Review Commission precedent, “[a]n employee who has been delegated authority over other employees, even if only temporarily, is considered to be a supervisor for purposes of imputing knowledge to an employer.” M.C. Dean, Inc., 23 O.S.H. Cas. (BNA) 1800, 1803 (O.S.H.R.C. 2011); Diamond Installations Inc., 21 O.S.H. Cas. (BNA) 1688, 1690 (O.S.H.R.C. 2006). Thus, it is not the employee’s title or compensation structure that controls whether (s)he is a supervisor, but whether, in substance, the employee is empowered to direct other employees on behalf of the employer. Under this broad rule, even hourly employees assigned to be a “lead” for a day could be considered part of management for purposes of imputing knowledge to the employer. Such was the case for M.C. Dean (“Dean”). On August 17, 2009, a journeyman electrician from Dean fell through a skylight on a warehouse roof and suffered fatal injuries. Following this accident, OSHA cited Dean, alleging that Dean also failed to properly guard the skylight. Dean argued that because all of its three journeyman electricians working at the site were hourly employees, the company could have had no knowledge of any potentially hazardous condition that they encountered on the roof, and the OSHA citation should be vacated. The Administrative Law Judge rejected the company’s argument, finding that one of the hourly journeyman electricians was, in fact, a “supervisor.” The Judge found that the journeyman electrician in question had been assigned as the “lead” for the day of the accident, and had been delegated the ability to control the method and manner in which he performed the assigned tasks, as well as the ability to assign tasks to the other journeymen. Ultimately, the Judge found that Dean had delegated supervisory authority to the journeyman electrician for the day of the accident, and that his knowledge of the potentially hazardous condition was properly imputed to the employer. Dean appealed the decisions of the Administrative Law Judge and Review Commission to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Eleventh Circuit upheld the Review Commission’s decision, finding that the “lead” had sufficient supervisory authority to qualify as a supervisor. M.C. Dean, Inc. v. Secretary of Labor, 505 Fed. Appx. 929, 934-35 (11th Cir. 2013). The Eleventh Circuit also found that even though the “lead” employee lacked the ability to hire, fire or discipline other employees, that was not dispositive as to his supervisory status.
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T H E bu s i n e s s o f bu s i n e s s The Supreme Court Limits “Supervisors” Under TiTle VII To Individuals Who Can Hire, Fire And Discipline OSHA’s increasing attempts to claim hourly employees as supervisors may run in conflict with a recent Supreme Court decision in Vance v. Ball State Univ., 2013 U.S. LEXIS 4703 (U.S. June 24, 2013). In Vance, decided on June 24, 2013, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of who can be considered a “supervisor” under Title VII, which prohibits employers from discriminating and harassing employees based on race, sex and several other characteristics. Under Title VII, an employer can be held strictly liable for a supervisor’s harassment of a subordinate. Thus, an employer’s ability to defend itself from a harassment claim can rest on whether the alleged harasser is or is not a supervisor. In Vance, the Supreme Court found that the term “supervisor” encompasses only management-level employees who have the ability to effect “’a significant change in employment status, such as hiring, firing, failing to promote, reassignment with significantly different responsibilities or a decision causing a significant change of benefits.’”. In so holding, the Court expressly rejected the EEOC’s definition of “supervisor” and held that “supervisor” status is equated with the ability to exercise “significant direction over another’s daily work.”
How Vance May Affect OSHA’s Interpretation of Supervisor Although the Vance decision addressed a different statute than the OSH Act, the Supreme Court’s logic seemingly applies to OSHA. Similar to the EEOC in Vance, OSHA attempts to make hourly employees supervisors on the mere fact they may direct or assign less senior employees, even if such employee has no authority to hire, fire or discipline the other employees. The Supreme Court, however, affirmatively rejected the EEOC’s approach, which raises the question whether the Supreme Court would strike down OSHA’s definition of “supervisor.” Until more employers continue to challenge OSHA’s approach to Federal circuit courts (and potentially the Supreme Court), the question of who is a “supervisor” for OSHA remains unclear.
Implications of OSHA’s Attempt to Make Hourly Employees “Supervisors” The troubling thing about OSHA’s claim that hourly employees can be considered “supervisors,” is that it may act differently during an inspection. Under existing case authority, the employer has a right to be present for interviews of management representatives,
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but not for hourly employee interviews. Thus, during the inspection, OSHA may claim that an employee is hourly to prevent the employer from being present during the interview, but then later claim that the employee was a supervisor based on what (s)he said during that exact same interview. This conduct by OSHA during its inspection is an example of the difficult quandary into which OSHA can place an employer on deciding how to respond: On the one hand, if the “lead” employee is an hourly employee, he would have the right to be voluntarily interviewed by the OSHA inspector in private (although any employee has the right to have another individual of their selection present for the interview), but his knowledge of an alleged hazard could not be imputed to the employer. On the other hand, if the “lead” employee is a management employee, his knowledge could be imputed to the employer, but his interview would have to be held in the presence of counsel or another management representative at the employer’s election. Thus, employers must be aware that they cannot rely on an inspector’s representation that a particular employee will not be considered as part of management during the interview process, and that the employer may have to assert its rights or they are waived. Accordingly, it is recommended that all employers carefully evaluate the degree to which they delegate authority to a shift “lead,” “field supervisor” or other hourly employees and consider the following: • In assigning a shift “lead” who is an hourly employee, ensure that the individual is fully trained to inspect the worksite, identify potentially hazardous conditions and report any such conditions immediately to management. On construction sites, this individual would be the “competent person.” • Consider alternatives to assigning a shift “lead,” such as assigning a management point person to direct the method and manner of the work with input from field personnel as the job progresses. • When assigning a shift “lead” who is an hourly employee, delegate specifically rather than broadly. Instead of giving the “lead” person a general instruction to “get the job done safely,” give specific instructions as to the method and manner in which the job is to be done, i.e., specific practices to be followed or equipment to be used to limit the assertion that the employee has general supervisory authority. • In the event of an OSHA inspection, ensure that the inspector is immediately directed
to a management point person instead of the informal shift “lead.” If the OSHA inspector remotely infers or somehow states that a shift “lead” is a supervisor, then the employer should insist on having legal counsel and/or another management representative present during any interviews with the “lead.” Ask OSHA to commit to its position in writing and if the inspector will not do so, which is likely, then the employer must memorialize in writing what the inspector represented. • If OSHA considers an hourly employee to be a member of management, legal counsel and/or another management representative have the right to attend the employee’s interview. If the inspector refuses to permit legal counsel or other members of management to attend the interview, the employer may refuse to allow the interview to proceed until legal counsel is consulted or the Area Director is called to address the issue. • If the employer decides to allow the interview to proceed, notify the inspector in writing that the interview is being allowed “under protest,” and that the employer will object to the introduction of any evidence obtained during the interview. If the employer carefully assesses the status and responsibilities of each of its employees prior to an OSHA interview and asserts its rights to be present at the interview, if warranted, the employer can avoid a potential waiver of its rights and the prospect of an unrepresented employee making binding admissions of legal liability during an OSHA interview.
Mark A. Lies II is a labor and employment law attorney and partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago, Illinois. He specializes in occupational safety and health law and related employment law and personal injury litigation. In addition, Seyfarth Shaw has assisted CSDA members by holding presentations and moderating roundtable discussions at annual conventions. He can be reached at 312-460-5877 or at mlies@seyfarth.com.
Kerry M. Mohan is an associate with Seyfarth Shaw. His practice focuses on occupational safety and health, traditional labor matters, and related employment law and civil litigation. Kerry can be reached at 312-460-5659 or at kmohan@seyfarth.com.
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Pontoon Stays Afloat Giant Bridge Sections Refurbished and Re-employed
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The 720-foot-long concrete pontoon needed to be cut in half.
C O N C RETE
C A SES
Early in 2013, a concrete cutter in Vancouver,
Canada was contracted to help give a 720-footlong pontoon bridge a new lease on life. The globe-trotting 14-foot-tall, 50-foot-wide section of reinforced concrete had originally been cut from a bridge in the United States before being bought and transported north to British Columbia. Now, the pontoon was scheduled to travel even further, but to do so needed to be cut into two pieces.
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ack in May 2009, the Hood Canal Bridge in the Puget Sound region of Washington State was shutdown for a period of 45 days while pontoon sections were cut, removed and replaced. Regular readers of Concrete Openings may remember that the wire sawing of these sections was done by CSDA member Cutting Edge Services of Batavia, Ohio [December 2009 cover story]. Tim Beckman, owner of Cutting Edge Services, learned where the cut sections were headed and contacted fellow CSDA member, John van Dyk of Canadian Cutting & Coring Ltd., about the potential job opportunity. “Tim had been contacted by Seagate Pontoons, the company that purchased the cut sections, to find out how to best to split a 720-foot pontoon in half,” explained van Dyk. “We had previously met at CSDA events, so Tim contacted my company to see if we could provide the cutting services for this project. Based on his company’s wire sawing work, he was able to provide layouts and suggest cutting methods to successfully deliver the contract.” Seagate Pontoons had been selling other pontoon sections from the Hood Canal Bridge for use as breakwaters and marinas in other parts of British Columbia and Alaska. However, this particular section was to be refurbished and re-employed as a wharf at a barge loading facility on Melville Island, a remote island off the northern coast of Australia. The buyers of the pontoon, Teras Cargo Transport, found it was more economical to have Seagate purchase, refurbish and transport it to this remote location than construct a new wharf on site.
Operators made four 15-foot-deep core holes for diamond wire runs. Prior to shipping the pontoon to its new owners, a series of tasks had to be completed that included the removal of the parapet walls, the placement of a new concrete topping and the installation of bollards and fenders. However, none of these tasks could be completed until the pontoon was cut into two 360-foot-long halves. This was crucial, as the whole pontoon could not be transported by ship due to its size and weight. The pontoon was situated in Vancouver where it was dry docked, and time was limited. The concrete section was only allocated seven days in the dock because the dock owners had fishing
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Hood Canal Bridge Project In May 2009, CSDA member Cutting Edge Services Corp. cut and removed floating pontoons from the 7,269-foot-long Hood Canal Bridge, the world’s thirdlargest floating bridge. For those who may have missed it the first time around, the December 2009 Concrete Openings cover story is still available to read online. To view this issue, or any other previous ones published, visit www.concreteopenings.com and click on Archives.
Cutting the pontoon into two 360-foot sections would allow it to be transported to its new owners.
vessels scheduled to arrive the following week to get ready for the start of fishing season in Alaska. Despite the limited dry dock time given to the pontoon owner, the location was to the contractor’s advantage. Wire sawing the pontoon in the water had been considered, but would have presented a more challenging environment for the control and containment of slurry and would have made access to the underside of the pontoon more difficult. Therefore, sawing on dry land was a safer and more convenient option. Alternative methods for the removal of the parapet walls had also been suggested, but jackhammering would have required repairs to spalled areas and the edges would have required formwork for the new concrete topping. First, the team from Canadian Cutting & Coring Ltd. set about cutting the 720-foot-long pontoon in two. In order to cut through the 50-footwide, 15-foot-tall cross section with a wire saw, operators had to create four 2-inch-diameter core holes 15 feet deep at 10-foot intervals across the top width of the structure. Core drills were supplied by Diamond Products and Shibuya Company, which were used in 12-inch intervals to create one 15-foot-deep hole. This allowed the pontoon to be cut in half with a series of five pull cuts using a Hilti WS-15 wire saw and 100-foot lengths of diamond wire supplied by Cyclone Diamond Products and Multiquip. Each 150-square-foot pull cut took approximately 10 hours to complete, which consisted of setup and actual cutting time. This was preceded by two days of core drilling to create the necessary holes for the diamond wire runs. Next, the cutting contractor was tasked with cutting and removing the parapet walls from along the top edges of the pontoon sections. The
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concrete walls measured 3 feet tall, 9 inches wide and ran along each 360-foot edge of the two structures. Operators track mounted a WS 463 hydraulic wall saw on one wall and a WS 482 electric wall saw on the other, both supplied by Husqvarna, fitted with 18-inchdiameter blades from Cyclone Diamond Products and Husqvarna. The walls were cut parallel to the deck, leaving a 5-inch-tall lip that would act as a form edge for the new concrete topping. Operators cut 1,520 feet of concrete in 12 shifts by cutting 30-foot-long sections and removing each one by crane.
Wall saws were used to remove 3-foot-tall, 9-inch-thick concrete parapet walls.
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A demolition robot fitted with a modified attachment was used to scrape objects off the underside and side faces of the pontoon. The last task for Canadian Cutting & Coring was to clean marine growth from the underside of the cut pontoon sections. A sharpened steel plate was fabricated and welded to the tip of a breaker to create a scraping tool. The tool was attached to the arm of a Brokk 90 demolition robot and an operator began to scrape barnacles and other crustaceans from the structures. The underside of the pontoons had been positioned on supports 5 feet off the deck of the dry dock, so the Brokk was ideal for this limited amount of headroom. After the undersides were clear, the operator needed a longer reach to scrape the 15-foot-tall sides of the sections, so a Brokk 180 was used. This work was done at the same time as the cutting work and took five shifts to complete, clearing over 60,000 square feet of surface area. In total, Canadian Cutting & Coring performed 750 square feet of wire sawing, over 1,500 linear feet of wall sawing and core drilled 60 feet of holes on the pontoon sections in addition to the scraping and cleaning work. All work was completed as specified and within the required time frame. Thanks to the efficient and well-planned work of the cutting contractor, Seagate Pontoons was able to deliver two refurbished cut pontoon sections to their new owners in Australia as scheduled. “Our strength lies in performing sophisticated cutting and removal projects, so I’m pleased that we could deliver on this job,” said van Dyk. “Had it REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM
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not been for my CSDA connections, I may not have heard about the Hood Canal Bridge pontoons or the refurbishment work being done by Seagate. This is certainly a benefit of being in an association that encourages peerto-peer contact,” he concluded.
Company Profile Acquired by John van Dyk in 2002, Canadian Cutting & Coring Ltd. is based in Vancouver, British Columbia and has been a CSDA member for 10 years. The company also has a support location in Victoria and services the whole provence of British Columbia. With 12 operators and eight trucks, Canadian Cutting & Coring offers the concrete cutting services of core drilling, wall sawing, wire sawing, flat sawing, selective demolition and GPR imaging.
Resources Customer: Seagate Pontoons Sawing and Drilling Contractor: Canadian Cutting & Coring Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Phone: 604-420-5250 Email: info@concretecutting.ca Website: www.canadiancuttingcoring.com Methods Used: Core Drilling, Wall Sawing, Wire Sawing
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Safety CountS
Work Zone Safety: Six Tips for Concrete Sawing and Drilling Professionals By Bob Kreuzer
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hile maintaining a safe work environment is a priority for businesses in the concrete cutting industry, those that operate on roadways face a unique set of safety-related risks. From dangerous equipment, like core drills, wire and slab saws, to speeding vehicles and unforgiving weather conditions, those working to build or repair the country’s streets and highways face a number of challenges to their personal safety. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reinforce the fact that work zones on streets and highways are fraught with safety-related risks. According to the DOT, there were more than 37,000 injuries in roadway work zones and more than 500 fatalities in the most recent year reported. This equates to one work zone injury every 14 minutes, which is around four people every hour or 96 per day. While communications around safety in work zones are commonplace in the construction industry—with events like The Association of General Contractors’ National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week or CSDA’s monthly Toolbox Safety Tips—the practice of maintaining and operating proper safety standards on work zone projects in other industries is important as well. Even if the work zone is managed by a higher tier contractor, it is essential to discuss your safety plans with them and communicate to employees to help them stay safe. The six tips that follow can help concrete sawing and drilling contractors establish risk management strategies to improve the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians in highway work zones when road improvements are under way.
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advised to notify them in advance to review the Traffic Control Plan and help set expectations for the project.
Slow Down Traffic
Establish a Traffic Control Plan All concrete cutting businesses should have a written Traffic Control Plan for each road and highway project. The plan should be based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devises (MUTCD) or state requirements, which ever is more stringent, and can serve as the foundation for safety within the entire work zone operation. Numerous factors contribute to the complexity of safety protocols within a Traffic Control Plan, including: the volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic within the specific work zone area; the road or highway makeup and geographic area of the construction project. It is important to note, however, that effective Traffic Control Plans should depict the sequence of construction operation(s), the construction to be performed and the movements of traffic during each phase of construction. Also, when police officers are mandated by municipalities to be onsite, the contractor is
It may seem obvious, but the best way to improve worker safety is to slow down traffic. The signage placed in the advanced warning area can help to accomplish this. Just as billboards alert drivers to restaurants and attractions further down the road, so does signage that calls attention to potential hazards created by upcoming work zones. The MUTCD will contain information related to the advanced warning area and provide tips on how to strategically place signage in ways that help prevent traffic jams close to the work zone. In some cases, contractors may also have to consult with state and local authorities to ensure they are abiding by standards mandated by a municipality. Such standards pertain to speed, roadway conditions and driver behaviors. In addition, it is important that contractors use properly equipped vehicles to slow traffic when larger, slow moving pieces of equipment need to access the roadway from the job site.
Create Barriers The type of warning signs and barriers used between traffic and the work zone is vital to the safety of individuals operating within a highway work zone. Barriers typically include cones and barrels, while warning signs may include diamond-shaped orange signs, flashing arrow panels or “lane closed ahead” signs, which are posted in advance of road construction projects, as well as a “flagger ahead” warning sign, which is posted within the work zone. While warning signs and barriers certainly help motorists keep a safe distance from
workers, they ultimately provide little protection against vehicles that accidently drive into the work area. It is recommended that the supervisors and contractors working on highway projects be vigilant of vehicles passing through to prevent a potentially serious risk to their safety.
Stay Visible Employees are encouraged to wear highly visible apparel within work zones. Depending on the time of day, a contractor’s clothing will vary. During the day, it is advised that they wear bright colors, such as lime green or yellow. At night, however, individuals should wear retro reflective gear so that vehicle headlights enable motorists to see them well before entering a work zone. While these precautions can certainly help prevent an accident from occurring, in the event that one does occur, the supervisor of the project should immediately start an investigation. A prompt notification to the firm’s insurance carrier, as well as proper documentation of the work zone setup using video cameras or pictures, is also recommended.
Enforcement Comes from the Top Senior management plays an important role in setting safety protocols and making sure they are maintained throughout the lifecycle of a street or highway project. While working in a 100% work zone safe environment is an industry-wide challenge due to the nature of the work, managers or owners often have the ability to cultivate an environment that values work zone safety. Senior management teams should ask the following: Are general work zone safety standards and more specific ones for employees operating on highways in place? If so, are employees regularly reminded to work within those safety standards? Additionally, are projects being supervised appropriately and are those supervisors demonstrating the company’s values about safety? Is the company’s Traffic Control Plan being enforced? A Traffic Control Plan is most effective when it is communicated regularly to employees. Prior to beginning any project, senior management should make sure employees understand the plan and their roles in executing it flawlessly. Employees should know the sequence of operation(s), the work to be performed and the movements of traffic during each phase of construction, as well as how and to whom to communicate an emergency or problem should one arise.
Tap Advisors for Advice Owners of concrete cutting businesses can benefit from consulting with insurance professionals, agents, attorneys, accountants
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or other business owners in the field before setting plans for highway and/or roadway operations. Each can offer invaluable advice about communicating work zone safety protocols to employees and managing risks while highway projects are taking place. For example, such advice could include insight on the best times of day for contractors to begin and end road work, as well as tips on how to reinforce aspects of a Traffic Control Plan. Whether projects involve road surfaces, parking lots or other construction work, now is a good time to review work zone protocols to make sure there is a focus on safety. Taking these six steps can go a long way in helping to
www.apgen.com christina@apgen.com bobe@apgen.com
keep motorists, pedestrians and workers safe as road and highway work continues to increase in the months ahead. Bob Kreuzer is the second vice president of Travelers Construction Risk Control. He had previously worked in the construction industry for a large construction management firm, overseeing various risk management programs including claims management and safety operations. Currently, Kreuzer has responsibility for construction risk control, where more than 85 risk control consultants dedicate time to the construction business unit. Bob can be reached at 800-328-2189 or by email at rkreuzer@travelers.com.
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The Husqvarna WS 482 HF wall saw - want to make an entrance?
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The Husqvarna WS 482 HF wall saw boasts more power, a larger blade capacity (63") and the best powerto-weight ratio on the market. The saw features a powerful, water-cooled electric motor, which generates an impressive 25 hp to the bladeshaft. Its two-speed gearbox delivers a wide RPM range to handle blades at their optimal performance level. In addition to its powerful motor, the saw is operated by radio remote control. This allows total control of the sawing process and freedom to move around the workplace. Power and control enable the WS 482 HF to handle many different applications.
HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS 17400 West 119th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66061 • T 800-288-5040 • F 800-825-0028 • www.husqvarnacp.com 2077 Bond Street • North Bay, Ontario P1B 4V6 • T 800-461-9589 • F 800-825-0028 • www.husqvarnacp.ca Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ.). All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB (publ.).
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Tech Talk Tech Talk is a regular feature of Concrete Openings magazine, focusing on equipment, maintenance and technical issues of interest to concrete cutting, polishing and imaging contractors. Readers wishing to have a particular subject addressed can call or email CSDA with their suggestions at 727-577-5004 or rhitchen@concreteopenings.com.
Demolition Robots: Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Electrical Issues By Lars Lindgren
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emolition robots can be likened to fire engines. When one is needed, it is usually for a highly critical, timesensitive job where nothing else will do—not the ideal time for a breakdown. Over the years, these machines have been somewhat unfairly tagged with the ‘high maintenance’ label, but some basic, simple preventative maintenance measures can help avoid problems and ensure that when a demolition robot is called into action, it is ready to perform. These robots typically run off 480-volt, three-phase power, incorporating an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump, which in turn powers a hydraulic circuit like those found on more traditional hydraulic excavators. Service issues surrounding hydraulic hoses and valves, tracks and basic cylinder maintenance are generally well known. However, the focus of this article is on the electrical side of the equation, where most problems tend to arise and where a little forethought and a preventive maintenance routine can work wonders.
Cabling The root cause of the majority of electrical problems is a poor power supply. Perhaps the single most important maintenance item associated with a demolition robot is the physical management of the power cable itself. A few simple precautions can eliminate a lot of headaches on the jobsite. First, route cables on the jobsite in such a manner that they will not be run over by other equipment. An old saying goes,
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“a demo robot’s worst enemy is a Bobcat.” This is because, often, a skid-steer is busy working around a robot clearing out debris, and it is in those circumstances where the power cable is particularly vulnerable to inadvertent damage. Even without a skid-steer on site, it is important to avoid dragging power cables around with the machine. A couple of hundred feet of cable is very heavy and puts a strain on the plugs. This increases the risk of snagging the cable and pulling it apart. It is far better to arrange the cable in such a way that the strain is mostly relieved, and only a relatively short length is moving with the robot. In the same regard, an excellent rule of thumb is to repair damaged power cables
immediately. Veteran contractors with demolition robots will closely inspect all cables after every job and routinely carry out repairs. Some of these contractors learned the hard way, overlooking potential electrical issues that resulted in lost time, unnecessary component failure and repair costs. Adopting a regular inspection and repair program will drastically reduce, if not eliminate, downtime caused by electrical issues. Contractors tailor such programs to meet the quarterly inspection requirements of governmental agencies such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), but the most important thing is that operators are on the jobsite with the safest equipment possible. Diligent contractors will check for nicks,
pinches, loose plugs, distortions—any blemish that might possibly affect the performance of the cable on the next job—and make the necessary repairs. In addition, the repairs are done properly; never twisting ends together or using electrical tape to cover cuts. The cable is only placed back in stock when the contractor is completely satisfied that it is 100% ready for use, clearly labeling it as such. This routine can reduce downtime on a fleet of robots by over 90%.
Electrical Cabinet A veteran demolition robot operator stated, “A lot of people think that just because it’s electric-powered it’s like a toaster, with no maintenance required.” There can be the misconception that because there is no fuel and no dipstick, there is no maintenance to worry about. Wrong! Remember that a demolition robot is a serious piece of demolition equipment, subject to vibration, bumps and heat on the job, and will respond accordingly. As with any piece of electrical equipment, contacts get loose—fact. On a regular basis, contractors are advised to open the electrical cabinet, clean it out with compressed air and tighten every contact methodically. Make this a routine, like when the machine is idle, for example, and it will pay enormous dividends.
Generators Often overlooked by both safety personnel and electricians, ‘off the grid’ power sources like generators should be properly grounded. A grounding rod can be pounded into the ground according to specifications of the generator and the conditions of the ground. An alternative is to have a qualified electrician tie into a suitable existing grounding point in the work area. This will avoid a multitude of problems with electronics and improve safety for the operators. One factory service technician remembers a machine that was regularly delivering a shock to the operator when he touched it. Holding the ground probe of his multi-meter with one hand, the technician touched the machine with the other probe and measured 74 Volts in the chassis of the machine! It turned out the generator was sitting quietly on a steel frame on a dry gravel bed with no grounding rod in place. The voltage had nowhere to go, except to the operator. Voltage will slowly build up until it finds a way to discharge, either by jumping to the ground or to someone touching or standing near the machine. It can also be discharged if the breaker hits rebar or wet concrete—not a good thing for the machine’s electrical system or even the hydraulics. Think of welding on a machine with the ground clamp attached somewhere on the other end of the machine. Not a good idea either! Difficult-to-diagnose
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electrical problems often turn out to be nothing more than bad grounds. A properly sized generator or transformer is also critical. Brokk applications expert August Scalici visited a CSDA contractor in the Southwest U.S. with several demolition robots in his fleet to figure out why one of his larger machines was struggling to operate a crusher attachment. After testing the voltage at the machine and running a number of other diagnostics, Scalici turned his attention to the generator, which at 45 Kilowatts was already borderline for the size of the machine. After checking it with an amp probe under load, he found that it was laboring to produce the required power, ultimately starving the demo robot. The moral to this story is to make sure the correct generator is being used for the size of the machine. Furthermore, have the generator checked by a competent service center on an annual basis to make sure it is delivering the power it claims. Unfortunately, this particular incident is not that uncommon. In fact, problems can arise even when the power supply is checked by an “expert.” Too many times, problems occur despite local techs confirming that they have checked the voltage. The problem? They did not check the voltage—each of the three phases—under load. The fact is that measuring voltage without load is largely meaningless.
Power Supply Selection An incident that perfectly illustrates the point above happened several years ago inside a plant where a demolition robot had already burned up three electric motors in quick succession. When the factory mechanic arrived on the scene, he quickly determined that the overload relay for the unit had been replaced with one from a larger machine in the owner’s fleet. This overload relay had a setting of 45 Amps, much higher than the recommended 23 Amps. This left the motor without overload protection, which normally is not a problem unless something in the power supply causes the motors to burn up in the first place. With suitable protection in place, the motor would have shut off by itself and been saved. The mechanic noticed that the motor was single-phasing. He asked the three plant electricians on site if they had checked the voltage, to which they all replied that they had. The mechanic persuaded them to check each phase under load separately, and they eventually found a large voltage drop across one phase. The robot was hooked up to a switch box, which when inspected revealed the true problem: one of the three contacts—one for each phase—was faulty, causing the large
voltage drop. Thus, a simple routine—making sure the overload relay was the correct one, and checking the voltage under load—would have prevented the loss of three perfectly good electric motors. Sadly, it is often the case that plant electricians will assume the problem is with the machine, so it is advised to check for problems at both ends of the setup.
General Tips •
Use high-quality, water and oil-resistant power cables with good wear resistance. Only use drip-proof, OSHA approved plugs. Keep the power cords out of standing water. In extremely wet environments, plugs should be wrapped. • Make sure power cables and connectors are of the proper size for the expected overall length of cable and maximum current draw. For very long cables, start with a much heavier gauge wire for the first couple of lengths to avoid a large voltage drop at the machine end. • When troubleshooting, check whether the circuit breakers and fuses are properly sized. While it is highly unlikely they will be installed incorrectly from the factory, it is always possible. It has been know for well-intentioned service technicians on site to borrow fuses or breakers from other machines and installed them without first checking that they were the right specification. • On high-rise jobs, where several lengths of cable are strung up the side of a building, make sure to use strain relievers to take the weight off the connectors. • Always disconnect the power to the machine from the generator before starting or stopping the generator, and make sure the overload relay is properly set to protect the electric motor. Demolition robots are an increasingly popular addition to a concrete cutter’s arsenal, and with proper care and maintenance—especially on the electrical side of the equation— they can be the kind of reliable profit center that can contribute significantly to the overall growth of a business.
Lars Lindgren is President of CSDA member Brokk, Inc. based in Monroe, Washington. He was the fifth employee hired by Brokk AB in Sweden almost thirty years ago, as a mechanic, and has held a number of technically-oriented positions with the company since. He can be reached at lars@brokkinc.com.
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What a Relief Core Drilling Aids in Construction of Relief Roadway
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hen a U.K. concrete cutting specialist was contracted to help with a new ÂŁ1.6-billion ($2.5-billion) construction project, creating over 800 holes in just over a month, it had to work as efficiently as possible. Core drilling work was needed to aid in the building of a new 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) bridge and was essential for the installation of strengthening and support structures.
Transport Scotland, the Scottish government’s transport agency, began construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing bridge in August 2011, with the project scheduled for completion in 2016. The new cablestayed structure will consist of three slender, single column towers and approach viaducts. The road carried by the bridge will be designated as a motorway designed to provide relief for the existing 2.5-kilometer-long (1.6-mile) Forth Road Bridge. The current bridge provides a vital connection between the county of Fife and the city of Edinburgh, but despite significant investment and maintenance over its lifetime, it has shown signs of deterioration. It has been deemed not suitable as the long-term main crossing of the Firth of Forth, so a replacement was necessary. As part of the replacement bridge construction, concrete openings were required in the loading area of a nearby dock yard for the installation of support piles. The general contractor for the project is a joint venture
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of Hochtief Construction AG, American Bridge International, Dragados SA and Morrison Construction, collectively named the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC). The FCBC joint venture is responsible for the fabrication of large steel bridge sections at Rosyth Dock Yard, which will be transferred to a loading area to be delivered to the construction site. The steel sections weigh hundred of tons, so the floor of the loading area has to be strengthened to prevent it from sinking or cracking. The FCBC joint venture needed a specialized contractor to create the openings for the support piles, and awarded the job to CSDA member Holemasters Scotland Limited of Airdrie, Scotland. The cored holes were to measure 400 millimeters (approx. 16 inches) in diameter and be drilled to varying depths of 100-millimeter (4-inch) to 1.6-meter (5.2-foot) thick concrete slabs.
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Over 800 holes were specified, measuring 400 millimeters (16 inches) in diameter.
Slab thickness varied from 100 millimeters (4 inches) to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet).
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The drilling work would allow for the installation of floor strengthening piles.
“We knew that we had the capabilities to complete the job as specified, but there were some unknown elements. The thickness of the concrete slabs changed from one drilling location to the next, so we were never sure if we were going to be coring a piece that was just 100 millimeters deep or over 1.5 meters!� explained David McArthur, project manager for Holemasters. The location of each hole was identified by the general contractor in readiness for the drilling work. A grid of over 400 holes was required at one specified area of the 1,000-square-meter (10,764-square-foot) loading bay. Once complete, the same drilling quantity was to be repeated at a second location. All 400-millimeter-diameter (16-inch) holes were spaced approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) apart and marked by site engineers. Holemasters arrived on the jobsite in May 2013 and set up at the first drilling point. Specially-fabricated trailer rigs were used to move the core drilling equipment around the work area and set drill rigs in place at each location. The two trailer rigs had hydraulic motors driven by diesel engines and the coring rigs could be lowered and anchored while still attached to the trailers. These rigs also had 250-gallon tanks for storing water needed for the work. An operator would adjust the speed and depth of the hydraulic core drill to efficiently create the 400-millimeter-diameter (16-inch) holes. Drilling would continue until the bit reached the bottom of the slab, taking
Return to Rosyth Regular readers of Concrete Openings may be quite familiar with both Rosyth Dock Yard and the Forth Road Bridge, because the magazine has covered three job stories from these locations in the past five years. Another U.K.-based CSDA member, Core Cut Ltd, had previously cut a large steel caisson at the dock yard [March
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2009] and core drilled hundreds of 2-inch-diameter holes in the existing Forth Road Bridge for structural reinforcement [March 2012]. To read either of these job stories, or to download a PDF version of this issue’s story, visit www.concreteopenings.com and click on Archives.
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from 10 minutes to drill through shallow areas measuring 50-millimeters (2-inches) thick, to around three hours to core holes through 1.6-meters (5.2-feet) of concrete. Each core was removed by a forklift with a lifting eye and weighed between 20 and 200 pounds. The team from Holemasters was able to create the specified number of core holes in 13 days using two trailer rigs and two operators. Just a couple of months later, in July, the contractor returned to Rosyth Dock Yard to create a similar amount of holes to the same specifications, completing the work over a seven-day period. The general contractor was then able to install support piles in each area, as required. “This was a satisfying project for us,” said McArthur. “Despite uncertainty over the slab thickness in some areas, the coring work went very well. The use of our trailer rigs provided both increased speed and safety, as setup times were less and operators spent less time at the controls of the equipment. Our team is fully CSCS qualified (Construction Skills Certification Scheme – a U.K. certification program for work zone competency), so I’m always confident that work will be done to the highest possible standard and in a safe and controlled environment,” he concluded. Construction of the new Forth Replacement Crossing bridge remains on schedule to open in 2016. Thanks to the work done by this core drilling contractor, the installation of steel supports for the new structure can continue as planned and ultimately provide much-needed traffic relief for the existing bridge.
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Company Profile Holemasters Scotland Limited has been a CSDA member for two years and is based in Airdie, Scotland, but services the entire United Kingdom. The company has been in business for over 20 years, has 22 operators and 18 vehicles. Holemasters offers the concrete cutting services of core drilling, wall sawing, wire sawing, flat sawing, surface preparation and selective demolition.
Resources General Contractor: Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors Sawing and Drilling Contractor: Holemasters Scotland Limited Airdrie, Scotland Phone: 44-845 467 1500 Email: david@holemasters-scotland.co.uk Website: www. holemasters-scotland.co.uk Methods Used: Core Drilling
Cored pieces weighed between 20 and 200 pounds.
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SOCIAL MEDIA FOCUS
Is Facebook Right For Business-to-Business Marketing? By Stan Smith
F
acebook has won. One billion members with 50% active daily usage is astounding. Everyone, I mean everyone, I know is on Facebook and some are hopelessly addicted. However, I maintained a smug aloofness toward Facebook. While I enthusiastically endorsed Facebook as a business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing platform, I routinely voted it off the business-to-business (B2B) marketing island. I felt that business people did not fool around with photos and chat. Looks like I’m wrong. B2B warriors love Facebook and are likely to be spending their lunch hour, dead time between meetings and commutes engaging with their network of friends. Heck, almost all of my clients are on Facebook and are wondering where the hell I have been.
Drinking the Facebook Kool-Aid I recently started a general forum on my Pushing Social (PS) Mastermind product, which provides training, tools and resources for building brands through social media content. The forum was password-protected and open to clients and PS Mastermind subscribers. The forum seemed like a no-brainer. I wanted to connect with more readers and the Mastermind community is where I wanted to have the conversation. Even with my best intentions, the forum died an anonymous death. Why? It seems that if people are going to log in to have conversations, they go to Facebook,
not the PS Mastermind. Yes, that realization hurt, but it was 100% true. So, I pivoted and created a private Pushing Social Mastermind Group on Facebook. I emailed a small group of PS readers and clients inviting them to the group. The response has been overwhelming, spawning a feisty PS tribe on Facebook. The success makes sense, as most people were already on Facebook and now they can participate in the group with one click. That was all I needed to see. I gathered my social chips and shoved them into the Facebook pot.
book users rarely sign-off. Facebook is almost as important as their telephone. This means that Facebook is ideal if you want to reach customers where it is easy for them to respond and participate. Use the three questions as a litmus test for evaluating your Facebook readiness:
When Does Facebook Make Sense?
Can we offer information, entertainment or access that customers will value? It is easy to underestimate the value customers place on interacting with other like-minded professionals. Simply providing an online place to gather and trade insights can support a B2B Facebook strategy. Funny photos and satirical postcards help but are not required.
For most B2B companies, LinkedIn is a no-brainer. But LinkedIn fills a different role for most customers. Using LinkedIn is an event. Want to research a new prospect? Search on LinkedIn. Want to promote your latest blog post to a professional audience? Update LinkedIn. Need to talk to sales managers in Pittsburgh? Place an ad on LinkedIn. Facebook is much different. Facebook is the social dial tone for most users. Photos, social events, chats, video, social games is woven into the Facebook experience. Face-
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Where are our customers spending time online? Think about your customer’s entire experience. It is likely that your customers are on Facebook when they are not actively searching for a specific product solution.
Can we sustain our activity? Can you stay engaged even when you do not get any feedback from your audience? It might be months before you see audience engagement. In social media, the most persis-
tent wins. Can you stick with Facebook for at least 12 months?
B2B Facebook Strategies Worth Testing I know that Facebook is a tough sell to the white-collar tribe, but consider these potential strategies:
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Customer Loyalty The best way to keep a customer is to never miss a chance to entertain, educate or inform them. Your customers are on Facebook. They are already committed to your product, so go one step further and invite them to a Facebook group focused on their product or service. Monitoring and participating in this group will help identify your fans and identify problems before they spiral out of control. It also helps for your customers to rub digital elbows with other customers boosting social proof. Customer Service Social media has made excellent customer service a must-have for every company. We, as customers, wield incredible power and have amazing reach. Some businesses have reacted to this new power by refusing to participate on Facebook. The problem is that the conversation is happening with or without them. Customers are in control. I recommend using Facebook as the “tip of the spear.” Talk to unhappy customers. Thank repeat customers. Promote and support fans. I trust companies that handle bad situations with wisdom, urgency and optimism. Facebook is a great way to showcase that you treat your customers (even the bad ones) with respect. Culture Prospects and clients want to know what makes your business tick. A Facebook page is a natural way to showcase photos, videos, interesting (even quirky) news and events. This is not a must-do in my opinion. Your business may not have a rip-roaring good time every day. Do not force something that does not feel right. Check in with your team to see if there is interest in starting and maintaining a Facebook presence. Skip it if you get a tepid reception. It is better to focus on other areas then try to keep a poorly supported Facebook page on life-support.
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Stan Smith is the managing director of Pushing Social based in Monroe, Michigan. The company provides practical content market advice, training, tools and resources for social media platforms. Stan was recently voted one of the Top 10 Social Media Bloggers of 2013 by www.socialmediaexaminer.com. He can be reached at 734-430-4922 or
The CSDA office will be moving to a new location in late September. Telephone and fax numbers remain unchanged. The new address is: 100 2nd Avenue South, Suite 402N St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.csda.org
stansmith@pushingsocial.com.
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polished perspective
The Key to Sustainability – Part 1 By Andy Bowman
T
he way in which the concrete polishing industry measures the value of polished surfaces is changing. Since the inception of concrete polishing in the U.S. market, specifiers and end users have embraced gloss metering and written it into specifications. This is to ensure the contractor maintains the desired level of gloss, provides a consistent
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finish and ultimately gives the end user a floor system that will perform well. Originally, the first steps in the polishing process were wet cuts followed by a series of damp steps of refinement. In large, the process was finished out with polishing resins that ran with water. Many of the floors processed and finished in this fashion have withstood the test of time and continued to bring value, especially
for end users that have helped retain their glossy appearance with regular maintenance. What does this mean? Why are these floors holding their own and continuing to retain value? Over the years, it seems perceptions have changed regarding what constitutes a quality floor system. Some industry experts go so far as to say that the industry is in a race to the bottom. Most of the major retailers that specify
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Case Study I was once asked by a major retailer to examine a number of their facilities and give them a report on why their polished floors were not meeting expectations. Some of the floors had only been in use for 60 to 90 days but showing signs of deterioration. Testing criteria was discussed and an evaluation process determined. The end user’s sole aim was to make
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polished concrete only budget $2.00 per square foot, or less, and will not issue contracts above that amount. This is a trend that that has driven down the quality of polished concrete in the industry. The irony is that the very same customers that are purchasing these types of polished concrete floors are asking why they are not getting a sustainable floor system. The use of polished concrete is expanding and more first-time end users appear every year. The potential for contractors to get in the game and offer concrete polishing services has never been stronger. There are many good opportunities out there for contractors, but businesses are operating in a severely fragmented market. It is quite impossible to look at a specification for polished concrete and not have at least three or four specific items that would require adjustment to satisfy the required gloss levels. A lack of attention to detail on the design and specification end has left many challenges for contractors. Some specifications include a section that is dedicated to describing the process in which the customer expects their floors to be polished. These processes often call for specific grits, a specific time to apply a densifier and the application of a sealer or polish guard—all chosen by the customer and not the contractor. The problem with these types of specifications, is that they never cover the variable components that polishing contractors need to accommodate. Often, adjustments have to be made in order to produce a floor that is in compliance with customer needs. If you consider all that the specification calls for and you analyze the numbers from a tooling and labor perspective—including a fair national average labor rate—it is near impossible to do the job at $2.00 per square foot. To overcome this issue, some contractors are reducing the amount of grinding steps required on projects to remain profitable. Unfortunately, this is giving the polishing industry a bad reputation. There are a number of things that can be done to increase awareness and become better ambassadors for the industry. The following is an example, describing just some of the important elements to address at the front end of any polishing job.
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po l i s h e d p e r s p e c t i v e
the end product a more sustainable system long term. The original budget for completing the polished concrete work was almost double the actual contract value, and the fear was that the floor system specified was not correct for its intended use. The company was aware of the cost savings associated with maintaining concrete floors, and wanted to better educate themselves about building a valid specification on the front end. One of the company’s requirements was to evaluate polished concrete floors at other retail locations in a specific geographic area. Broader data was required that focused less on the labor elements of the work and more on the application. Often, a national retailer will contract one company to provide a specific end product on a national level to get the best price possible, but there are many factors that can change the results of a floor system from one location to the next. During the first onsite evaluation, it was identified that the most problematic areas of the floor system were in high-traffic areas of the retail space. A testing process began by casting a high-wattage inspection light across the floor. Immediately, irregularities in the surface were visible and a clear scratch pattern was observed in the concrete. This scratch pattern appeared to be produced by a higher grit, possibly 100-150 grit metal bond, and had been produced by a 3- or 4-head planetary grinder. To confirm this, a local contractor with a 3-head planetary grinder and 150-grit metal
bonds was hired to make a pass over part of the affected area. The entire surface was cleaned before the two surfaces were measured sideby-side with a surface profile meter. The results confirmed suspicions, so we began to look closer to the walls and outside the major traffic patterns in the floor to conduct similar tests. A gloss meter test was carried out to the specifications of the original contract. The floor was to achieve a 40 gloss rating, but the specification did not indicate whether the required methods would achieve this level. It did, however, specify that a 3-head planetary grinder would be used along with two acceptable alternates. We sampled five spots spaced 3 feet apart and the readings were between 42 and 57 gloss, well within compliance. So what was happening to this floor system? Why was it failing so quickly? In order identify the flaws in this system, it was necessary to not only look at the obvious components of the maintenance program but also more subtle elements. This included looking at what was being introduced to the floor from exterior sources, such as sand, ice and other types of contamination from foot traffic. Cleaning products and equipment used on the floor were also examined. A 24-inch auto scrubber, cleaning agents provided by a concrete sealer company and three different grits of diamond impregnated floor maintenance pads were found. None of the items found could have damaged the floor this much within three months, so the problem was else-
where. A soft cotton rag saturated with clean potable water was wiped over the test surface to simulate a cleaning action. When the surface was dry, another set of gloss meter tests was performed. This time, the readings were between 25 and 37 gloss. An average of 18 points was subtracted by the introduction of water and a minimal amount of agitation. The inspection light highlighted that there was some residual material left on the surface, so another soft cotton rag saturated with a solvent based cleaner (acetone) was applied. The cleaning agent removed what appeared to be a film from the surface of the concrete. Another pass with the inspection light revealed a very light pattern in the surface, which appeared to be similar to the one found in the high-traffic area of the retail space. Why was this metal bond scratch pattern appearing? Profile meters were used to accurately quantify the value of the texture being produced on the surface. These meters are extremely effective and allow polishing contractors to determine the effects of abrasive tooling. The higher the number on the instrument display, the deeper or rougher the texture. The lower the number, the smoother the profile. All data from the first evaluation site was recorded and four further evaluations were completed in other regions of the U.S. The same evaluation process was used at all five locations, although the findings varied. The scratch pattern from the first location was not found at the others, but some of the other concrete surfaces had lost their gloss.
To be continued... Visit www.csda.org for concrete polishing resources:
Read Part II of this article in the December issue of Concrete Openings.
• Training Classes • Technical Documents • Articles
Andy Bowman is the owner of Adaptive Concrete Innovations based in Rose Bud, Arkansas. He has 13 years experience of concrete polishing and is the lead trainer for CSDA’s Concrete Polishing training class. Bowman can be reached at 419-408-5906 or by email at abowman@aciconcrete.net.
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CORE HEALTH
Personalize Your Diet By Erin O’Brien
I
t is rare these days to surf the Internet without finding an article, advertisement or testimonial in support of a new diet. One of these diets was highlighted in last issue’s Core Health [CrossFit and the Paleo Diet, June 2013]. However, with each new diet come new questions, such as “Why will this diet work for me where others have failed?” The general answer is that a particular diet will not work for everyone. Lifestyle factors, dedication and motivation all play a part in the success of a diet. Many diets are very strict and all-encompassing, making them extremely hard to stick to. This article focuses on the best parts of several different diets and explains how tying these small parts together can produce an effective diet plan.
Eat Fewer Processed Foods Processed foods can contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which have been shown to have a negative effect on our bodies. Some can even raise a person’s risk of developing a disease like cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where healthy, minimally or non-processed foods are located. Fruits and vegetables of course, as well as dairy, meat and seafood are located around the perimeter of the store. Some experts even suggest adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, although this may be unrealistic for some. One option is to go “meatless” one or two days per week. This provides a good opportunity to increase the amount of non-processed foods on your dinner plate.
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Eat a Variety of Whole Grains It is important to look at labels and lists of ingredients for food you are consuming. Whole grains provide much higher nutrient levels than processed grains, tend to have fewer calories and added sugars and will help keep you full longer. Examples of processed grains include white flour, white rice and any kind of bleached flour. Whole grains can be found in certain breads and also include brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa, all of which have low gluten content. Gluten intolerance (Celiac
disease is an example of extreme gluten intolerance) is exacerbated by consumption of gluten and causes damaging inflammation in the body.
Avoid Added Sugars Some recent studies suggest that sugar is as addictive as some narcotic drugs. Too much sugar in the diet leads to an increased risk for developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and possibly even cancer. Avoid foods with high levels of added sugar and your craving for sweet foods will diminish over time.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Everyone should aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, fresh if possible. Choose fruits and vegetables high in fiber, such as artichokes, broccoli, avocado and pears, and leafy greens like kale, green leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula and watercress for an extra boost of nutrients.
Eat Healthy Fats from Nuts and Oils Not all fat is bad! Healthy fats (mono and polyunsaturated) have anti-inflammatory properties and can help control cholesterol. Enjoyed in moderation, foods like walnuts, almonds, olive oil and coconut oil are good for you. Avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats however, as these are the type that will cause you to gain weight and can have a detrimental effect on your body.
Eat More Lean Protein Borrowing from the Paleo Diet, lean, grassfed meats are an essential part of a healthy diet for non-vegetarians. For anyone looking to avoid eating too much gluten, grass-fed meat ensures that the animal did not consume processed grain as part of its diet. Also, grass-fed, pastureraised meat and eggs can taste better! Good examples of lean protein are chicken, lean pork, most cuts of beef, organ meats of any kind, cage-free eggs and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans, protein can come from beans and other legumes.
Snack Smart Just because the package claims “100Calorie Snack Pack” or “Fat-Free Cookies” does not mean the food inside is good for you. Often, low-calorie and low-fat foods are highly processed, with chemicals added to retain the taste while taking out the so-called bad calories or fat. Healthful snacks like a handful of almonds, carrots and hummus or a few slices of cheese can help hold off hunger until dinnertime without undoing the healthy lunch you just ate.
Only Eat When You Are Hungry Just because your co-worker is reaching for a snack at 2:30pm, doesn’t mean you have to as well. Eat when you are hungry and don’t if you are not. New studies have shown some effectiveness to intermittent fasting – either eating normally five days a week and restricting caloric intake to a quarter of your normal total calories for the other two, or using the 16/8 rule, which recommends that you fast for 16 hours and eat during the remaining eight hours of the day. If you find yourself always hungry, you could be dehydrated. Drink a glass of water before each meal to control your hunger.
Try New Foods As a child, I was a very picky eater. There are still a few things I won’t touch, but I have also found that I love foods I used to hate— green beans, asparagus, spinach and even brussel sprouts (sautéed in bacon, who doesn’t love that!). Try something new and you may find your palate has changed, giving you more opportunities to eat healthy. There is not one particular diet that will work for everyone, and likely there is no perfect diet for each person. However, take cues and suggestions from many different types of diets, and you should be able to make a diet that works for you. Even small changes are better than none.
Exercise Every Day Aim to raise your heart rate and sweat for at least 15 minutes per day, and try to get in four to five sessions at the gym, on the pavement or on the court, per week. If time is an issue, try taking the stairs at work, a quick power walk during lunch or push-ups and air squats when you get up in the morning. Include resistance training in your workout as much as possible – more muscle means more calories burned when you exercise.
CONSTRUCTION
The all New BROkk 100: fOR ThOSe haRd TO ReaCh plaCeS.
Drilling Association. O’Brien received her Bachelor
With a vertical reach of over 14 feet, the all new one-ton class B100 demolition robot is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the best-selling B90. Yet the B100 boasts a whopping 35% more hitting power and still fits easily through a 3' 0" doorway. Confined space concrete cutting, crushing, grinding and breaking never looked so good.
of Science degree in Athletic Training from Ohio
Brokk. Bring it on.
Erin O’Brien, MS, ATC is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Marketing Director for O’Brien International, the association management company that manages the Concrete Sawing &
University and her Master of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. She is also a Certified Level 1 CrossFit Instructor and member of CrossFit9 in St. Petersburg, FL. She is a regular contributor to Concrete Openings magazine. She can be reached at erin@csda.org or 727-577-5002.
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Brokk Inc | 800.621.7856 | 360.794.1277 www.brokk.com | info@brokkinc.com
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GPR for Concrete Inspection Scan It.
Concrete scanning equipment made for the cutting and coring contractor
Cut It. Core It.
A CSDA Member Company
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. sales@geophysical.com • 603.893.1109 4 8 | s e pte mb e r.13
OSHA/CSDA Alliance Latest The Alliance between the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now in its eighth year and has produced 16 safety-related documents, yet some readers may be unaware of what this program offers the industry.
What is the Alliance Program? OSHA joins with groups committed to worker safety and health, including unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, faithand community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions, to leverage resources and expertise to help ensure safe and healthy workplaces and worker rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Participants in the Alliance Program support OSHA’s strategic goals by developing Alliance agreements and implementing project plans that emphasize: Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives • Sharing information on OSHA’s regulatory agenda and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process. • Training workers on new and revised standards. • Developing worker information on new and revised standards.
• Sharing information on National Emphasis Programs (NEPs). • Developing compliance assistance materials for other specifically targeted hazards/industries. • Participating in various forums and groups to discuss ways of improving workplace safety and health programs. • Encouraging worker participation in workplace safety and health. Outreach and Communication • Creating and sharing compliance assistance materials in English, Spanish and other languages for workers and/or employers. • Conducting best practice seminars in support of OSHA’s enforcement initiatives. • Speaking or exhibiting at conferences and meetings. Training and Education • Developing effective worker training and education programs. • Arranging for the delivery of worker training. For more information about the OSHA/CSDA Alliance program, or to view documents released by this partnership, visit www.csda.org and click on the “OSHA Alliance” link under “Safety” or call 727-577-5004.
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Industry Bits Norton Introduces New HighSpeed Gas Saws A new lineup of Norton Clipper CP500 high-speed saws are available in two sizes to accommodate 12- or 14-inch-diameter blades. The saws feature iLube®, a patented automatic lubrication system that mixes oil and fuel electronically to maximize efficiency and eliminates the need for pre-mixing. An electronic sensor indicates a low oil level and adjusts the engine to idle, preventing engine damage. In addition, all Norton Clipper CP500 series saws are equipped with an electronic carburetor electromagnetic valve that eliminates the standard choke and half throttle start. The operator simply turns the switch on, primes the engine and pushes the decompression button. A multi-stage air filtration system utilizes patented twin-air inlets to create an air pulsation that draws fresh air in while pushing hot air away from the engine, keeping the saw cool and reducing debris in the filter. For more information, contact Mark Pendergrass at 254-918-6501 or email mark.s.pendergrass@saint-gobain.com.
New Line of CARDI Core Drill Rigs from Expert Equipment Expert Equipment Company introduces a new line of lightweight core drill rigs for professional concrete cutting contractors. This new lineup of CARDI rigs offers two drill stand and three core drill motor options. The L200 compact anchor base drill stand features quickconnect and tilting mechanisms with a slide carriage, while the L250V combo base stand offers the same features and comes with wheels. Three 120-volt motors are available with 18 or 20 amps of power, with idle RPMs ranging from 1,380 to 250 under load. The core rigs have total weights between 43 and 69 pounds and all CARDI core drills come with “Smart Electronic,” which includes soft start and overload protections. For more information, contact Markus Bartl at 713-797-9886 or visit www.expertequipment.com.
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PS 250 Ferroscan and PS 1000 X-Scan Radar Detection Systems from Hilti The Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan and PS 250 Ferroscan are tools for self-performing concrete inspections by scanning, analyzing and interpreting ground penetrating radar data. The Hilti PS 250 Ferroscan system determines the position and diameter of rebar present in concrete to help avoid rework on the jobsite, scanning at depths from 4 to 6 inches depending on rebar size. Areas such as concrete decks and walls, beams, square-edged columns and critical areas of tunnels and bridges can be analyzed with a 2D image of the reinforcement on a monitor. The system consists of a hand-guided scanner with color display, a portable monitor unit for on-site use and all accessories necessary for creating image scans. The FS 250 Ferroscan has a rubber coated housing for jobsite protection and is resistant to water and dust in typical jobsite conditions. The PS 1000 X-Scan radar detection system is designed to produce large-area images, and has been updated to include an electromagnetic (EM) sensor allowing operators to detect live electrical cables (50/60 hertz) buried up to 3 inches in concrete. For more information, contact Hilti customer service at 800-879-8000 in the U.S., 800-461-3028 in Canada, or visit www.us.hilti.com in the U.S. or www.hilti.ca in Canada.
GDM Technologies Introduces New Hand Saw The new Handicut 21DC hydraulic hand saw from GDM Technologies incorporates a clockwise rotating motor and a repositioned water-cooled handle, designed to simplify operation while maintaining operator control. This new hand saw complements the company’s existing 21-inch-diameter fixed-base hand saw line and comes with an aluminum frame and lightweight replaceable base. Motor displacements range in size from 6 to 15 gallons per minute, allowing the saw to adapt to most hydraulic power units. The Handicut 21 down cut saw has a 21-inch-diameter blade capacity. For more information, call 866-442-6729 or visit www.gdmsaws.com.
Husqvarna Unveils PP 518 Power Pack The Husqvarna PP 518 power pack replaces the PP 418 power pack with an improved front end control panel and reduced noise. This 18-hosepower unit achieves 2,000 psi of hydraulic pressure and has an adjustable flow rate of 5, 8 or 10 GPM. The PP 518 weighs 298 pounds and has a fuel capacity of 3 gallons. It is designed for use with Husqvarna hydraulic sawing and drilling equipment, but can also work with other hydraulic tools such as diamond chain saws, breakers and drills. All controls and hose attachments for the unit are located on the front of the machine for improved operator efficiency, and an automatic power-on-demand function saves fuel and adjusts to different tools and hose lengths for optimal power. For more information, call 800-288-5040 or visit www.husqvarnacp.com.
CenPoint Enhances Mobile Operations Software CentralPoint Solutions, LLC, an industry leader in operations software, has enhanced its mobile product. CenPoint is pleased to announce a new feature that allows technicians to create electronic field tickets while on the jobsite. These electronic field tickets show up instantly in CenPoint’s desktop software complete with customer signature. The new feature has been implemented to avoid contractors having to wait for returned paperwork to create invoices or payroll. By using CenPoint-Mobile, the company no longer has to rely on texting, emailing or printing for important communications or document transmittals. A dispatcher can create a dispatch assignment and the technician receives it via the CenPoint-Mobile app. For more information about CenPoint-Mobile, or a demonstration, call 801-478-6822 or email sales@cenpoint.com.
Traxx Releases Combiflex 1000RC Grinder K2 Diamond Introduces New Line of Electric Motors K2 Diamond, the exclusive North American partner for EDT Eurodima, is pleased to introduce a new line of advanced, high frequency electric motors for its 20- and 32-kilowatt Braxx wall saws. These new motors have been redesigned to produce a higher torque range at lower rotation RPMs than their predecessors. The new motors incorporate a cooling system and an additional shaft seal ring that reduces heat and prevents water and dust contamination. In addition, the main bearings are constructed with a glass-reinforced plastic cave and ceramic parts to maintain motor grease at a high temperature. The new motors run with the current Braxx saw head, and can run with previous and existing models of control units with a simple software update. For more information, call 800-539-6116 or email mike.nelson@k2diamond.com.
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Traxx Construction Products is pleased to announce the release of the Combiflex 1000RC grinder for concrete surface preparation work. The 15-kilowatt Combiflex 1000RC has six grinding discs, which rotate in a planetary style fitted on a large drum that turns in the opposite direction, providing maximum removal power whilst retaining stability. It is also possible to operate the machine in a four-disc configuration, allowing the machine to grind with increased head pressure for certain applications. The 1000RC has a Bluetooth radio control system to control motion and grinding speed. With an RPM range of 300-950 RPM, the grinder’s 1,030-millimeter (39-inch) footprint is suitable for large commercial applications and has a battery backup built in to allow transportation of the 700-kilogram (1,543-pound) machine without the need for an external power source. For more information, contact Lloyd Williams at +3-9646 9200 or email lloyd. williams@traxxcp.com.au.
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New Appointments at ICS ICS is pleased to announce the addition of three new employees. Rod De Jong joins the company as regional sales manager for ICS heavy user sales in the Southwest U.S. Rod is responsible for sales in California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. He comes to ICS with 25 years of professional diamond tool and equipment experience. Based in Yorba Linda, California, Rod’s role will be to develop and manage direct sales to the professional sawing and drilling contractor market. Keith Nelson joins the company as customer service team lead for ICS North America. Keith has been a customer service lead for the Blount Forestry, Lawn and Garden business (FLAG) for over five years and brings tremendous knowledge of customer service. Keith will help the customer service group manage growth while maintaining levels of customer service. Bob Engel assumes the position of director of global marketing. Bob brings more than 25 years marketing experience, having previously worked for Hewlett-Packard and MarketFrames Group, a marketing consulting company with clients such as Michelin Tire and Cisco Systems. For more information, call 800-321-1240 or email marketing@icsbestway.com.
Multiquip/Sanders Announces New Line of Core Bit Crowns
De Jong
Nelson
Thomas Trussell, 1928-2013
Engel
Bosch Introduces New Demolition Hammer Bosch is pleased to release the DH507 SDS®-max demolition hammer. This new product is suitable for use in a variety of applications including removing wall and floor tiles, repairing joints, cutting slots in concrete or masonry and creating recesses or breaking through concrete. Weighing 12.4 pounds and delivering 5.6 foot-pounds of impact energy, the DH507 is an ergonomic tool designed for chiseling in tight spaces or in different positions. The SDS-max® bit system allows a tool-free bit change with automatic bit locking and dust protection. A Vario-Lock™ function rotates and locks the chisel in 12 different positions to optimize the working angle, while a 360-degree auxiliary side handle provides an additional range of movement. For more information, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-267-2499. Visit www.bethepro. com for additional tips and videos.
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Multiquip/Sanders is proud to announce a new line of core bit crowns for concrete and stone. The crowns are available in multiple sizes from 0.375 to 1.875 inches in diameter and are made from powders and diamonds for high performance and long life. These Americanmade core bit crowns are made in the company’s manufacturing facility in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. For more information, call 800-486-0207 or visit www.multiquip.com.
Industry professional Thomas Taylor Trussell, 85, of Warwick, Maryland, passed away at his home on July 2. Tom was born in Baltimore on June 12, 1928, the firstborn of Edward and Mary Virginia Siefers-Trussell. One of his first full-time jobs was at Martin Marietta during World War II as a cold riveter. He also served in the Army National Guard during wartime. During the late 1940s and 1950s, Tom began repairing scales and working with concrete. His work sawing and sealing concrete proved to be life-changing. In 1957, he established Central Atlantic Contractors and successfully ran the business until 1998. At the time of his death, he was owner of Maryland QC Laboratories in Aberdeen. His life-long goal of owning and running a farm was realized in the 1980s when he began farming in North East and later in Warwick. Tom is survived by his wife of 26 years, Margaret, and five children: Richard (Mary Ann); Sue; Detra (Frank); Michael (Casey); and Laura (Michael). He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren. Tom is also survived by a brother, Griff, and his former spouse, Maxine. He is preceded in death by his son, Bruce; his brother, William; and his sister, Virginia. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
January 21-24, 2014 ★ Seminars: January 20-24, 2014 Las Vegas Convention Center ★ Las Vegas, Nevada
Your ★
SUCCESS
★
L e g ac y is OUR
★
1995
1975 1985
Here’s to 40 years of big ideas. And 40 more of bigger possibilities. No annual event is more important than the year’s first and the industry’s only international show specifically geared to you – the concrete and masonry professional. Above all, WOC gives you a world of opportunities to see cutting-edge products and equipment, connect with peers and establish key relationships that will shape your business and the industry for years to come. A selected participant in the International Buyer Program
www.worldofconcrete.com Source Code: A26
Use Source Code A26 When Registering Online For FREE Exhibits-Only Admission to WOC! w ww. c o n c re te ope n in gs.com
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New K 760 Power Cutter Launched by Husqvarna Husqvarna Construction Products is pleased to launch the new K 760 power cutter. A newly designed cylinder increases the power cutter’s capacity to 74 cc, and emissions have been reduced by 15% compared to its predecessor. The 5-horsepower machine is suitable for 12- or 14-inchdiameter blades and can cut to depths of 5 inches in concrete. The K 760 weighs 20.7 pounds without fuel and a blade. A new digital ignition system has been incorporated for smoother engine starts, lowering vibration below 2.5 meters per second squared. The cutter also features a wet cutting kit with a progressive valve to increase dust control and a new tank ventilation system to ensure optimal air supply to the fuel tank. An advanced SmartCarb™ carburetor automatically controls fuel/air mixtures to always give the engine maximum power. For more information, contact Cate Stratemeier at 913-928-1442 or email cate.stratemeier@husqvarnagroup.com.
Dixie Diamond 2013 Product Catalog Released Dixie Diamond Manufacturing (DDM) has announced the release of the company’s 2013 professional series product catalog. The new product catalog features a number of new product offerings including DDM’s range of GT Pro Series high speed blades, designed specifically for professional cutters, and the company’s B15 series of high-cycle core drill bits. It also includes DDM’s existing lineup of wall and slab saw blades, core bits, diamond wire and wire brushes. For more information, or to request a copy of the 2013 professional series product catalog, call 800-654-7224 or visit www.dixiediamond.com.
Kim Mason and Darlene East accepted the award.
Holes, Inc. Wins Construction Safety Award The winners of the Association of General Contractors (AGC)/Willis Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) were unveiled at AGC’s 94th Annual Convention in July. CSDA contractor member Holes, Inc. of Houston, Texas, was announced as a winner of the “Under 100,000” man hours category in the Specialty division. Sixty-five construction firms advanced to this final selection round from the initial judging that took place in January. The 65 finalists were presented before a panel of five judges, who reviewed each safety program for employee and management involvement, new and innovative programs, and procedures and resources used to promote safety. Once first, second and third place winners were determined, each category first-place winners were judged to determine the “best of the best,” or the grand award winner. For more information, contact Kellie Vazquez at 281-469-7070 or email kvazquez@holesinc.com.
New Horizontal Hand Saw Cart from Wolverine Equipment Wolverine Equipment is pleased to introduce its new horizontal hand saw cart. This new product follows the company’s previously released narrow-framed vertical handsaw cart for slab sawing work in areas not accessible by some large saws. This new horizontal cart allows contractors to use hydraulic hand saws in a wider range of applications than before, including the flush cutting of walls and columns at floor level. Both Wolverine hand saw carts are designed to give contractors greater flexibility and productivity with their hydraulic hand saws. The Wolverine horizontal cart has a frame suitable for rugged jobsite conditions. Each cart has an clamping system that allows the saw to be mounted on the cart in less than one minute with no tools required. A remotely-operated throttle and adjustable height casters allow operation in tight spaces, while the product’s compact size and greasable ball-bearing wheels provide portability. The horizontal cart is designed to fit 20-, 24- and 30-inch Wolverine hydraulic hand saws. For more information, contact Bill Darling at 253-867-6209 or email bill@wolverineequipment.com.
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IND U STR Y Multiquip/Sanders Announces New Line of Wall Saw Blades
B ITS
Bloomquist Promoted to Managing Director of TCA
Multiquip/Sanders announces a new line of laser-welded wall saw blades. Sizes range from 18 to 48 inches in diameter and are available in several different specifications depending on saw type and the material being cut. The blades are designed with a higher segment for longer life. Various arbor sizes and flush cut adaptations are available. This new line of wall saw blades are American made in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania. For more information, call 800-486-0207 or visit www.multiquip.com.
The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) has announced the promotion of Mitch Bloomquist from project manager to managing director. Bloomquist began his tenure with TCA in August 2010 when he joined Sauter Baty Associates, the management firm contracted with the Association. Previously with the Novak Design Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bloomquist has taken responsibility of TCA’s Annual Convention, its website and Bloomquist magazine. Ed Sauter remains as executive director, responsible for the general oversight, financial and strategic planning of TCA. Bloomquist will manage day-to-day operations of the Association. For more information, contact Jim Baty at 319-895-6911 or email jbaty@tilt-up.org.
NIOSH Introduces Smart Phone App for Ladder Safety
EDCO Unveils New E-Brochure Library EDCO has converted all of its paper literature into E-brochures via the company’s website. Linking EDCO’s new E-brochure library to the company’s homepage gives visitors 24-hour, interactive access to catalogs, parts listings, owner’s manuals and other relevant information. Embedded inside these E-brochures are videos, product links and web-training features. Other options include word search, text highlighting and note writing features. These new electronic brochures replace the corresponding PDF versions of this literature. For more information, contact Jason Stanczyk at 800-638-3326 or email jstanczyk@edcoinc.com
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announces the availability of a new Ladder Safety smart phone application (app). This new app uses visual and audio signals to make it easier for workers using extension ladders to check the angle the ladder is positioned at, as well as access useful tips for using extension ladders safely. The app is available for free download for both iPhone and Android devices. It also provides references and a safety guide for extension ladder selection, inspection, accessorizing and use. It was developed with input from the ANSI A14 committee on Ladder Safety, the American Ladder Institute and other stakeholders. The app is based on a multimodal inclination indicator for ladder positioning that has been recently awarded a U.S. patent. To download the Ladder Safety app, visit http://www. cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/. To learn more about the campaign to prevent falls in construction, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ construction/stopfalls.html.
New TE 30-A36 Cordless Combihammer from Hilti The new Hilti TE 30-A36 cordless combihammer drill has a drilling range of 0.25 to 1 inches in diameter with SDS+ (TE-C) drill bits and up to 3.5 inches in diameter using percussion core bits. The combihammer drill has a high-efficiency, brushless motor and comes with a 36-volt, 6-amp battery that provides more than double the work per charge of its predecessors. It can deliver a single impact energy of 2.7 foot-pounds and a full hammering frequency of 4,500 impacts per minute. The TE 30-A36 also features active torque control (ATC) and active vibration reduction (AVR) to improve operator comfort and productivity. For more information, contact Hilti customer service at 800-8798000 in the U.S., 800-461-3028 in Canada, or visit www.us.hilti.com in the U.S. or www. hilti.ca in Canada.
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CertifiCATION Operator Certification
COMPANY Certification
Companies listed here have invested time and money to send their operators to CSDA’s Operator Certification. If you are committed to professionalism in the concrete cutting industry, consider sending your operators through the training programs offered by the CSDA.
The CSDA Company Certification Program is the first of its kind in the industry. This program has been created for cutting contractors to provide owners, architects, engineers, general contractors and government officials with a valuable pre-qualification tool that acknowledges sound business practices. It is available to all sawing and drilling contractors.
abc cutting contractors birmingham Bessemer, Alabama
East Coast Concrete Specialities, Inc. Jessup, Maryland
abc cutting contractors mobile Daphine, Alabama
ELMER’S CRANE & DOZER, INC. Traverse City, Michigan
ACCU-CUT CONCRETE SERVICES Palm Harbor, Florida
HAFNER & SON, INC. Danielsville, Pennsylvania
ANDERS CONSTRUCTION, INC. Harvey, Louisiana
Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. Wheeling, Illinois
Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. Mt. Holly, New Jersey
Hard Rock Sawing & Drilling Specialist Co. Keshena, Wisconsin
AUSTIN ENTERPRISE Bakersfield, California
Holes Incorporated Houston, Texas
B.T. Rentals Limited Woodbrook, Trinidad & Tobago
HOUSLEY DEMOLITION CO., INC. Visalia, California
Cal West Concrete Cutting, Inc. Union City, California
International Drilling & Sawing, Inc. Montgomery, Alabama
Central Concrete Cutting, Inc. Edgar, Wisconsin
j-ray contractors, llc Marrero, Louisiana
CHICAGO CUT CONCRETE CUTTING Chicago, Illinois
JACK DOHERTY CONTRACTING Woburn, Massachussetts
Con-Cor Company, Inc. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
K.C. Coring & Cutting Construction, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri
Concrete Cutting & Breaking Co. Jacksonville, Florida
L&S FORMLESS CURB COMPANY Hanover, Pennsylvania
Concrete Cutting Specialists, Inc. Freeland, Michigan
LIUNA local 506 Training Centre Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Concrete Penetrating Co. Dallas, Texas
LOMBARDO DIAMOND CORE DRILLING Santa Clara, California
Concrete Renovation, Inc. San Antonio, Texas
M6 Concrete Cutting & Coring Wichita, Kansas
Core Solutions Ltd. Maraval, Trinidad & Tobago
Oklahoma Coring & Cutting, Inc. Arcadia, Oklahoma
Coring & Cutting of Springfield, Inc. Nixa, Missouri
Pacific Concrete Cutting & Coring, Inc. Lihue, Hawaii
Coring & Cutting Services, Inc. Bentonville, Arkansas
Penhall Company/Concrete Coring Company of Hawaii Aiea, Hawaii
Di-tech international, inc. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
PG cutting services Lake Elsinore, California
GREENE’S, INC. Woods Cross, Utah
Coring & Cutting Services, Inc. Jacksonville, Arkansas Cut-Rite Concrete Cutting Corp. Pawtucket, Rhode Island Cutting Edge Services Corp. Batavia, Ohio d.m. conlon/dan-kel concrete coring, sawing & scanning Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Professional Concrete Sawing Erie, Pennsylvania quick cuts concrete cutting services, llc Belvidere, Illinois Roughneck Concrete Drilling & Sawing Morton Grove, Illinois
DARI Concrete Sawing and Drilling Raleigh, North Carolina
True Line Coring & Cutting of Chattanooga, LLC Chattanooga, Tennessee
DeAndrea Coring & Sawing, Inc. Henderson, Colorado
True Line Coring & Cutting of Knoxville, LLC Knoxville, Tennessee
Delta Contractors & Associates, LLC Baltimore, Maryland
True Line Coring & Cutting of Nashville, LLC Nashville, Tennessee
Dixie CONCRETE CUTTING CO. College Park, Georgia
wolf industrial services San Francisco, California
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Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. Mount Holly, New Jersey AUSTIN ENTERPRISE Bakersfield, California central concrete cutting, inc. Edgar, Wisconsin cobRa concrete cutting services co. Arlington Heights, Illinois Concrete Renovation, Inc. San Antonio, Texas Cutting Edge Services Corp. Batavia, Ohio deandrea coring & sawing, inc. Henderson, Colorado
hard rock concrete cutters, inc. Wheeling, Illinois Holes Incorporated Houston, Texas WESTCOAST CUTTING & CORING, LTD. Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
membership NEW MEMBERS The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association is a nonprofit trade association of contractors, manufacturers, distributors and affiliates from the construction and renovation industry. Membership in CSDA is open to concrete cutting contractors, manufacturers and distributors of concrete cutting equipment and affiliated companies who provide products and services to the concrete sawing and drilling industry. Founded in 1972, CSDA reached the milestone of 500 member companies in 2006.
North American Contractor
GPR Imaging Contractor
All City Concrete Covington, Washington
GPRS Toledo, Ohio
American Plumbing Contractors, Inc. Jacksonville, Florida
Manufacturer
Hardcore LLC Richmond Hill, Georgia Hi-Cycle Concrete Cutting, Inc. Anaheim, California SUPERIOR CORING & CUTTING, INC. Daly City, California
Warrior Diamond, Inc. Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Affiliate Chicago Diamond Supply Wood Dale, Illinois IHI Compact Excavator Sales Elizabethtown, Kentucky global polishing systems Leesburg, Virginia
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL I got started in the industry in 1980. I was fresh out of college and was hired by the company as a concrete cutter. I spent ten years getting familiar with the tools, practices and intricacies of concrete cutting, working on hundreds of jobs. Like most operators, I would come home each day covered in dust and debris. The company was founded in 1959 in Denver, Colorado with just two employees and one truck. When my boss decided to sell the business, I offered to buy him out and I’ve been in charge ever since. We have now grown to 43 employees and 20 trucks. One of the contributing factors to this growth is our involvement with CSDA. It pays to have a good network of colleagues and resources. That is why I appreciate the networking events, exposure and resources that CSDA has brought to my attention. We have been a member since 1995 and have benefitted tremendously from belonging to this
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Member Benefit Partnerships
CSDA has partnered with Staples Advantage to give members access to more than 30,000 products and real-time inventory updates. Go green and consolidate orders to save even more with the Staples Advantage program. • Discounts averaging 60% off over 4,000 catalog items • Discounts averaging 40% off the large stock catalog • Multiple ordering channels: online, fax or phone
Henk Dykhouse
great organization. We operate in a highly competitive field, so to have access to various safety and training materials along with helpful business sessions provides us with an advantage over others. Henk Dykhouse Diamond Drilling & Sawing Company Denver, Colorado henk@diamonddrillingcolorado.com
• One stop for all your business needs: office supplies, digital copy and print, furniture, promotional products, technology, cleaning/breakroom supplies and more. • Save an additional 7% on all orders over $150 For more information on this program, contact Linda Rose at linda.rose@staples.com. For information about CSDA’s other partnerships and member benefits, visit www.csda.org and click on “Member Benefits” under the Members button or call 727-577-5004.
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ND JOIN AVE! SA 2 P. 6
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country
phone
fax
years in business
no. employees
contractors: no. trucks
principals/owners of business
web address
other professional association memberships
official representative others participating in csda activities
contractors only—check below to identify the services you offer, which will be listed in the print and online directories:
principal business activity
flat sawing
core drilling
wall sawing
selective demolition
curb cutting
ground penetrating radar
wire sawing
concrete polishing
surface preparation
slurry recycling
membership dues schedule please circle your dues amount gross sales north american contractor polishing contractor gpr imaging contractor manufacturer distributor overseas contractor affiliate*
$0–1m
$565
$750
$1,200
$875
$1–2M
$920
$1,490
$1,120
$2–3M
$2,210
$1,655
$3m–5M
$1,390 $750 $1,875 $1,250
$5–10M
$2,355
$4,785
>$10M
$2,975
$5,945
$3,565
$390
$695
$2,670
*AFFILIATE: A person, firm, corporation, society, government agency or other organization providing services to the concrete sawing, polishing and scanning industry.
membership dues
payment check enclosed (us funds and drawn on a us bank) visa mastercard discover
company annual dues (from above)
$
additional branch locations ($130 per location)
$
csda website hotlink ($100) links directly to your company website
$
card no. expiration date
3-digit verification (csc)
name on card billing address
annual membership total
$
signature
csda • 100 2nd avenue south, suite 402n, st. petersburg, fl 33701 • tel: 727.577.5004 • fax: 727.577.5012 • E-MAIL: INFO@CSDA.ORG • www.csda.org
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BENEFITS Networking at the Annual Convention and Quarterly Meetings The number one benefit for members has always been the opportunity to network with industry professionals at the annual convention and quarterly meetings. This networking provides opportunities to forge new relationships and learn from other experienced professionals.
Representation with Governmental Organizations CSDA has an Alliance with OSHA to advance the safety of cutting contractors. This partnership included issuing Best Practice and Toolbox Safety Talk documents, joint exhibitions at trade shows, review of safety materials and round tables.
Discount Programs The Association negotiates member benefit programs with national vendors in order to provide cost-savings opportunities for CSDA Members.
CSDA Website The CSDA Website at www.csda.org contains a wealth of information available 24/7 in the “Members” section. The online discussion boards also provide members a forum to discuss technical issues, sell equipment, hire employees or any other relevant topics.
Concrete Openings CSDA Training and Certification Programs Over 3,000 members have graduated from more than 20 classroom, hands-on and online training programs. In addition, CSDA has certification programs for companies and individual operators. See pages 8 and 9 for more details.
CSDA Safety Resources and Toolbox Safety Tips (TSTs) The 230-page CSDA Safety Manual, CSDA 57-page Safety Handbook and five safety DVDs are designed specifically for concrete cutters, polishers and scanners. They are available to members at a significant discount. TSTs can be used in employee safety meetings and can be an important part of your company’s safety program. CSDA has released over 100 TSTs since the program began. A new TST is released every month.
World of Concrete Co-Sponsor Members receive free registration and significant discounts on educational seminars fees. CSDA also supports the industry by exhibiting at this event and sponsoring seminar sessions.
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ConcreteOpenings at www.concreteopenings.com is the only professional magazine dedicated to concrete cutting with a circulation of 18,000 per issue. Members can advertise at significant discounts and use the opportunity to have their job stories reach almost 7,000 architects, engineers, general contractors and government officials.
CSDA Next Generation Committee The committee aims to continue the growth of the association while serving the needs and wants of the younger generation, with the goal of continuing to set a standard of excellence.
Mentor Program New Members can receive personalized assistance from a current CSDA Board or Committee member during their first year of membership.
Market Intelligence • Helps you plan, measure, understand trends and markets. • 3rd party non biased market research • Surveys and reports
Other benefits and programs can be reviewed by visiting the CSDA Website at www.csda.org or call the CSDA office at 727-577-5004.
c o n c ret e o p en i n g s | 5 9
Calendar September 5-6
November 7-8
January 22
CSDA Fall Meetings The Westin Annapolis Annapolis, MD Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
CSDA Concrete Polishing Class Austin Enterprise Bakersfield, CA Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
CSDA Board Meeting Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
September 12-15
November 8-9
January 22-23
ASCC Annual Conference Sheraton Columbus Hotel Columbus, OH Tel: 866-788-2722 www.ascconline.org
CSDA Wire Sawing Operator Certification 201 St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
CSDA Concrete Polishing Class Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
November 14-15
January 22-23
International Conference on Stone and Concrete Machining Dortmund, Germany Email: info@icscm.de www.icscm.de
CSDA Wall Sawing 101 Training Class Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
September 12-15 International Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference Gwinnett Center Duluth, GA Tel: 716-228-0265 www.icpsc365.com
November 25-26 Shock & Impact Loads on Structures Conference Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore Tel: 65-6733-2922 Email: ci-p@cipremier.com www.cipremier.com
January 23 CSDA Next Generation Meeting Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
February 22-25 NDA Annual Convention The Mirage Las Vegas, NV www.demolitionassociation.com
March 4-8 November 4-5
December 5-6
CSDA Slab Sawing & Drilling Operator Certification 201 St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
CSDA Winter Meetings Stein Eriksen Lodge Park City, UT Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
November 4-6 Design-Build Conference & Expo The Mirage Las Vegas, NV Tel: 301-270-3171 www.designbuildexpo.com
November 6-7 CSDA Wall Sawing Operator Certification 201 St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
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2014 January 20-21 CSDA Estimating Class Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
January 21-24 World of Concrete Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 972-536-6379 www.worldofconcrete.com
ConExpo – Con/Agg 2014 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV www.conexpoconagg.com
March 11-12 CSDA Spring Meetings The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Tucson, AZ Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
March 13-15 CSDA Convention and Tech Fair The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Tucson, AZ Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org www.csda.org
March 13-15 Concrete Show India Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai INDIA www.concreteshowindia.com
ADVERTISING and readership
the official magazine of CSDA
Concrete Openings Website
Target the Specialized Industry of Concrete Cutting, Polishing and Imaging Advertising in Concrete Openings magazine is the only way to reach the specialty market of cutting, polishing and imaging contractors who work with concrete, asphalt or masonry because it is specifically targeted to this segment of the industry.
How Do You Reach 18,000+ Concrete industry Professionals? Each issue of Concrete Openings magazine is sent to more than 11,000 operators, equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the concrete cutting, polishing and imaging industry, and more than 7,000 specifiers of these services around the world.
Who Reads the Magazine? Concrete Openings reaches cutting, polishing and imaging contractors as well as specifiers of these services, including engineers, architects, general contractors and governmental agencies. Why waste your message on unnecessary circulation? Advertising in Concrete Openings guarantees a targeted audience of industry professionals.
Concrete Openings has its own website. Advertisers have direct links to their websites placed on our Advertisers page as a complimentary addition to ad placement. A full page-turning copy of the magazine, including ads, is also available for visitors to read on the website. Visitors to the site can now access our advertisers at the touch of a button. The Concrete Openings Website also has banner advertising opportunities available throughout the year. Visit www.concreteopenings.com for more information.
Readership Per Issue A poll of Concrete Openings subscribers revealed that 66% pass on their copy of the magazine to at least one other person, with almost 25% stating that the magazine is passed on to four or more people each issue. This translates to an average of four people reading each issue of the magazine for a total readership per year of approximately 60,000.
52%
8% 40%
• Specifiers • Contractors • Manufacturers, Distributors
Circulation 18,000+ minimum, per issue 11,000+ member and prospective member companies made up of contractors, manufacturers, distributors and affiliates 7,000+
Not a Subscriber? Get your free subscription today! Visit www.concreteopenings.com and click “subscribe”.
the official magazine of CSDA
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Readership by Profession
general contractors, engineers, architects and government officials who specify cutting, polishing and imaging
Do you “Like” CSDA? CSDA is on Facebook, and we hope you “like” it! The CSDA page is packed with all the latest news, updates, photos and videos from the association and Concrete Openings magazine. Look out for exclusive content and become “friends” with others who are looking to network and promote the sawing and drilling industry. Join our growing fan base and stay in touch with the association through your PC, laptop or mobile device.
c o n c ret e o p en i n g s | 6 1
ADVERTISers To receive additional information about products advertised in this issue, visit the advertisers page on concreteopenings.com, or contact the vendors below. PHONE
31 Apollo General Insurance Agency, Inc.
707-996-2912
bobe@apgen.com
47
877-276-5548
peter@brokkinc.com
45 CS Unitec, Inc.
203-853-9522
info@csunitec.com
29, Inside Front Cover
Diamond Products
800-321-5336
jpalmer@diamondproducts.com
63
Diamond Tools Technology
612-408-9253
mark@diamondtoolstechnology.com
16
DITEQ Corporation
816-246-5515
jmiller@diteq.com
23
Dixie Diamond Manufacturing
678-296-3751
skilgore@dixiediamond.com
43 Expert Equipment Company
713-797-9886
expertequipment@sbcglobal.net
41 GDM Technologies/Terra Diamond
801-990-9034
gdmsaws@yahoo.com
49 GelMaxx
619-701-7246
info@gelmaxx.net
48 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI)
603-893-1109
harmonj@geophysical.com
5 GMI Enineered Products
419-408-0497
abowman@gmiengineeredproducts.com
Inside Back Cover
Hilti North America
918-872-3079
claire.combs@hilti.com
32, 33, Outside Back Cover
Husqvarna Construction Products
913-928-1442
cate.stratemeier@husqvarna.com
2 ICS, Blount Inc.
503-653-4644
joet@icsbestway.com
9 IHI Compact Excavator Sales
800-538-1447
dave@ihices.com
18
K2 Diamond
800-539-6116
mike.nelson@k2diamond.com
21
Merit Engineering & Equipment Company
928-771-0575
r.ferguson@meritsaws.com
26 Pentruder, Inc.
562-445-6429
terry@pentruderinc.com
18
Warrior Diamond, Inc.
610-828-6606
nate@wdblades.com
11
Western Saw, Inc.
805-981-0999
cole@westernsaw.com
53
World of Concrete
727-577-5004
info@csda.org
PAGE
ADVERTISER
Brokk, Inc.
Join CSDA and Get the Rest of 2013 FREE!
Right now CSDA is offering companies a chance to save on membership dues
6 2 | s e pte mb e r.13
Join CSDA now and receive:
JOIN AN SAVE! D
• The remaining months of 2013 FREE • Membership for all of 2014 • Notification of job leads from architects, engineers, general contractors and government officials • Member-only online access to CSDA Toolbox Safety Tips, Specifications, Standards and Best Practices • Assistance from industry peers through the CSDA Membership Directory, Mentor Program and Next Generation Committee. An online application is available at www.csda.org. For more information, contact the CSDA office at 727-577-5004 Become a member of the Association of Cutting Professionals today!
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Diamond DiamondTools ToolsTechnology Technology 723 723Hastings HastingsLane Lane Buffalo BuffaloGrove, Grove,ILIL60089 60089**877-345-6388** **877-345-6388**
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c o n c ret e o p en i n g s | 6 3
director’s dialogue
Silica Again!
Patrick o’brien Executive Director
Y
es, as you read in this issue’s President’s Page, the silica discussion is back! Nearly 10 years ago, I addressed silica in the introductory Director’s Dialog column in Concrete Openings. At the time, OSHA was proposing new regulations on respirable silica. They proposed a reduction of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) level from 1.0 to 0.25. The source for this proposal was based upon OSHA’s experience in the manufacturing sector but showed their dismal lack of understanding of the construction industry. The proposed standard would have required construction companies to initiate many new procedures. An industrial hygienist would have been required to provide sampling services on each site. The contractor would also have to designate a “competent person” to identify and evaluate silica exposure hazards and establish a regulated workspace, perimeter and constantly monitor the quality of the air. The contractor would have to make respirators and Tyvek clothing available to workers, as well as anyone entering the jobsite, including trades working in adjacent areas. Medical screening and exam costs for employees would have skyrocketed. CSDA sprung into action as this change would have severely impacted the ability of cutting contractors to earn their living. A cutting contractor can easily be on 3-5 different jobsites in one day, which is quite different from a manufacturing plant that operates with consistent operations day after day. At the time, CSDA Vice President Susan Hollingsworth represented cutting contractors on the OSHA Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. She calculated that the proposed standard, which OSHA said could cost a small business up to $12,000, would cost her company of 21 operators upwards of $3 million! Susan and the CSDA Safety Committee developed a simple chart that operators could use on the job to determine if respiratory protection was
6 4 | s e pte mb e r.13
needed, and if so, what type of protection was recommended. This chart was based upon an extremely thorough data collection of cutting jobsites from CSDA members and the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH). CSDA even invited NIOSH to attend CSDA training classes at St. Petersburg College to observe and advise CSDA. Because of the use of water in the cutting operation, NIOSH recognized that there was very little silica exposure problems for cutting contractors. This chart that was developed has been used by members over the past decade and has simplified procedures and protected workers at the same time. CSDA makes this chart available to anyone in the industry. In her page, President O’Day discusses the new focus by OSHA to again introduce a new standard. We are not sure what has transpired since the original proposal to this new one, but it would have been advantageous for OSHA to seek input from the construction industry. That unfortunately does not appear to be the case, as they are ready to release a new silica regulation without this input. Ten years ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NIOSH data showed that silica in 1968 was a contributing cause in just under 1,200 deaths in the U.S. By 1999, the number had dropped to less than 200. The most recent data collected by NIOSH in 2010 shows that deaths from silica have now dropped below 100 per year. It is curious why OSHA now wants to push for new exposure limits when the number of deaths attributable to silica have dropped dramatically and the industry has developed it’s own standards and regulations to protect construction workers. If OSHA will talk to the construction industry, I am sure that CSDA can contribute to the discussion. Together, we can develop a workable plan to protect workers from silica exposure.
Radar Detection Systems
Radar detection simplified.
With the ability to provide clear, 2D images of virtually all kinds of objects, the easy-to-use Hilti PS 1000 and PS 1000-B Radar Detection Systems take nondestructive inspection of concrete structures to a new level.
Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.
Visit Hilti Online or contact your Hilti representative for more information.
Hilti Diamond Systems 1-800-879-4000 www.us.hilti.com • www.hilti.ca
Ready, set, DRILL. When operators need a machine to handle heavy-duty core drilling jobs, the Husqvarna DM 340 drill motor is the right tool. It was designed to provide optimal performance when drilling with 2" to 16" bits. The gearbox is water-cooled for reduced wear, and the three speeds make it easy to set the optimum drilling speed. The Elgard™ feature indicates, via an LED, when the machine is overloading. This prevents motor damage and increases product life. It can be used with the AD 10 automatic drilling system to increase production and bit life. The DM 340 drill motor is powerful and smart.
HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS 17400 West 119th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66061 • T 800-288-5040 • F 800-825-0028 • www.husqvarnacp.com 2077 Bond Street • North Bay, Ontario P1B 4V6 • T 800-461-9589 • F 800-825-0028 • www.husqvarnacp.ca Copyright © 2013 Husqvarna AB (publ.). All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB (publ.).