Salman Zafar is the CEO of BioEnergy Consult, and an international consultant, advisor and trainer with expertise in waste management, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, environment protection and resource conservation. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biogas technology, biomass energy, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management.
Salman has participated in numerous national and international conferences all over the world. He is a prolific environmental journalist, and has authored more than 300 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. In addition, he is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability through his blogs and portals.
Salman can be reached at salman@bioenergyconsult.com or salman@cleantechloops.com.
Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to work on climate change or try to create sustainable buildings or make a career in waste recycling? Maybe you hope to work in national forests or affect government policy on environmental issues. There are plenty of opportunities for green-oriented jobs. Keep reading for more on careers that can be good for both you and the planet, whether you are changing careers or just finishing high school.
1. Consider Your Focus
You should start thinking broadly about what kind of renewable energy career you’d like to have. With a few years of school ahead of you or a career change, you’ll have time to learn more and decide, but it can help if you at least have a general idea about the direction you’ll pursue.
Maybe you’d like to work in science, or perhaps you want to write about the environment. You may want to pursue renewable energy degree or become an entrepreneur, founding sustainable companies. Start doing research as early as possible.
2. Plan for School
If you already have a degree, you may not need to go back to school. It depends on how different your new career is from your old one and whether your skills will transfer or if you need further education. If you don’t have a degree, it will be much easier to break into most fields with one, and in most cases, it will be necessary.
If you are worried about money, keep in mind that there are grants, scholarships and loans available. You can shop for a low interest rate on private loans to make sure that you get the best deal available for you.
3. Start Now
You should start as soon as possible to learn about the issues and get involved. There is probably a community group near you that you can join. This can also help you get started networking and meeting other people who have the same interests and ambitions as you as well as professionals who may be well on their way in their careers.
You can learn a lot through volunteer work about the issues that you are most passionate about and what types of jobs you enjoy doing most.
4. Networking and Internships
If you are a student, talk to your professors, your advisor and the career center at your school about your ambitions and what career paths might be right for you. Whether you are a student or a career changer, see if you can set up informational interviews with people doing the types of jobs that interest you.
5. Stay Balanced
Doing environmental work or another job that you feel passionately about does not mean that you have to throw your entire being into it. It’s still important to maintain a work-life balance, perhaps doubly so when you work for a nonprofit or in another field that tends to attract people who are as interested in the issues they are working on as in what they are being paid.
Be sure to carve out time for friends, family and hobbies so that you don’t burn out while trying to save the world.
When it comes to homeownership, there are a lot of options out there. You can buy an existing home, build a new one, or even purchase a pre-fabricated property. And each of those options has its own set of pros and cons.
But if you’re looking for the ultimate in flexibility, control, and customization, then building your own home is the way to go. And in this article, we’ll explain why this could be an excellent option for you.
You get to choose everything – the floor plan, the finishes, and even the location.
Looking at new homes for sale is an exciting prospect, but it can sometimes be overwhelming. Just where do you start, and with so many things to consider, it’s easy to get frustrated or feel lost in the process.
The good news is that you have complete control over your new home. You can make all the decisions from big-picture choices like location, floor plan, and overall look to more specific details like the individual lighting fixtures and door fitments.
Depending on the builder, you might even have some say over more practical elements such as soundproofing and energy efficiency standards — not just aesthetics.
So even though buying a new house can be intimidating, it’s also hugely empowering because with each decision comes an opportunity for total customization. With a combination of careful planning, thoughtful design choices, and due diligence on research, you’ll be able to create your ideal dream home!
A new build home is typically more energy efficient and has better insulation than a resale home
When it comes to choosing a new home, many people find themselves weighing the benefits of buying an existing resale property versus building a new one. It’s true that a resale property can offer advantages like more immediate availability and established neighborhoods, but there are some key advantages to consider when opting for new construction.
A major consideration is the energy efficiency and insulation offered by a newly built home — features that don’t always come standard with a resale.
New homes are constructed up-to-date with insulation standards and energy-efficient appliances, meaning they require less energy to heat or cool than older homes. Additionally, you’ll often find higher quality windows on newer models, which helps to seal in the air more effectively than pre-existing single-pane glass technology that may be found in older homes.
So while there may be a temptation to buy existing due to the convenience factor, don’t overlook the importance of investing in modern insulated architecture that could give you substantial cost savings over time.
You can personalize your home to fit your unique lifestyle and needs
Any home is a reflection of its owner and the activities that are taken place there. It makes sense to personalize your living space in such a way that it compliments your habits and lifestyle. By making thoughtful design choices and adding personalized details, you can make your home unique while expressing who you are.
Adjustments to suit your family’s lifestyle will also help you create an environment conducive to productivity, relaxation, and inspiration. A few simple changes, like painting the walls a different color or changing the style of windows, can make all the difference in how your home feels.
Add lighting fixtures that fit each room’s mood and decorate according to what you enjoy looking at. Prioritizing storage solutions and organizing items can help reduce clutter, creating a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone who lives in the house.
Personalizing your living space is one of the best ways to ensure you get precisely what you want out of life. With just a few minor adjustments here and there, anyone can make their house feel more like home in no time at all!
A new build home will likely appreciate in value more than a resale home in the same neighborhood
When it comes to making a real estate investment, deciding between building a new home or purchasing an existing one can be challenging.
Appreciation over time
On the one hand, buying an existing home allows you to move into it right away and can often come with desirable features like mature landscaping and a larger lot size. On the other hand, building a new home may provide more appreciation over time- especially considering that many resale homes remain stagnant in terms of value or sometimes even decline over time.
Boosted curb appeal
In most neighborhoods, resale homes will have reached their peak value once purchased from the previous owner and won’t go up much in price until significant renovations are done. Meanwhile, constructing a new residence means buyers can pay for all sorts of modern updates and enjoy the boosted curb appeal before prices take off in the area.
So, if you’re looking for long-term economic security and stability, a new build home may be worth considering over other real estate options available in the same neighborhood.
You don’t have to worry about repairs or renovations with a new build home
Moving into a new home can be a hugely exciting experience. But when you move into a resale property, you’re never entirely sure if the previous owner was completely honest about the home’s condition until you move in.
With a new build home, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing there won’t be any hidden problems or expensive repairs to worry about. Instead, you’ll get to start out with a high-quality and modern home, so everything is fresh and up-to-date.
All in all, when considering the pros and cons of choosing a newly built home versus a pre-owned one–the advantages of having no repairs or renovations needed easily win out!
Our Roundup
So, if you’re considering buying a new build home, here’s our summary of the top reasons why you should go for it:
You will get to choose everything about your home
It will also be more energy efficient
It’ll appreciate in value over time.
You won’t have to worry about any repairs or renovations that may need to be completed once you’ve moved in.
The story of the world economy over the last few decades has been one of rapid digitisation. New technology is playing a role in just about every facet of life – and the construction industry is no exception. We’re using computers to not only design and plan structures, but to actually build them, too. So what new developments can we look forward to in the future? Read on to know more about the tech trends in the construction industry:
1. Virtual and Augmented Reality
It’s difficult to get an idea of exactly how a finished building will look before it’s actually constructed. After all, a top-down plan of a proposed conservatory, loft conversion, or leisure centre, is not going to convey the full reality of the finished product. As such, we’ve always accepted a degree of uncertainty.
That’s likely to change in the near future, thanks to the emergence of artificial and virtual reality products. It’s now possible to use a VR headset to look around a computer-generated version of a proposed project, and make minor changes before a single brick has been lain. Or, we might use augmented reality as the project is ongoing to achieve much the same thing.
2. Green Buildings
The need to reduce emissions and make buildings sustainable has never been more pressing. This means more efficient envelopes, and energy that’s generated right in the buildings themselves. The homes of the future might come will ultra-efficient photovoltaic rooftops, or ground-source heat pumps.
The smart home has been something of a buzzword in recent years, though there are some misconceptions about home automation. With all of the energy-consuming appliances and devices able to communicate with one another, we’re afforded an accurate picture of a given home’s energy consumption – and we’re able to tweak the dials via algorithms. The rollout of smart meters means that energy companies can react swiftly to changes in demand, thereby lowering costs and bolstering overall efficiency.
Over the coming decades, it’s likely that this principle will be expanded to encompass not just individual homes, but entire estates, and eventually cities.
5. 3d Printing
Additive manufacturing is something that’s been revolutionary in the world of prototyping, but hasn’t quite lived up to the considerable hype in the world of construction. It’s probable that in the future, construction as we know it will be done through entirely different means, and that walls will be thrown up using materials extruded from a machine-controlled nozzle, in much the same way as small-scale 3d printers like the Creality Ender 3 V2 do today..
It’s possible to throw up buildings incredibly quickly and cheaply using this technology – provided that the initial expense of the printer itself is overcome.
For fleets and their managers, money spent on fuel makes up a majority of any team’s budget, and recent fluctuations in price meant that a massive effort was needed to try and keep things from completely breaking the budget. In this article, we will look at three ways your fuel spending can be better managed. Broadly speaking this can only be done in two ways, consume less fuel or find a cheaper fuel source. The next question then is how?
Analysis of Driving and Duty Cycles
While the debate still rages on about what the next generation of fuel there are methods to reduce current fuel spending costs. Typically these costs are sensitive to drive and duty cycles, this implies that analysis of said cycles can result in a possible reduction in costs if done right. With advancements in technology including GPS tracking and data harvesting analyzing either a driving cycle or the overriding duty cycle is made far easier than most would expect.
Data that is generated by modern technology can even be used to predict savings in adopting technology like real-time driver tracking which can then be used to offset the expected return of investment technology adoption typically entails. Further, data taken in real time will assist in determining future costs associated with duty cycles even in the event of a freak weather event as an example.
Never Forget the Basics
Adoption of new technology is certainly one way to reduce costs, but it is also important not to forget the basics. Things like maintaining proper tire inflation, reducing vehicle weight, reducing potential rolling resistance, getting drivers to practice passive idle reduction, and most importantly maintaining vehicles properly are tried and tested ways fuel costs can be reduced.
If the fleet manager wants to dive even deeper into similar ways to reduce costs, newer vehicles often include computer-governed powertrains. This allows for the powertrain to be made more efficient by mapping power delivery curves and transmission shift points via the onboard computer for improved fuel consumption.
Modifying Driver Behaviour
No matter where you are based drivers are your most important asset and getting them to adopt better behaviors on the road can be one of the best methods to reduce fuel consumption. Be it in Colorado or charlotte trucking relies fundamentally on the driver in question. Fleet managers across the globe have found great success in reducing costs. Here again, the technology used to analyze driving and duty cycles and be used to track driver behaviors.
Modern tracking systems not only provide GPS data but data pertaining to the overall condition of the vehicle. Specialized fleet management systems like CameraMatics not only provide GPS data but data pertaining to the overall condition of the vehicle. This data can be used to determine problem driving areas and subsequently corrected.
Conclusion
While the world waits on a new fuel source to come to market cheaper than what we currently have, the best method is to reduce fuel consumption that threatens to blast a hole in any budget. Above we have seen three fleet fuel management methods to do so with some of them requiring little to no capital expenditure.
Crypto wallets are an important addition for anyone who wishes to be a part of the crypto ecosystem. These wallets are specially designed to store information regarding your digital assets. At the same time, it is also important to mention here that these wallets are protected by highly confidential keys.
There are two kinds of keys that protect a crypto wallet one is the public and the other one is a private key. Taking this a step ahead let’s understand more about the bitcoin wallet and what are the key aspects associated with it. When it comes to cryptocurrency transactions, crypto wallets are an integral part of it. At the time of registration on a crypto exchange platform or when you want to use a bitcoin ATM, you would require a wallet where you will be finally receiving the cryptocurrencies.
There are different types of wallets however, most importantly, you should note that several companies provide them. Not every crypto wallet may be suitable for you because each of them holds its own set of pros and cons.
The two basic classifications of a crypto wallet are under the following categories:
Hardware wallet
Software wallet
Software wallet
These are like digital bank accounts. You can send and receive and manage cryptocurrencies using a software wallet. A software wallet gets installed on your computer and works with an active internet connection. Make sure that you don’t use a public Wi-Fi system for this as there is a greater probability of breaching attempts. In simple terms, you can say that this wallet is like a keychain where you store the keys that give you access to your crypto. To protect the wallet, they are designed to generate seat phrases which are usually between 12 to 24.
Securing the software wallet
One of the easiest ways to crack your software wallet is to secure the keys and you must keep a backup. Crypto wallets come with a feature for restoring and backup. With it, it becomes easier for you to get back the information and details even if you lose the wallet. To ensure complete safety, you should write your recovery key on a piece of paper.
Hardware wallet
The next option that you have is a hardware wallet. As evident from the name this wallet has a physical existence and doesn’t need the power of the internet to access. As compared to the software wallet, the hardware wallets are considered to be a safer option primarily because they don’t need an internet connection. This adds to the layer of security. However, there is always a probability of losing the wallet and so one has to be very cautious while using it.
You can get a hardware wallet from dollar 32 up to dollar hundred. These wallets provide the user complete access to their digital assets however it may be less convenient than using a hot wallet since you always need to carry a physical product for this.
What’s next?
Once you have gotten I estimate of the type of wallet you want to invest in, the next step is to invest in one and start trading using the right crypto exchange platform. As much as it is important to get a good crypto wallet, it is equally significant to register yourself on a trusted platform where in you can access all the cryptocurrencies of your interest.
Doing proper research is a must if you are willing to make the most out of your investment in cryptocurrencies. You must explore the different types of crypto wallets available in the market.
Nowadays, you have different cryptocurrencies like utility tokens, security tokens, stablecoins, national cryptocurrencies and others. This gives you more scope for diversifying your investment portfolio and getting into the mode of being a seasoned investor.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrencies are here to stay, and you may like it or not, you cannot certainly ignore the growing face of cryptocurrencies. Whether it is bitcoin or Ethereum or non-fungible tokens, decentralized finance is slowly penetrating the lives of individuals and then changing the global economy. Hence this is the right time to make a start and choose like this auto-trading bot
Thin films are required for several processes—from manufacturing touch panels and glass to solar cells and displays. These layers are manufactured using a process called sputter deposition. The sputtering target is a vital piece in the procedure.
This article will cover all you need to know about sputtering targets.
Let’s dive right in.
What is a Sputtering Target?
A sputtering target is a raw material that helps produce thin films used in sputtering deposition/coating. It helps to coat different materials called the substrate. Substrates can be glass, displays, solar cells, etc.
Sputter targets can be circular, like the one shown below. Similarly, they can come in powdered form.
Sputter coating occurs in a sputtering system. The image below shows what this system looks like. The sputtering system is a vacuum chamber with a controlled pressure of 0.5 to two pascals.
The coating process begins with the introduction of argon gas until the system attains a low-pressure argon-filled environment.
Sputtering targets are usually negatively charged. Since argon has a positive charge, it is attracted to the target. When it collides with the sputtering target, it ejects atoms from the target surface. There is also a magnetic material/array in the system that reinforces the ejection of these atoms.
Then, the ejected atoms travel opposite the target to coat the substrate layer-by-layer until they form a uniform thin film.
One of the most popular target materials used as sputtering targets, especially for semiconductors, is aluminum. This is thanks to its versatility and superior heat resistance. However, you still need a certified aluminum powder supplier to get the best possible coating quality.
4 Uses of the Sputtering Target
The sputtering target is a vital piece for coating most of the materials you use today. In this section, we will discuss the four popular uses of the sputtering target.
1. Semiconductors
The sputtering target is necessary to create several thin layers in semiconductors. These include microchips, flat panel displays, etc. The target is an integral part of the wiring and barrier layer of the semiconductor.
Besides, in wafer manufacturing, these targets are necessary to produce conductive layers and metal grids. The importance of the sputtering target further extends to chip packaging, where it is used to manufacture the wiring layer and metallic layer just below the bump.
The targets used for semiconductors are the most demanding when it comes to purity and technology. They will not meet the required electric performance if the impurity level is higher than required. This can lead to circuit damage. Metals such as Aluminum, Tantalum, Titanium, Copper, etc., are recommended for the process. A mil-spec supplier can help ensure this purity.
2. Solar Cells
The sputtering target is an integral part of thin film solar cells, which is the second and one of the most efficient generations of solar cells. With the target coating, this generation promises 10 to 20 years of lifetime with the best payback time.
There are many targets used for solar cell coating. The first is cadmium telluride (CdTe) sputtering target. This target works with the least carbon footprint and water usage during the sputter deposition process. With CdTe, you also don’t have to worry about energy deficit in the short term. However, cadmium is a component of the target, which can be toxic.
Another target used is the CIGS target. CIGS is the combination of copper, indium, gallium, and selenium. Films prepared using CIGS show superior light absorption and power-generating potential.
You can also use the gallium arsenide target, which maintains its efficiency even at overly high temperatures. It is most suitable for solar cells used in areas with high radiation and ultraviolet rays, such as aerospace.
3. Low Radiation-Coated Glass
Energy-saving glass or low radiation-coated glass is replacing the traditional glass today. This is partly because of its aesthetics and its energy-saving and light control capabilities. The magnetron sputtering technique is used to manufacture this low radiation coated glass.
Silver sputtering targets are very popularly used for energy-saving glasses. This is due to their elevated conductivity, ductility, and malleability. Another material is chromium sputtering target. This target can make a film as tiny as 2 to 10 micrometers. Chromium is hard, doesn’t wear off easily, and can resist impact. These are the features you want in your glass.
Titanium sputtering target is perhaps the most versatile choice. Whether you’re using it for semiconductors or low radiation-coated glass, it slots in seamlessly.
Other important target materials to note are the zinc tin target, silicon aluminum target, and titanium dioxide target.
4. Optical Glass
Sputtering targets are also necessary components for making coatings of sunglasses, optic filters, eyeglasses, and other optics glasses. You can superimpose these thin films on these optical components. These thin films further optimize how light is transmitted or reflected in the optical glass. In essence, sputtering targets are responsible for the anti-static safety property of lenses and other visors.
Coating with the target material can help you elevate the luster and lifetime of the optical glass. It also minimizes abrasion and increases the glass’s thermal conductivity.
The targets used in this case are similar to the ones used in the energy-saving glass coating. Their difference lies in their manufacturing procedure.
There are two popular sputtering processes for optical glass coating. The first is ion beam sputtering. This involves bombarding the target with high-energy ion beams. This will help eject the target atoms and form a hard, dense, and smooth film on the optical surface.
The other sputtering process is advanced plasma sputtering. This process uses a hot cathode to eject the atoms instead of high-energy beams. This process gives you smooth and hard coating on the optical surface, reinforcing its stability. It is a very versatile process. Thus, it is the preferable choice for high-volume and more demanding coating processes.
In Conclusion
From automobiles to electronics and other applications that require thin films, the sputter target is integral. It helps you add more functionality and durability to the substrate. There are various types of target materials, each suitable for various purposes. Some of them include zinc, titanium, CIGS, CdTe, and others.
These targets have various applications. You can use them to make components of semiconductors and solar cell coatings. They also come in handy when you want to coat energy-saving and optical glasses.
Residents of Texas who recently experienced life without power for a significant time period will tell you it can be pretty debilitating. For business owners, the problems presented by power outages are manifold and can be catastrophic for the bottom line. One way to mitigate the risks associated with power outages is to invest in a good quality generator which can assist when trouble strikes.
Generators don’t come cheap, so it’s understandable that business owners will want to do their research before taking the plunge and making a purchase. If you find yourself on the fence when it comes to investing in a generator for your business, here are a few points that may help you with your decision:
It Will Keep Your Business Running During a Power Outage
Anyone who has been out shopping or eating at a cafe during a power outage will know how inconvenient it can be. Often, you won’t be able to buy anything and operations will cease. If, however, the business were to have a generator that kicks in the moment the power goes down, then things will be significantly different.
Having a generator ensures that critical systems can continue to work and you won’t have to contend with disappointed customers. Be sure to investigate your options with a reputable supplier like Blue Diamond Generators who can advise you on the various models available and help find a model that is most well-suited to your business needs.
Generators Can Also Help During Brownouts
While the rise in the use of renewable energy is certainly a welcome development, one of the issues is that the power supply from these sources can be somewhat variable. Solar panels and wind turbines are being built at a rapid rate but they don’t always serve people when they need power most.
For example, wind power tends to be strongest during the spring and fall seasons but not necessarily during the summer and winter months when people actually need more power. Often when these systems become overloaded with demand for power, brownouts are implemented as a means of regulating the power supply. Having a generator means that your business can remain environmentally-friendly but also continue operating should the renewable energy sources prove unreliable.
Investing in a Generator Can Be Cost-Effective in the Long Term
When you consider the amount of money your business loses as a result of a power outage or a brownout, then the cost of a generator doesn’t seem so bad. For example, in the catering trade, a loss of power results in food expiry, and these expenses are rarely recoverable. If you find that such events become regular then these expenses quickly build up. Owning a generator and fuel reserve could prove to be a long-term investment, especially if your business is operating in an area which is susceptible to storms of natural disasters.
If you’re able to find the funding, then investing in a generator or a transformer ultimately allows your business to keep running even when others can’t. Not only will this give you a comparative edge over other businesses, but you could potentially make significant savings in the long run, especially when you consider any potential losses and disruptions that could happen as a result of a power outage.
Able to operate at immensely high temperatures, well in excess of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, these ovens can make use of various power sources, including electricity, gas, and oil, in order to operate, being used for heat-treating parts, conditioning metals, and much more.
This guide will take a look at some of the many different types of industrial ovens and some of their common uses too.
The Types of Industrial Ovens
There are many different types of industrial ovens, and new types are being produced by leading industrial oven manufacturers all the time. It’s therefore not possible to list every single variety out there, but the list below will cover some of the most common types, introducing their basic design and functionality.
1. Electric
An industrial electric oven, as the name implies, will make use of electricity as its primary power source. This allows it to reach high temperatures very quickly, as well as giving the user a lot of precise control over the interior temperatures, times, and settings. These types of ovens are useful when working with certain types of metal products and combustible items that aren’t suitable for gas ovens.
2. Gas
Gas ovens make use of gas to operate and are more affordable to use than electric ovens due to their lower energy costs. They can heat up very quickly and keep their temperatures high for longer than other oven types, making them useful for extended sessions of heating and treating. They generally make use of either natural gas or propane and are well-suited for jobs like automotive part manufacturing and powder coating onto the steel.
3. Drying
A drying oven, as the name implies, is designed to dry out the items that are placed inside it, removing any excess moisture. This can be very useful for sterilizing medical items, heat-treating metals, and so on.
4. Curing
A curing oven is designed to help powders and paints bond with metal surfaces. They’re great for processes like powder coating, as well as being useful for hardening substances like plastic and rubber, and they can have a range of different power sources, including electricity and gas.
5. Conveyor
A conveyor industrial oven is one that has a conveyor belt system on the inside which gradually moves the items along into different oven zones. There are usually multiple heating zones operating at different temperatures in a conveyor oven, as well as cooling zones too, and these ovens are hugely versatile, working with curing, drying, forming, and other processes.
6. Batch
A batch industrial oven is a very large oven that can take on big jobs, heating many items all at once. These tend to be some of the biggest industrial ovens around and they’re usually powered by electricity.
7. Tunnel
A tunnel oven is a long industrial oven with openings at either end and a belt in the center. Items move along the belt, through the tunnel, from one end to the other, being heated and baked in the center. These ovens tend to operate continuously, able to treat batch after batch of items, making them well-suited for baking and food preparation.
Uses of Industrial Ovens
There are many different ways in which industrial ovens can be used, for example:
Food – Just like commercial ovens you find at home or in restaurants, industrial ovens can also be used to bake food products, but on a much larger scale than a typical home oven. They’re essential for businesses that make large batches of food for sale and delivery.
Sterilization – Industrial ovens can play a key role in sterilizing medical items and accessories like scalpels, syringes, and so on. Their high temperatures help to kill bacteria and other germs, as well as eradicating other contaminants.
Pharmaceuticals – Another medical application of industrial ovens is for making pills in the pharmaceutical industry. These ovens can be used to essentially bake the coatings of pills into place and getting rid of any excess chemicals or contaminants.
Heat Treating – This process is when heat is applied to metals to create different effects, like strengthening or tempering the metals or aging them. This process can take days to complete but can result in much stronger and more durable metals for use in industries like aeronautics and automotive.
Final Word
In their many forms, sizes, and styles, it’s clear to see that industrial ovens play a vital role in the world around us.
Do you run a marine-oriented business? If so, then you may have a unique opportunity to practice environmental conservation. Water, as you know, plays a major role in sustaining life on Earth. Anything you can do to preserve and protect water goes a long way in helping to combat climate change. Marine work covers a wide range of fields, but we found a few tips and tricks that may be applicable to most relevant businesses. Here are a few easy ways to make your marine business greener.
1. Use Less Chemicals in Pools
Here’s a tip for those who work in pool maintenance: use less chemicals. You can use fewer chemicals and also maintain a clean and healthy pool. This may take some strategic planning on your part, but it’s possible.
There are two main chemicals that are used to kill bacteria in pools: chlorine and bromine. Chlorine is more commonly used because it’s cheaper. But bromine is a longer-lasting chemical. Chlorine requires weekly doses because it’s neutralized quickly. You don’t need to dose the pull with bromine every week because bromine is more resilient. When you use bromine, you’re using less chemicals, which is better for the environment.
The downside to bromine is that it’s much more expensive than chlorine. If you have clients who are passionate about the environment, you could explain this to them and ask if they’d be willing to pay a slightly higher fee for bromine chemicals. Remember that you might be able to reduce the number of visits to that pool if you use bromine on it, which could reduce your operational costs.
2. Use Pool Covers
Water naturally evaporates from pools, and pool owners spend a lot of money having to top-off the pool with water every month. It’s a bigger problem in warmer areas, like in Nevada or Southern California. Water is a resource that’s taken for granted, and some of those aforementioned regions experience severe water shortages in times of drought. You should try and limit how often your clients’ pools are re-filled.
Convince your clients to use pool covers during months when they don’t use the pool as frequently. Covers reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the pool. You may be able to charge clients for having your employees cover and uncover the pool. You can use pathos to argue your case; pool covers also prevent young children and small animals from drowning.
3. Practice Eco-Friendly Boating
Do you run a business that involves boating? Be careful about which chemicals you use when you’re cleaning and maintaining your boat. Some chemicals contribute to harmful emissions, while others can pollute the ocean or lakes and kill marine life.
You should use marine foam and marine paint when you’re doing maintenance on the hull and exterior features. Those materials are eco-friendly. You should avoid using antifouling paint, which is very dangerous for marine life. You should also limit your use of household cleaners. You don’t want these chemicals spilling into the ocean. Try and use natural cleaners instead, like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda.
It’s illegal to dump sewage in any body of navigable water because sewage is bad for the ocean. Always properly dispose of sewage at a pumpout facility. Be proactive in fixing leaks, and always have absorbent towels on hand to clean oil off the bilge.
4. SCUBA Conservation
If you run a dive shop, be vigilant in protecting the reefs where you take divers. Educate divers—especially new divers—about not touching coral reefs, and about being careful where they kick their fins. Most scuba divers are respectful of the underwater ecosystems, but there’s a bad apple in every bunch. If you have to, threaten to end dives short if any diver knowingly disobeys your environmental rules.
5. Recycle
Last, but certainly not least, recycle! Recycling is one of the easiest and most simple ways to make your marine business more eco-friendly. Regardless of whether you’re a contractor or if you work on a boat, you should always have recycling bins where you can toss used plastics and glass. Take these materials to recycling facilities so that they can be properly re-made into new items. Some recycling facilities even pay you for bringing in materials.
If you run a marine-based business, you have the potential to protect the environment in a huge number of ways. Practice eco-friendly cleaning methods and sustainability, and educate your clients on how they can contribute.
Welding can be particularly dangerous to those operating the equipment and others around the site if proper safety procedures aren’t used, risks aren’t considered, and safety standards aren’t met.
If you are reviewing how you can conduct welding tasks in a safer way, here are some major hazards to bear in mind and the personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to combat them.
Think about common hazards when welding
1. Welding in confined spaces
When operating in a confined environment, there is a serious risk that there could be a lack of oxygen that could result in an accident or injury.
The gases which are used in welding, such as argon, CO2, and nitrogen, can displace the air within an enclosed space, creating a risk of passing out.
As well as gases creating suffocation risks, other gaseous fumes can damage your lungs. The level of damage will depend on the gas, but occupational asthma, pneumonia, and even cancer are all associated with specific fumes.
3. Electric shock
This is potentially the most serious risk with arc welding. Both TIG and MIG welders carry a risk of electric shock when used improperly, as live electrical circuits are utilised to heat the metals for welding.
Whether through a direct shock or through touching part of the welding, it could result in serious injury or fatality. Certain conditions, such as wearing damp clothing or being surrounded by metal flooring, can increase this risk.
4. Burns
As you’d likely expect from working with high-temperature welding arcs and molten metals, severe burns can occur when welding. These can happen incredibly fast if you’re not careful and skip safety protocols.
5. Fires and explosions
In addition to burning the person welding, sparks generated can fly as far as 35 feet away from the welding area. Combined with the extreme temperatures created, this can start fires if given the chance.
Inspect for and remove any flammable materials from the nearby areas – this could be liquids like petrol, solids such as wood and paper, or gases including hydrogen and propane.
6. Excessive noise
Prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 85dB(A) can do permanent damage to your hearing, with welding being capable of reaching over 100dB(A). Without proper hearing defence, you could experience noise-induced hearing loss.
7. UV exposure and infrared radiation
When welding, the bloom of UV light which is produced can damage your eyesight. This is why welders need eye protection and welding curtains to prevent this. Long-term effects could lead to a loss of vision, cataracts or foreign bodies entering the eye.
Wear proper welding PPE for safety precautions
Employers have a responsibility to provide proper PPE to any employees tasked with carrying out welding tasks, helping to prevent bodily harm and keep people safe.
1. Welding helmets
This will shield you from all manner of hazards – UV radiation, debris, chemical burns, etc. Ensure your helmet is fitted with the correct lens to combat the type of work you’ll be doing and adjust the filter to get a balance between visibility and proper protection.
2. Respirators
Use the right form of respirator mask to protect your respiratory system from the oxides and fumes which will be generated by the work you will carry out.
3. Fire resistant clothing
As burns can occur quickly in a welding environment, fire resistant clothing is needed to shield you from heat, fire and radiation. This needs to cover any pockets and feature no cuffs where things could get caught inside. Do not roll up sleeves or the ends of trousers as the folds could trap molten metals.
4. Ear defenders
Make sure that ear protection is worn to protect you from noise generated in your workplace and use fire resistant earmuffs where there could be a risk of something entering your ear canal.
5. Worker boots and gloves
These need to meet the required standards for the workplace to provide adequate protection. Gloves need to be insulated and flame resistance to protect from shocks and heat, while boots should be rubber-soled and feature steel-toecaps to further insulate from electricity as well as shielding your feet from heavy objects.
Welding gloves don’t offer enough mobility for delicate tasks, so the welder should have options. A well-fitting pair of chemical-resistant nitrile gloves is essential for work that requires precision and a soft touch, such as mixing chemicals and applying paints, stains, and other solvents.
Conclusion
By being aware of the potential hazards and what PPE is needed when welding, you can implement further safety measures that take these things into full consideration, whether you’re in an industrial environment or working at home in a workshop.
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