6 Risks to Prepare For in the Mining Industry

The mining sector is dedicated to the extraction of precious metals and mineral reserves from the earth. The extracted materials are transformed into a mineralized form that serves an economic benefit to both the mining company and the country. However, working in the mining industry has always been dangerous as fatal accidents in mines are a common occurrence worldwide.

mining-industry-hazards

While not all accidents and dangers can be prevented, there are some steps you should take to improve the safety for your workers. Failing to put in adequate safety measures could see you facing serious penalties. Here, we’ll look at 6 risks in the mining industry to be aware of and how to combat them.

1. Dust exposure

While dust may not sound like a particularly harmful risk, it can lead to serious respiratory problems. It is such a common occurrence in the mining industry that it’s been given the term “coal mine dust lung disease”. Some types of respiratory problems cannot be cured, so preventing them is key to your workers safety.

There are numerous dust prevention methods that can be used to combat the issue. Preventing dust from becoming airborne is key and it can be done through water. The type of machinery you use can also determine how much dust is released. Looking at ways to prevent dust build-up is key.

2. Explosions

One of the more serious risks in the industry is the risk of an explosion. This is a particular worry for underground miners. The pipes within underground mines tend to contain flammable gases and chemicals. So, if the ventilation system isn’t maintained, it does pose a risk of an explosion.

Workers should continually check the ventilation system in mines and warning signs should be placed around the mine to remind them of safe practices.

3. Cave ins

There have been a number of cave-ins around the world that have caused devastation within the mining sector. In 2019, 21 miners died in China due to a roof collapse. It is a serious risk that can be difficult to fully prevent. Carrying out regular structural inspections is crucial to maintain the safety of your workers.

4. Electrical hazards

A number of electrical machines need to be used during the mining process. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of shock, fires and falls. If a worker were to get an electric shock, or trip over the equipment, you could end up having to make a large pay-out. You should always have adequate miners’ insurance from Arthur J. Gallagher.

5. Fire

All mines present some kind of fire risk. Even an excess level of dust in the mine can trigger a fire or explosion. The electrical equipment also poses a risk to workers. It’s a good idea to have a fire safety audit carried out before work is undertaken.

6. Noise

Finally, miners are also exposed to high levels of noise. They should be provided with ear protectors to prevent permanent damage. You’ll need to ensure you are providing high-quality protectors for adequate protection.

These are just 6 of the risk’s miners face. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, but there are ways to minimise the risks. Making sure you are adequately insured is important. If your workers are to suffer an accident, they need to know they will be protected. Taking appropriate steps to improve the safety of the workplace is important for both you and your employees.

5 Things to Know Before Working With Steel

When preparing to step into the world of working with steel, having a solid grasp of fundamentals can offer dividends in the short or long run. Unbeknownst to many, it takes more than raw strength and wielding the right tools.

For a complete novice or someone with a bit of experience under their belt, diving headfirst into steelwork presents a unique set of challenges. Thankfully, nothing is impossible to navigate with the right knowledge and understanding.

From recognizing various types of steel to minimizing environmental impact and observing safety measures, this piece provides you with vital insights on things to know before working with steel.

guide to working with steel

1. The Characteristics of Different Steel Types

Steel is a versatile material, which can be found in several types, each boasting its unique properties. For example, carbon steel, known for its strength, is frequently used for structural purposes.

Contrastingly, stainless steel, famous for its corrosion resistance, makes it a choice material in projects exposed to harsh weather elements.

In a nutshell:

  • Carbon Steel: Renowned for immense strength
  • Stainless Steel: Offers great corrosion resistance
  • Green Steel: Characterized by low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during manufacturing.
  • Galvanized Steel: Coated with zinc to prevent corrosion and rust.
  • Mild Steel: Low-carbon steel with good weldability and versatility.
  • Alloy Steel: Combines various metals to enhance properties like strength, hardness, and durability.

Being aware of these variations only broadens your understanding. It also helps you choose the right type for every task, a crucial consideration in successful steelwork.

2. Proper Techniques to Cut and Shape Steel

Moving beyond just recognition, working with steel entails knowing the correct methods to cut and shape. Using the appropriate tools like a hacksaw, band saw, or cutting torch can yield smooth, accurate cuts when rightfully done.

Also, remember to cut slightly outside your marked line, so you have room for removing burrs and imperfections during finish work.

Lastly, shaping steel involves different techniques, such as bending or forging. Choosing which method to employ depends on your project requirements.

3. Waste Reduction Strategies in Steelwork

Steelwork projects can generate considerable waste, impacting your overall costs. This is not to mention putting a toll on the environment over time. It’s thus necessary to adopt efficient ways of reducing steelwork-generated waste.

Among these include:

Nesting

This refers to arranging your cutting patterns on the steel sheet to utilize maximum space and minimize leftover material.

Recycling

Additionally, you should also consider recycling. This means selling or returning any leftover steel scraps to a metal recycling center not only for a bit of profit but also to contribute to environmental sustainability.

4. Galvanized Steel Vents May Require Sealing Up After Fabrication

If your project involves galvanized steel vent holes, be aware that they may need sealing post-fabrication. This is to protect them from corrosion, ensure efficiency, and increase longevity.

For this task, you might want to invest in galvanized vent plugs, which are perfect for sealing up any apertures left after fabrication. An additional advantage is its resistance to rust and other environmental factors.

welding-gear

5. Safety Measures for Handling Hot and Cold Steel

When it comes to dealing with steel, never compromise on safety. Here are several measures you should always adhere to:

  • Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling hot steel to prevent burns.
  • Use safety glasses or a face shield. These protect your eyes from sparks or flying debris during welding.
  • Ensure that the area is well-ventilated when welding or cutting. These processes can release hazardous fumes.
  • Lastly, never forget to wear steel-toed boots. These will safeguard your feet should any heavy piece accidentally drop.

Remember, staying safe should be your priority when working with steel.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, working with steel needn’t be an intimidating task. To succeed, all it takes is a clear understanding of the material, applying the right techniques, reducing waste, maintaining safety standards, and paying attention to post-production requirements like sealing galvanized vents. Prepared with this knowledge, you’re all set to navigate your steelwork journey with confidence!

How The Cleaning Industry Can Be More Sustainable

In over 90% of the CPG categories, sustainability-marketed products grew faster than their conventional counterparts. According to Harvard Business Review, products that had a sustainability claim accounted for 16.6% of the market in 2018 and delivered nearly $114 billion in sales. After all, cleanliness is one of the most essential aspects of our lives – the very reason Green Cleaning existed.

For the longest time, we have learned how poor indoor environmental quality has had a significant effect on our health and the economy. Thus, the choices we make in cleaning products, can either save the planet or wreak havoc on future generations. Here’s how the cleaning industry can be more sustainable.

green-cleaning

What is Green Cleaning?

According to Stephen P. Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group; Green Cleaning is simply defined as “cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.” This means using cleaning tools, chemicals, and equipment that have a positive impact on the environment. Green cleaning requires more than using products that are more environmentally friendly through the use of goods that help to promote sustainability.

This starts with the product utilizing natural and renewable resources to where it is packed through the use of recycled materials. Not to mention, sustainable product and packaging help reduce the amount of paper and plastic used as well as the fuel used for transport.

Also Read: Renewable Cleaning Techniques for Rugs

More Companies Adapting To Green Cleaning

In terms of economic growth, several companies are implementing effective green cleaning strategies because they believe that sustainable action has a triple bottom line effect. John Elkington proposed that a green, sustainable company or facility should concentrate on the “three Ps”: profits, people, and the planet.

office-cleaning

Studies also show that cost-effective savings are possible when sustainable operations are in place. In 2001, Kimberly-Clark Professional, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of washroom products launched Reduce Today, Respect Tomorrow. This program reflects the company’s philosophy of reducing the use of natural resources throughout the life cycle of its products. Products are manufactured with a source-reduction in mind and designed in such a way that users consume less, either by improved efficiency, more reliable dispensing methods, or both.

With the current global economic and environmental crisis, there are so many reasons for green and sustainable initiatives to be taken. More and more businesses are going green, and more consumers are noticing the value of using eco-friendly, non-toxic products, and preventing harm to nature.

The cleaning industry is one field that needs to be green, as the heavy use of chemicals and other products contribute a great deal to pollution and household safety.

Here’s What Continues To Ail Solid Waste Recycling Plants In 2023

In the heart of today’s most pressing environmental concerns, the urgency of waste recycling stands out. Yet, even as we confront this crucial part of our global environmental challenge, several conundrums emerge within solid waste recycling plants.

Recurring issues are hampering their progress and efficiency. Overcoming these hurdles is not just a herculean task, but an absolute necessity for preserving our planet for future generations to come.

Let’s delve further into untangling these complex problems.

problems with plastic recycling plants

1. The Urgency of Waste Recycling

Churning out convenience in short bursts, modern consumer culture has led to an upsurge in solid waste generation worldwide. These wastes are loaded with a mix of recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, and glass, alongside hazardous contaminants and perishable trash.

The need for effective management demands robust recycling plants that can meet the challenge of separating and converting this waste into reusable substances.

This urgent necessity forms the backdrop for all the trials faced by solid waste recycling plants today.

2. Talent Shortage in the Waste Recycling Industry

The manpower makeup of waste recycling plants is as varied as the waste they process. Notably, a considerable talent crunch continues to hurt the industry.

The demand for specialists spans across roles, from high-level plant managers to ground workers like forklift operators. Yet, the dearth of adequately trained staff persists.

Companies can reverse this trend by investing heavily in quality education and skills training programs. For instance, providing staff with OSHA-compliant forklift operator training materials would be a smart move towards bridging this gap.

Additionally, promoting career opportunities within the sector would increase awareness and draw a potential talent pool to fill these vacancies.

3. Issues Related to Sorting and Separation

The intricate task of sorting and separating forms the core element of waste recycling. When materials reach the plant mixed together, skilled workers or advanced machines must distinguish recyclable substances from non-recyclable ones.

Here are some common obstacles in this regard:

  • Cross-contamination of sorted materials
  • Inability to segregate waste due to extensive material diversity
  • Dependence on manual sorting despite technological advancements

These challenges require an effective system that is integrated and interlinked, addressing these issues simultaneously for a better functioning facility.

Companies that are yet to adopt modern technologies like optical sorting systems, magnetic separation, air classifiers, and robotic sorting often resort to manual sorting, which is costlier and much slower.

4. Recycling Technology: Initially Costlier and Requires Proper Planning

Adopting advanced technology in recycling plants can be a mixed blessing. While innovative devices like optical sorters, air classifiers, and robotic arms can significantly enhance separation accuracy and efficiency, there are significant up-front costs associated with these technologies.

Additionally, training existing workers to operate this new machinery or hiring specialized personnel can further elevate operational expenses.

Indeed, advancing technologically is crucial for waste recycling plant efficiency but it requires careful planning and management of resources.

household hazardous wastes

5. Handling Hazardous Material

A persistent challenge for waste recycling plants is handling hazardous materials. This runs the gamut from toxic metals in electronic waste to harmful chemicals in paint and aerosol cans.

The dilemma here is two-fold: protecting workers’ health and safety while ensuring the destructive substances don’t slip through the recycling process only to end up polluting our environment.

Some common measures for handling harmful waste include:

  • Use of proper protective equipment
  • Regular employee training
  • Safe disposal methods for unrecyclable hazardous waste
  • Regular monitoring for adherence to safety procedures
  • Investing in safer handling technologies

Practicing these safety measures can drastically mitigate the risk of accidents and reduce environmental contamination.

6. Scaling Woes Amid the Climate Change Debate

The climate change debate just took a significantly sharper tone with the Africa Climate Summit of 4th-8th September 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event served as a poignant reminder about the importance and perks of maintaining a green planet. To some extent, it unveiled some of the scaling issues gnawing solid waste recycling plants globally.

Cop28:

Moreover, as expectations mount for more pronounced solutions during the upcoming Convention on Climate Change (COP28) Scheduled for November 30 to December 12, 2023, in UAE’s Expo City Dubai, one thing is apparent. The role of effective recycling has never been more critical in this climate change discourse.

Carbon Emissions:

Yes, all eyes are and should be on green energy and reducing carbon emissions. But if your guess is as good as anyone’s, increasing capacity for handling higher volumes of solid waste will hopefully be on the agenda.

After all, solid waste is a conspicuous menace that not only pollutes the environment in the form of landfills but also causes disruptions in sea life. From dolphins to seals, Laysan albatrosses, and gulls, dozens of marine ecosystem-dependent animals risk decimation from constantly swallowing plastic and other human-caused sea debris.

ways to calm climate crisis anxiety

What Exactly is Climate Change?

In simple terms, climate change refers to significant shifts in global or regional climate patterns. It’s largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other acts that lead to an overall increase in average global temperatures.

 Over the past few decades, sea levels have been rising and ice caps melting, with habitats for animals like polar bears and life-supporting ocean corals being threatened.

These changes prompt more extreme weather events and profound shifts in wildlife’s natural habitats.

Where Solid Waste Management Comes In

Indeed, addressing climate change effectively requires the conscientious management of solid waste, as reducing, reusing, and recycling these materials plays an essential role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Pursuing Sustainability Amid Countless Hurdles

In conclusion, confronting the challenges of solid waste recycling plants is no small feat. Aiming for a greener planet emphasizes the need to overcome these obstacles on a war footing.

We’re witnessing some heartening strides globally as technology advances and new-friendly policies take shape. However, the journey ahead remains steep.

As we mobilize for a sustainable earth, it’s clear that ameliorating these recycling challenges is not just an industrial issue—it’s every individual’s business.

Together, we can turn our waste into wealth while keeping our planet healthy for future generations.

5 High-Tech Methods to Reduce Water Wastage in the Manufacturing Sector

Water scarcity is a significant issue, affecting about 2 billion people globally, according to the United Nations. Among the primary contributors to this problem are companies in the manufacturing sector. These industries consume large quantities of water and release contaminants into major water sources.

However, manufacturers can help reduce water wastage by implementing some proven high-tech methods. This article will explore five strategies to help you get started.

tech-based methods to reduce water wastage in manufacturing

1. IoT-Enabled Water Monitoring Systems

The benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to be experienced in various sectors, and water management is no exception. This technology entails placing sensors strategically throughout the manufacturing facility to collect information on water flow rates, temperature, pH levels, and contaminants.

The advantage of IoT-enabled systems lies in their ability to detect anomalies and inefficiencies. If a sudden increase in water consumption is detected or water quality deviates from the norm, the system can trigger alerts, enabling swift intervention.

Manufacturers can proactively address leaks, malfunctions, or process inefficiencies, saving water and reducing operational costs.

2. Water Recycling and Reclamation Systems

Water recycling and reclamation systems are advanced technologies that allow manufacturers to treat and reuse water within their processes. They are particularly effective in industries that require a significant amount of water, such as textile manufacturing and food processing.

One common approach is the installation of water treatment plants within manufacturing facilities. These plants use various filtration and purification methods to remove contaminants and pollutants from wastewater, making it suitable for reuse.

By implementing these systems, manufacturers can significantly reduce their water consumption and wastewater discharge, thus contributing to environmental preservation and cost savings.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Process Optimization

Artificial intelligence can transform manufacturing by optimizing processes for efficiency and sustainability. Manufacturers can implement AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data and identify opportunities for reducing water usage while maintaining product quality and production speed.

For instance, AI can optimize the supply chain in the paper and pulp industry, where water is crucial for the papermaking process. By analyzing factors like humidity, temperature, and raw material quality, AI can recommend the precise amount of water needed for each batch, minimizing waste.

Additionally, AI can predict equipment failures and maintenance needs, preventing water leaks and other issues that lead to wastage.

4. Water-Efficient Equipment

Investing in water-efficient equipment is a fundamental step in reducing water wastage in manufacturing. Manufacturers should consider choosing machinery and technologies built with water conservation in mind. For instance, some industrial washers and cooling systems are now designed to use less water while maintaining effectiveness.

Additionally, retrofitting existing equipment with water-efficient components can yield significant water savings. These modifications can include the installation of high-efficiency nozzles, valves, and pumps.

hydrogel water filtration

5. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems

The concept of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems is gaining traction as an ultimate solution to water wastage in manufacturing. These systems eliminate wastewater discharge by recovering and reusing almost all the water within a manufacturing facility.

ZLD systems use advanced treatment processes like evaporation, crystallization, and separation to extract water from the waste stream, leaving behind only solid waste. They are particularly valuable in chemical manufacturing industries where water contamination is a significant concern.

While implementing ZLD systems can be costly, the long-term benefits of water conservation and regulatory compliance are significant.

Try EAU Technologies for Your Water Conservation Needs

When it comes to addressing water wastage in the manufacturing sector, EAU Technologies emerges as a leading solution provider. Their product, Empowered Water®, is a patented electrolyzed water formula with versatile applications in medicine, hospitality, agriculture, and food service.

The perks of EAU technologies are manifold, offering customized SafeWater generators tailored precisely to your needs. Plus, as a local provider in Georgia, EAU Technologies understands your local business needs, fostering community connections.

Conclusion

Water wastage in manufacturing is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. As global water resources become scarcer, industries must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate their impact. The high-tech methods discussed in this article offer practical ways to achieve this goal.

Which Option to Consider While Purchasing Forklift: Buy, Lease or Rent?

There are various options to consider when you want to acquire a forklift. As this is no cheap piece of equipment. Making a decision requires you to use a unique lens to decide on what’s best for your scale of operation. Are you torn between renting, leasing or buying? To help you through this challenging process, below, you will find points that will assist you in determining the best cause of action for your business:

things to consider when buying forklifts

 

1. Renting a forklift

If you in a seasonal peak during your business period or in need of moving extra freight, renting is the choice you can take. When you choose to rent a forklift, you are sure to benefit from experimenting with different classes of forklifts to see which one increases productivity.

However, rentals are somewhat expensive compared to leasing or buying. This is because you will have to cover maintenance costs as well as the time that the forklift will be idle while at the dealership between rental assignments.

During renting, remember that there will be building waste that needs attention. You need to take care of transportation waste, construction waste sorting as well as recycling streams.

2. Leasing a forklift

While you are contemplating leasing, you can set your number of years on which you intend to rent the machine. Having a short lease will allow you to work better if you want to become fluid. Leasing will provide you with less monthly payments when compared to renting or buying.

This option allows you to test-drive new models without making a permanent commitment to buying it. You will be at a position to make adjustments where you see fit in terms of decreasing the fleet size, changing product mix or modifying terms of the lease

3. Buying a forklift

Does your business have a preference for owning all the capital equipment it has? Do you want to access a higher competitive credit line? Is your business stable, or you anticipate to use the material for more than 20 years? Do you have cash at hand to make a purchase immediately? If yes, the best course of action that you should proceed with it buying your forklift machine.

forklift buying guide

This way, you are sure to make a better return on investment because when you rent over a long period, rental fee tends to become higher as compared to monthly financial costs.

Buying a forklift will allow you to make your modifications than with a rental or leased equipment. You get customized options which suit your specific needs.

You can enjoy a tax deduction as purchased forklift are entitled to a reduced tax.

Conclusion

When deciding on what purchasing technique to use, be sure to analyze your business needs before making any rash decisions. This will go hand in hand with the ultimate choice you make in purchasing option that will work for your company.

Biogas from Slaughterhouse Wastes

Slaughterhouse waste (or abattoir waste) disposal has been a major environmental challenge in all parts of the world. The chemical properties of slaughterhouse wastes are similar to that of municipal sewage, however the former is highly concentrated wastewater with 45% soluble and 55% suspended organic composition. Blood has a very high COD of around 375,000 mg/L and is one of the major dissolved pollutants in slaughterhouse wastewater.

slaughterhouse-waste

In most of the developing countries, there is no organized strategy for disposal of solid as well as liquid wastes generated in abattoirs. The solid slaughterhouse waste is collected and dumped in landfills or open areas while the liquid waste is sent to municipal sewerage system or water bodies, thus endangering public health as well as terrestrial and aquatic life. Wastewater from slaughterhouses is known to cause an increase in the BOD, COD, total solids, pH, temperature and turbidity, and may even cause deoxygenation of water bodies.

Anaerobic Digestion of Slaughterhouse Wastes

There are several methods for beneficial use of slaughterhouse wastes including biogas generation, fertilizer production and utilization as animal feed. Anaerobic digestion is one of the best options for slaughterhouse waste management which will lead to production of energy-rich biogas, reduction in GHGs emissions and effective pollution control in abattoirs.

Anaerobic digestion can achieve a high degree of COD and BOD removal from slaughterhouse effluent at a significantly lower cost than comparable aerobic systems. The biogas potential of slaughterhouse waste is higher than animal manure, and reported to be in the range of 120-160 m3 biogas per ton of wastes. However the C:N ratio of slaughterhouse waste is quite low (4:1) which demands its co-digestion with high C:N substrates like animal manure, food waste, crop residues, poultry litter etc.

Slaughterhouse effluent has high COD, high BOD, and high moisture content which make it well-suited to anaerobic digestion process. Slaughterhouse wastewater also contains high concentrations of suspended organic solids including pieces of fat, grease, hair, feathers, manure, grit, and undigested feed which will contribute the slowly biodegradable of organic matter. Amongst anaerobic treatment processes, the up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process is widely used in developing countries for biogas production from abattoir wastes.

Slaughterhouse waste is a protein-rich substrate and may result in sulfide formation during anaerobic degradation. The increased concentration of sulfides in the digester can lead to higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas which may inhibit methanogens. In addition to sulfides, ammonia is also formed during the anaerobic digestion process which may increase the pH in the digester (>8.0) which can be growth limiting for some VFA-consuming methanogens.

How to Find the Best Industrial Valve Suppliers in China

The increasing demand for industrial valve suppliers is apparent due to the rapid growth of different industries, such as power plants, oil and gas industry, wastewater treatment, to name a few, in China.

These suppliers are important to various industries in the country as they supply high-quality industrial equipment like gate valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, plug valves, ball valves, etc. Without these needed materials to support different installations of these industries, they will surely have a hard time with the production process.

On a client’s perspective, finding the best valve supplier can be a real challenge, especially if you’re new to the industry.

So, if you are searching for your potential industrial valve supplier in the country, don’t fret. You are definitely on the right page. Below are tips that will help with your selection process. As you read along, you’ll definitely get an idea on how and where to find for the right supplier in China.

Looking for a Good Industrial Valve Supplier in China

Price

Several growing industries focus on one major aspect of the business — the price. This is, without a doubt, essential when choosing suppliers to provide you with the services you need. However, there is more to a valve supplier than just the price. Keep in mind that these people are in business to bring in money, just like you.

Stability

This is one of the major indicators of a good valve supplier. As a client, of course, you want to sign up with manufacturers who have extensive experience in the industry. Suppliers who have been in the business for quite a long time now. Apart from this, the supplier should have long-tenured executive experience as well as a stable and sturdy reputation with the clients. These are surely things you need to consider.

Reliability

Of course, it is highly important for suppliers to be reliable in order to gain trustworthy and loyal customers. This is another important definition of an ideal valve supplier — reliability. Most of the times, you can get the best reliability from large-scale suppliers. These are companies who have enough resources to perform system backups as well as sources in the event something goes wrong.

Location

This is one aspect that you should take note. Valves and other related equipment ordered outside China can take a long time to get to your area and may add up costly freight charges. You can definitely check for potential suppliers without the need to outsource overseas. Find a supplier closer to where you are to avoid unnecessary charges. Orders will be more flexible as well if opt to get suppliers within China.

Competitiveness

Since China is a huge country, valve suppliers are in constant competition. Look for someone who can offer the latest, most innovative products, and services. A company who have well-rounded and knowledgeable employees to answer your questions and market their products effectively. Attractive financial terms should be offered for client purchases. They should have a rational attitude toward you and are willing to work with you hand in hand for potential business growth.

Where to Start Searching?

Now that you already have an idea of what type of supplier you’re looking for, you should also have a better idea of where to start your search. Basically, the best place to start is through the internet, however, there are other areas that might help you as well.

Referrals

Referrals can bring you some of the best leads. The technique is don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from your local and professional networks. Find individuals who have found success in searching for valve suppliers. Ask them if they are willing to share information and/or their contacts.

Because of social networks, finding potential suppliers is not that much of a hassle. It made it so easy to spread the word, thus increasing your chance of finding a supplier. You can join Facebook groups or other related online communities of industrial business and see if anyone is willing to share his/her review.

As you start to select suppliers, be sure to ask them if they can be of help to point you in the right direction, regardless if they are not the ideal one for you. They will likely have the best contacts and would be glad to refer you to the one that suits your interest best.

Google

Google has always been our go-to when searching for something. With just a simple search, we can immediately find what we’re looking for. However, a lot of potential valve suppliers can’t be seen on the first few searches on Google. Probably because their websites are not up-to-date. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize the first two pages of the search results. You might also want to use several search terms, such as wholesaler, wholesale, distributor, etc.

Familiarize yourself with Google’s search shortcuts. This is the best way to enhance the search quality, hence the results as well.

Conclusion

Finding the best valve supplier is not that complicated if you know where to begin your search and what to look for. With tons of new valve suppliers in the market today, it can be a challenge who to choose. Hence, it pays to have an idea about a supplier’s background and how long they have been in the industry.

Whether you’re new to the industry or not, these tips will surely help you find your potential supplier.

Sustainability in Healthcare: Introduction and Challenges

Sustainability in healthcare systems has been a hot topic for discussion for some time already, especially given the growing interest in reducing the environmental impact of our daily actions. How healthcare workers commute to work, provide their care, and which materials they use – all of these and other factors significantly affect the environment. Let’s not forget that day-to-day functioning of hospitals requires a fair bit of electricity – after all, tools used by doctors, EKG machines, but also, for example, G.E. medical systems and the entire infrastructure involved doesn’t run on water.

Using digital technologies in healthcare on a regular basis (such as) is one of the best solutions to bring environmental benefits. However, sustainability in healthcare brings more challenges than benefits at the moment.

Sustainability in Healthcare

In this article, we will look at the wide range of issues that healthcare professionals will face in terms of sustainability. Apart from creating quality environments and implementing solutions to maximize the likelihood of a sustainable system, they include assessing overall organizational impact and other things. Continue reading for an overview of sustainability in healthcare and the challenges it entails.

How Can Healthcare Become Sustainable?

There are many ways to make healthcare more sustainable. One of the most common ways is to adopt environmentally friendly methods of working – for example, using recycled paper or energy saving light bulbs or sustainable medical waste management. While this may sound like an insignificant change, eco-friendly changes can make a big difference in the long term.

For example, if you’re considering switching your light bulbs to ones made with LEDs, you could save hundreds on your electricity bill each year. Now, if we consider that there are quite a few lights in hospitals, it comes as no surprise that such a move would have a great effect on the environment.

Another way that healthcare organizations can become sustainable is by making small changes to their existing practices or policies that lead to better usage of resources. For example, making it mandatory for the doctors to use reusable materials whenever possible during surgery, which will reduce the amount of waste generated.

There are also some new technologies on the market that can help to reduce waste generation during surgery. One new model uses an ultraviolet sterilizer instead of chemical sterilizing agents which are expensive and need regular replacement.

Another technology of interest is the use of freezers instead of refrigerators to store organs after surgery, which would both reduce energy usage and lower healthcare costs.

When it comes to making sustainable changes within your healthcare organization, it’s important that you don’t focus solely on reducing your environmental impact; it’s equally important that you focus on your financial impact as well.

Organizational Impact Assessment

An organizational impact assessment refers to a thorough review of an organization’s activities and their impact on the environment and society at large – normally carried out alongside other sustainability assessments such as those mentioned above. An organizational impact assessment should include various sustainability assessments as well as taking into account the issues discussed below:

1. Environmental Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is used as a diagnostic tool for identifying business processes and products that pose environmental risks. It’s important that organizations conduct risk assessments periodically as they can change over time as new technology becomes available and as government policies change – these changes may make some products and services more desirable than others.

2. Environmental Management System

An environmental management system (EMS) refers to a set of processes put in place by an organization designed to achieve continuous improvement in its environmental performance. An EMS is a set of business processes including planning, monitoring, control, improvement, and review which ensure an organization’s objectives are met – in this case, the objective is to reduce its environmental impact.

3. Environmental Management Framework

An environmental management framework refers to a set of policies and procedures that provide a framework for an organization’s EMS. For example, a set of policies and procedures could include a zero-waste goal by a certain date.

expired-medicines-management

Pharmaceutical industry can change its practices to manage pharmaceuticals in a more ecofriendly manner.

4. Environmental Performance Indicators

Environmental performance indicators are used to measure an organization’s environmental performance. Examples of indicators include greenhouse gas emissions per unit produced or per employee, the number of incidents recorded per year, reduction in pharmaceutical waste generation and so on. In more detail, an environmental performance indicator measures an organization’s performance in relation to a specific objective such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit produced.

The Bottom Line

Overall, sustainability in healthcare is a hot topic that has been discussed for some time now. Many healthcare organizations have already made changes to their working practices in order to become more sustainable – but there’s still a long way to go. There are many ways that healthcare professionals can implement changes to their existing working practices in order to become more sustainable. However, it takes time and effort to achieve the desired results – sometimes, it can feel like an uphill battle.

At the same time, there is the need to consider the financial impact both of the current processes and of any changes that can be made to them in order to reach sustainability goals.

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The 8 Challenges to Networking a Factory

The age of the smart factory is here! More and more industrial processing facilities are hooking everything together, creating internal networks, to reap the benefits that these bring. The data-gathering and analysis-related functions of a networked factory can do wonders for long-term success and production efficiency. However, there are more than a few challenges.

Whether you are acquiring supplies from otscable for a new facility or you’re looking to upgrade an existing one, there are issues you have to consider. Some of these might be obvious at the outset, such as the logistics of all this networking gear. Others might catch you off-guard. Here are the seven most critical challenges that occur if you intend to make a smarter factory.

1. Legacy Equipment

One concern that is highly practical is legacy equipment. Older machinery could come from an era when networking wasn’t important. These could be crucial to your operations, but also too old for a simple “plug and play” approach. This means that you are in desperate need to figure out how to blend the old and new, and that’s not always the easiest thing to achieve.

Unfortunately, there are instances when there is no solution. If you’re upgrading from an existing factory, you will have to settle for mixing the old and new and working as best you can. You can look into using third-party integration equipment and adaptors, which are your best option if a strict update and upgrade are out of the cards.

2. Physical Logistics

Another huge concern is simple logistics. Where do you lay out the cables? Where are the routers or switches installed? How far between support hardware are the cables running? This is something that you need to understand before you start placing equipment on the ground. Consider the layout and where your heavy machinery as you plan the placement of your networking infrastructure.

3. Security

Security is a concern. A smart factory collects a great deal of data about your operations, which might be highly sensitive. Protecting it and any insights gained from it is important for most factories and companies. One way to protect the data is to go for a wired network, which traditionally is much harder to infiltrate from the outside.

In general, you do not want to go with a smart factory until you have the security in place. You want layers of protection and authorization for your data. How you achieve that is up to you, though keeping the more sensitive data in a closed network, inaccessible from the outside without the right credentials, is a good first step.

4. Data Storage

Data storage is also an ongoing concern for smart factories. As operations are recorded down to their minutia, all that information has to be kept somewhere. Preferably, the storage occurs on-site so you don’t have to stretch the network too far and risk security issues. This means you need to account for the storage and the conditions that prevent the hardware from being damaged.

5. Factory Visibility

Visibility is also a concern. In the old days, you might have observers present but practically no real active monitoring. Most things were probably done passively. In a smart factory, you’re going from zero monitoring to thousands of devices and points collecting data all the time. This can be a staggering amount of information to process and may require a learning curve.

A related challenge to this is if multiple factories are interconnected. Even if you maintained visibility in one, being suddenly thrust into seeing all of your facilities in such detail can be staggering. This is something that usually takes a bit of time to get used to.

6. Outages

You’ll want back-up systems in place in the event of outages. Never assume that you will never have an outage, and set the network up so that it functions on its own even without internet access. Make sure that the most crucial parts of it can work and record data independently, even under outage conditions.

7. Edge Networking

Going closer to the “edge” might also be a challenge for you. Edge networks are when a single task is processed by multiple terminals across a network. This can be a serious challenge because it means that your internal network has to connect to a much broader one. This will require serious cooperation between multiple departments, facilities, and personnel.

8. The Right Tools

Finally, you have to look at the tools you intend to use. The market for devices and tools for smart factories is increasing, which is both good and bad. It’s good because you have more options available, so there are higher odds something that suits your needs is out there. It’s bad because there’s more chaff to wade through, more time needed to get the right ones.

Conclusion

Yes, it is challenging to hook an industrial plant to a network and engage in the “Internet of Things.” There are challenges that must be overcome, logistics to consider, and costs to factor in. However, there are many benefits to gain from smart manufacturing, both from the network itself and by keeping up to date on the march of technology.