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Three Things That Most Of Us Are Unaware About Garbage Trucks

2014-12-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Like all other automobiles, the elemental parts of a garbage truck are the engine, frame and wheels; while their unique features include a hopper, packer blade and a loader mechanism which can vary from truck to truck.

Sanitation trucks are an essential piece of equipment for managing waste. From vehicles with little more than basic trash-collecting capabilities to truly advanced machines with big truck parts that enable the movement of complex mechanisms, the garbage truck has certainly come a long way. The following are information about garbage trucks that are fundamental to anyone planning to purchase or simply wanting to learn the basics:

The engine, wheels and frame are the basic parts of a garbage truck

Though there are many garbage trucks having different features, all of them still have the basic engine, frame and wheels. Because of their heavy-duty design, these three parts can take heavy pressure and hold up heavy loads. As for the truck's engine, it typically utilizes a diesel engine and transmission which enables low end torque, limited speed, and better hauling capacity and durability. The driver can sit inside the garbage truck's cab, where he can operate the vehicle. Typically, the controls of a truck are in its cab, but there are exceptions to this in some trucks, where they have external controls.

Distinctive features are the hopper and the packer blade

The garbage truck collects and contains the trash in a part known as the hopper, which is typically a large and open space that makes up most of the trucks' mass. But, some hoppers have different compartments to separate different trash. Hoppers that are equipped with a packer blade are known as compactors. Packer blades are useful for compressing garbage in order to maximize the space in the hopper. The equipment that controls the packer blade and applies pressure on trash is a hydraulic system. More modern garbage trucks are designed to be able to operate the packer blades simultaneously while driving. The hoppers and packer blades are what make garbage trucks unique and different from other types of vehicles.

Various loading methods

There are a few different methods in loading the garbage truck. The rear loader is the most common configuration and can be seen in garbage trucks used in many neighborhoods. These particular garbage trucks have an opening in the back that connects directly to a hopper. Sometimes they even possess a hydraulic lift that can haul and dump trash into the hopper. An alternate type is the front loader kind, typically seen in trash collection trucks in dumpsters. Usually, this type of garbage truck is used by large or commercial businesses. A front loading garbage truck has front forks, which the operator can control to lift up dumpsters over the vehicle so that its contents are emptied into the hopper. A side loader, on the other hand, is another model that has doors installed on the sides of the truck and attached to the hopper. There are also recycling trucks with side loaders and multiple hoppers that can carry many different kinds of wastes all at once. There are also side loaders with automatic lifting mechanisms.

Garbage tracks, just like any other equipment, need continuous upgrading to be able to adjust and meet different qualifications and conditions. The more you know about this equipment the better you can take care and fix it.

Provisioning Your Vessel

2014-12-11T22:48:00.002-08:00

You just got that pristine trawler or motor yacht and you are excited to get her underway to take her home. You are scurrying about for what feels like days getting everything complete. Food, beverages, apparel, the list goes on and on. Suppose you forgot something?

To help you to remember everything, here is a simple check list with just about all you will require to get underway.

Navigation - Make sure to have paper charts on your boat and that you know how to read them; you never know when your chart plotter will decide to give up on you.

Maptech Chart Kit
Dozier's Waterway Guide
Set of binoculars
Up to date flare kit
First aid kit
Correct dock lines
Correct fenders
Laptop with air card
Handheld VHF
Flashlight

Mechanical - It is critical to have standby parts on your vessel. They may be tough (if not impossible) to acquire on your journey home. You might be anchored out in the middle of nowhere and need an alternate part.

Biobore diesel fuel additive
Deck fill key to open fuel/water fill ports
Bridle if chain rode
25 foot dock line
2 stainless shackles (1 spare)
2 sets of pliers (1 extra)
Bleach to disinfect water tanks, 1 tsp/10 gallons water
Mask and fins
Fuel filters
Extra impellors for engines
Extra bilge pump
Extra bilge pump float switch
Standby fresh water pump
Spare air conditioning water pump
Oil absorbent pads
Rags
Tools - sockets, wrenches, screw drivers
Lubricants, WD-40, Corrosion Block
Engine oil
Coolant
Propane if boat so equipped
Lighter
Fill fuel tanks
Outboard gasoline
Outboard 2-cycle oil if needed
Muriatic acid if toilets use salt water to flush

Provisions - Be sure to buy enough to last the complete journey home; you don't know if you will have access to a food market, especially if you are in the Bahamas.

Food
Beverages
Alcoholic beverages if so desired
Cups
Glasses
Pots and pans
Utensils
Dish soap
Rubbish bags
Galley towels
Napkins/paper towels
Bath towels
Bed linens
Bath soap
Toilet paper
Fill water tanks
Coffee pot/coffee

Personal Items - Take more clothes than you anticipate needing. You never know if you will get wet because of an unexpected thunderstorm.

Clothing
Deck shoes
Hats
Sunglasses
Rain coat
Money for tipping dock hands
Digital camera

You now must locate a space to stow everything so it will not clutter your trawler or fall over if you happen to be in rough seas. You also need to inspect all systems to be certain that they are functioning properly and that all engines have appropriate fluid amounts. Next you need to map your cruise home which means sitting down with charts and computing how far to cruise each day. Dozier's Waterway Guide is a tremendous help in finding marinas and things to do in the local area. You may also choose to anchor out on the journey home. Be sure your generator is operating well and that its fluids are full too. It is time to get a good night's sleep in preparation for your first day underway in your new trawler.

The captain will run the yacht and his first mate will aid with navigation and line handling. The first mate should examine the paper charts while the captain focuses on the chart plotter. It is crucial to have paper charts on your boat; electronics without doubt will quit at some point in time.

When pulling into a marina for the evening, dock hands will assist you with your lines and electrical cords. It is customary to tip a minimum of $5.00 per dock hand for their help.

After a brief period of time, you will become used to the way your boat runs and feels. Docking will also come naturally after some practice. Your trawler or motor yacht will become so familiar to you that the slightest weird noise or odor will alert you to a problem.

A Selection Of The Most Common Fire Risks In The Workplace And What You Can Do To Stop Them

2014-12-11T22:47:00.002-08:00

Every day our fire inspectors visit a variety of businesses all across the country. We assess, for example; office blocks, factories, restaurants, and even zoos – our clients and locations are extremely diverse. Although the businesses we work with often have nothing in common, they regularly have similar fire safety problems. In this article we are going to outline some of the most common problems and suggest what you can do to solve them.

Untrained staff
The majority of the companies we visit will have appointed a responsible person to be in charge of fire safety. Although this is highly advisable, as well as being required by law, we often find that companies who have a designated member of staff often don’t maintain training on fire regulations and equipment. This individual is ultimately responsible for your personnel (and property), so constant awareness and training is key to overall safety.

Instead of placing the responsibility on one set of shoulders, we recommend that you should train every member of staff so they are fully prepared and know what to do should a fire ever break out. If your staff are sufficiently trained, they are more likely to pre-empt and spot potential fire risks around your premises; therefore reducing the risk of a fire.

Many HR professionals say that investing money in staff training helps to retain staff, as well as increasing motivation and productivity in the workplace. So by training your staff about fire safety you could not only help prevent a fire, it could also go some way in making your staff more motivated and efficient.

Storage
If your business contains a large stock of goods or materials, it’s really important that you have the necessary safety measures in place. A large number of businesses we visit assume that if they meet the relevant legal requirements, then their property and procedures are satisfactory. Although this is true to a certain extent, there are common problems that can be easily solved that will help to provide higher standards of safety.

We always recommend that your warehouse or storage area should be fitted with a sprinkler system regardless of how big or small it is. In the case of a fire, an effective sprinkler system can considerably reduce the amount of damage done to goods or materials, as well as ensuring your staff are safe at all times.

It’s also really important that waste, flammable objects and chemicals aren’t building up in any part of your building. Waste such as paper and wood shavings presents a serious fire risk if it starts to collect. By simply cleaning your storage area on a regular basis will eliminate this risk.

If you own a large warehouse it’s really important that all your staff are aware of all the exit points so they can quickly and safely leave building in case of a fire. We also advise that you don’t create any dead ends between storage units that are longer than 15 meters.

Inadequate fire equipment
Very often we talk to clients who feel they have the correct fire equipment already in place, even when they have an old fire extinguisher that’s been collecting dust for countless years. Rather unsurprisingly, their extinguishers are either faulty or are even the wrong type of extinguisher for their premises – in other words they are completely useless and unreliable.

There are strict laws on the type of fire extinguisher you are required to have depending on the potential risks at your premises. For example, if you have abundant electrical equipment you will need to have a C02 extinguisher, which means that if you have a standard water extinguisher the chances are using it will actually enhance the fire, not decrease it.

If you business accommodates a kitchen, you will need to be aware of the strict regulations relating to the different types of fire blankets available, as well as smoke alarms and extinguishers. It’s really important that your fire safety equipment functions properly, meets industry standards and is replaced regularly.

The majority of fire risks we identify during our consultancy work can be solved fairly easily with your co-operation and understanding. Simple yet effective factors of moving rubbish and clearing fire exits can easily save lives. It’s the small things that ultimately make the biggest difference.

We can’t highlight enough how important it is to have the correct fire equipment occupying your commercial property. We strongly recommend that you get a fully qualified consultant to carry out a comprehensive audit of your premises to identify any areas that need to be improved, as well as staff training and awareness.

See our website for more information on how to improve fire safety at your workplace, as well as advice for arranging a consultancy meeting.

Top Ten Tips For Recycling In The Workplace

2014-12-11T22:46:00.002-08:00

1. Make some time to look at what could be recycled in your business. 1-2 hours would be sufficient to get you started.

2. Things to look for:
• Paper in bins at desks
• Unnecessary printing. E.g. emails
• Cans and bottles included with food rubbish
• Printer cartridges and batteries in with general rubbish
• Excess packaging being used.

3. Look for opportunities where waste can be reduced and re-used as these methods are usually no-cost or low-cost. E.g. print documents double-sided.

4. Start with one or two things. Look at the largest volume of potentially recyclable waste. In an office this is most likely to be paper. Also look for high value waste such as aluminium cans and printer cartridges. Just by making a few simple changes you can make a big difference.

5. Find a reputable bin supplier who will work with you to identify the most suitable bins and recycling containers that is right for your business.

6. Separate recyclables. Select suitable containers, labels and signage for the storage and handling of each type of waste that you have decided to recycle. It is important to use clear colour-coded signage so that all employees understand where the waste can be disposed.

7. Find an authorised carrier who will be able to collect your segregated waste on a regular basis.

8. Involve your staff. This is essential for a successful recycling approach in your business. Look to employees for ideas, for example, create a suggestions box. Ensure that the recycling initiative is discussed at team meetings so that everyone knows the part they have to play.

9. Look at consumables that you use for your business, could they be purchased from a supplier who provides recycled products? It is surprising the cost savings that can often be made.

10. Monitor your new scheme. Keep a record of all waste activities, including costs, to monitor improvements and ensure this is communicated to the team via notice boards, newsletters etc. to maintain interest.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - The Largest Rubbish Dump In The World

2014-12-11T22:45:00.004-08:00

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is what scientists believe is the largest rubbish dump in the world and it is sitting in the Pacific Ocean. It is roughly twice the size of Texas and is made up of about 3.5 million tons of rubbish. The patch contains various types of garbage including shoes, bags, wrappers, and bottles however the majority of it is made up of plastics which does not biodegrade. Instead plastic slowly breaks up into smaller and smaller fragments. Greenpeace estimated that 10% of plastic manufactured every year ends up in the Pacific Garbage Patch which is an excessive amount of pollution.

Most of the pollution comes from countries ranging from North America to East Asia and to Australia. An estimated 80% of pollution comes from land based sources while 20% comes from ships.

Garbage can make its way from land to the ocean quite easily through our drains. With increased numbers of plastics, luxurious lifestyles and increased laziness litter is being flushed into our gutters which is ending up in the ocean and our beautiful environment. Once in the ocean, some sinks to the ocean floor or is ingested by sea creatures while the remainder is drawn to what is known as the Northern Pacific Gyre. The Northern Pacific Gyre is a system of currents which drags garbage into the center of a huge vortex which is then trapped by peripheral circulating currents. The enclosed enormous mass of garbage is known as the Pacific Garbage Patch.

Many people misunderstand the mass of garbage. They expect to sail out to the Gyre and find a rubbish island. In fact the ocean is full of tiny colored parts of plastic. The plastic is simply more concentrated in the Gyre and is accompanied by bottles, helmets and nets floating on the surface. This huge environmental disaster is unknown to so many because it is out in the middle of the ocean which is yet to affect our everyday lives. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is made up of the East Gyre and West Gyre which is located roughly between 135° to 155°W and 35° to 42°N. It ranges from the coast of California all the way to Japan and in some places the debris is 90 feet deep.

It was discovered by Charles J. Moore who came across this massive stretch of floating Debris while returning home through the North Pacific Gyre after the Transpac Sailing Race in 1997. A similar patch of floating plastic debris is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Something similar to the garbage patch was predicted in a paper published in 1988 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States, through Alaska-based research which measured the increase of tiny plastic particles in the ocean water. This is evidence that as time goes by the situation is getting dramatically worse.

Plastic is such a terrible product because it does not biodegrade. Instead, it breaks up into smaller pieces which always remain. The small parts of plastic are called mermaid tears or nurdles. Nurdles are dangerous as they have the unpleasant quality of soaking up toxic chemicals. Even if chemicals are widely diffused in the water, over time they are soaked up and concentrated within these tiny pieces of plastic. In some parts of the ocean there is already six times more plastic then plankton which is a primary food source many fish rely on to survive and these statistics are not even taken from the center of the garbage patch.

Plastics are very harmful to the marine environment. Fish, mammals and birds think that the plastic is food so they eat it. The plastics can poison them or lead to deadly blockages. Plastics have enormous effects on albatross that tend to breed at Midway Island which comes in contact with the edge of the garbage patch. Each year 500,000 albatrosses are born of which 200,000 die from being fed plastics from their mothers who confuse it for food. In total, more than a million birds and mammals die each year from consuming or being caught in plastics, garbage or debris. They are dieing of starvation and dehydration with bellies full of plastic. Research has shown that this garbage and debris affects 267 different species worldwide including sea lions, sea birds, turtles, fish, seals and whales. As fish are consuming toxins at such a rapid rate they may soon not even be safe enough to eat.

There are also a great number of effects on humans. Nineteen Hawaiian Islands including Midway island receive masses of garbage shot out from the gyre some of which is decades old. Some beaches are covered by up to ten feet of plastic while others are covered by tiny plastic sand like particles which would be near impossible to clean up. Soon we may be unable to eat seafood as it may become toxic or we may start eating our own plastic wastage. There will be damage to boats and submarine equipment and if the situation gets worse swimming in the ocean may even be discouraged.

As the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is in such a bad state researchers say it is unlikely it will be able to be cleaned up as it would be a multi-billion dollar process so prevention and awareness are the current keys to success. Richard Pain, an Australian film maker plans to cross the area on a vessel made from plastic bottles, in attempt to raise awareness of the problem. Research is looking for ways of possibly turning the garbage into fuel and Volunteers from Project Kaisei, a conservation project based in San Francisco and Hong Kong plan to send two ships into the affected area to bring back some waste.

Charles Moore has been researching the garbage patch ever since he discovered it. In 2008 he took some young researcher out with him to show them the damage.

The world can be thought of as a closed system in the way that all plastic created remains on the planet except for a small amount which has been incinerated and released toxic chemicals. Less than 5% of all plastic is recycled globally so recycling more is a good start. Attempts to minimize plastic usage and BYOB policy or 'bring your own bag' to shopping centers will cut down plastic bag usage. If we want our world to remain beautiful for future generations we need to accept the responsibility at a local level by thinking globally and acting locally.