What You Need To Know About Emergency Preparedness

Getting ready for emergencies before they happen is one of the best ways to help your company succeed. Take these steps today to make sure you’re not blindsided by any disasters.

Know Who To Call for Repairs

When something goes wrong and damages your equipment, you need to clean up the area and then wait for repairs to resume your operations. To expedite this process, identify repair companies who can help you and keep their numbers close by. This helps you avoid paying too much for a repair service out of desperation. For example, know which plastic welding repairs company to contact if your chemical storage containers start leaking.

Know Basic First Aid

You should always call 911 if a medical emergency occurs at your business. However, it often takes paramedics a while to reach you, particularly if you’re in an isolated or crowded area. Learn basic first aid so you can address the situation as you wait. The Red Cross, your local fire department, and most community colleges offer courses that teach you how to stop excessive bleeding and help people with damaged spines. The most important skill to know is cardiopulmonary resuscitation so you can help if someone’s heart stops beating during a heart attack or another cardiac event.

Know When To Close Your Doors

It’s tempting to keep your business open during all conditions so you can keep on making a profit, but that could put you and your employees’ lives in danger. Watch the weather carefully and don’t be afraid to close for the day if it’s too icy or windy to get to work safely.

Once you’ve taken these actions, you’re ready to remain vigilant for emergencies. Staying alert doesn’t mean you should stress about every possible disaster, but it does mean you’re ready if something goes wrong.… Read more

How To Properly Maintain Your Wood Fence

How To Properly Maintain Your Wood Fence

If you’re looking to install a fence on your property, you may be wondering what type of fence material is best. While there are benefits to any type of material, there are many reasons to install a wood fence. Wood is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and easy to install. However, don’t make the mistake of installing your wood fence and forgetting about it. Here are three things you should do to properly maintain your fence.

1. Clean Your Fence

Did you know there are fence cleaning products available at your local home department store? Commercial products or a homemade cleaning solution should be used to clean your wooden fence Lake County IL at least every two years. This will help maintain the natural beauty and health of your fence.

2. Apply Sealant or Stain

A sealant is applied to a fence to protect it from sun damage. A stain is used to enhance the natural color of the wood and add another layer of protection. Sealants and stains are beneficial because they prolong the lifespan of your fence.

3. Repair Damages

It’s a good idea to check for loose screws and tighten them as needed. If necessary, replace old screws with weather-resistant screws. If you notice any splits or cracks in your wooden fence, repair the damaged slats quickly. Fast repairs will prevent the problem from becoming more extensive. Cracked or split wood can be repaired with wood glue. Apply the waterproof wood glue to the cracked area and then tape it together until the glue dries – or at least 24 hours. If you have any posts that have wood rot, repair them with a concrete spur.

If a wooden fence is properly maintained, it can provide beauty and security for over 20 years. Take proper care of your investment by following these three tips.… Read more

5 Reason Hydraulic Seal Fail

5 Reason Hydraulic Seal Fail

Hydraulic seals are a key part of a well functioning piece of equipment. A seal exists to keep fluid from leaking. When seals fail it can cause big problems, costly repairs and production downtime. The best way to avoid failure of hydraulic shaft seals is to make sure they are installed correctly. In addition to improper installation, here are 3 common reasons hydraulic seals can fail.

1) Temperature Issues: When the fluid temperature rises to extremely high levels it can damage the seal and create a prime opportunity for failure and leaks. Additionally, if the temperature is too low the seal can also deteriorate. When a seal is exposed to the incorrect temperature for extended periods of time it can harden, lose elasticity and crack resulting in equipment failure.

2) Wear and Tear: Excessive wear and tear can be a result of incorrect installation. When the installer uses the wrong tools to install the seal or places the seal improperly it can cause damage to the seal or cause it to wear unevenly. Wearing can also occur when there is a lack of lubrication. This is why preventative maintenance is so crucial to system performance.

3) Chemicals: When a cylinder seal comes in contact with harsh chemicals that are incompatible with the seal material, the seal can fail and leaks can occur. It is important to check with the seal manufacturers for compatibility before selecting hydraulic seals that will be exposed to strong chemicals. Being clear about your expectations will help the manufacturers identify the right product for your specific needs.

Hydraulic seals may be small but their purpose is hugely important. If you can’t find a standard seal that fit your needs, many manufacturers will create custom seals for you.

When a seal is installed properly, well maintained and exposed to the right fluid it can prevent leaks and failures that can otherwise cause big, expensive problems.

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Which Valve Lock Should You Choose?

When it’s time to perform maintenance or repairs on a pressurized valve, it’s necessary to shut off whatever material is in inside. Valve locks perform this critical role, one which can prevent potentially harmful accidents. But before you install one, it’s important to know that valve locks are not one-size-fits-all. There are several different types which are engineered for specific valves.

It’s more likely than not that your valve is one of the three most common: Ball valves, butterfly valves, or gate valves. Here’s how their corresponding valve lock systems work:

 

Ball Valve Locks

Ball valve lock systems combine an outside handle with an interior ball to control flow through the valve. You simply shift the handle to the off position to do so. They typically range from one half to eight inches in diameter and will work on a wide variety of pipes, including ones constructed of stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome, titanium, PVC, CPVC and others.

 

Butterfly Valve Locks

Butterfly valves themselves are discs positioned in the center of a pipe. When given a quarter turn, they control flow. They are generally cheaper than ball valves because of their lighter weight. Butterfly valve locks, like ball valve locks, can be used on different sizes of pipes, but have a more limited range of 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter.

Gate Valve Locks

Gate valve locks work by blocking access to valve handles. They are thermoplastic covers in the shape of half circles. After they’re installed, a padlock or hasp can be used to secure them in place. Gate valve locks are mostly used with larger pipe diameters (from 2″ to the largest pipelines).

Valve lock systems have a wide range of applications: manufacturing, mining, utilities, municipal service, and oil and gas. But before choosing one, always make sure it is the right fit for the valve you need to shut off.… Read more

5 Steps to Take If Your Refrigerator Needs Immediate Service

Refrigerator service and repair is typically the last thing on anyone’s mind until the appliance quits working, or experiences a serious problem. Below are five steps to take to minimize the impact until a service technician can help.

Begin Seeking a Repair Technician Immediately

Finding a repair technician with an opening in their day to service your refrigerator can prove difficult. If your freezer or the refrigerated portion of the appliance quits working, begin seeking a technician right away. Getting placed on a waiting list as soon as possible is critical to saving your perishable food items.

Find Alternative Food Storage Solutions or Add Dry Ice

If the wait is only a few hours for service, keep the doors of the refrigerator shut tightly, and your food should be fine. Having to keep items overnight can present problems. The frozen items will begin to thaw. Ask any available family members, friends or neighbors if they have room to keep a few of your more expensive items until your appliance works. Find a store that sells dry ice. It can help keep a freezer cold enough to maintain the integrity of the food as you wait.

Have the Appliance Inspected If It Acts or Sounds Strange

Loud noises are often an indication there is a problem developing with your refrigerator/freezer. It is better to pay a little money to find out if the appliance is in need of repair than waiting for an emergency moment of equipment failure. Clunking noises, a rattling fan, or compressor noises should never be present in a correctly operating refrigerator.

Shut Water Off to Ice Maker If There Is a Leak

Water leaks on the floor that stem from an ice maker problem will need servicing by a technician. Turn the water source off that supplies the refrigerator to stop the leak temporarily. It may be a simple replacement of the water line required, but internal valve problems can cause leaks as well.

Delegate Oversite of Repair

Designate a trusted individual over 18-years of age to stick around for the repair if you are unable to hang around and wait for the technician. It will ensure you get the fastest service possible and a working appliance once again.

Contact refrigeration specialists like Sub Zero Service Center for emergency Sub Zero freezer repair Miami Beach today!… Read more