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Article
2008 April
- SBCRI is a one of a kind world-class testing lab located in Madison, WI dedicated to testing building components.
- TPI and WTCA have committed to investing almost $2 million in the next several years for industry testing projects.
- Take advantage of your WTCA membership by using the products and services developed for component manufacturers.
Article
2008 April
- Going to see and learn something first hand from an expert is an effective way to learn about a topic.
- Plant tour attendees at an Illinois manufacturer’s TTW event were awed by the custom engineering and code compliance involved in component design and manufacturing.
- A plant tour in New Hampshire led to an invitation for one manufacturer to present further component education for a local fire department.
- WTCA staff can assist manufacturers setting up a plant tour in many ways: compiling targeted handouts, providing signage
Article
2008 April
- A written HazCom plan is the first step to creating a safeguard against chemical hazards.
- Each hazardous material in the plant must have a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) accessible to all employees.
- Educating employees and contractors about dangerous substances will prevent chemical related injuries and illnesses.
Article
2008 April
- To add insulation into a tested assembly, an equivalent or greater plenum space should be maintained and the insulation held up and away from the gypsum surface.
- Increasing the depth of an assembly does not adversely affect its fire endurance rating.
Article
2008 March
- An effective leader empowers people to do things because they want to do it.
- It’s difficult to maintain a solid safety awareness culture if management doesn’t believe safety should be a priority.
- Most leaders exhibit five characteristics: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism.
Article
2008 March
- While walking though the shop, take digital pictures of safety hazards to show at the next safety meeting.
- Component manufacturers will save time and money with WTCA’s Operation Safety program.
- Chambers Truss created an educational program for builders about proper installation and bracing techniques.
Article
2008 March
- A common mistake is thinking that the truss design drawing provides all of the bracing requirements for the truss.
- In the 2006 Edition of BCSI continuous lateral brace has been replaced in by the term “continuous lateral restraint.”
- Bracing the lateral restraint is critical for ensuring truss stability; failure to do so can result in serviceability problems or structural collapse.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- Wall panel technology has come a long way since the 1960s.
- It is important for all component manufacturers to have basic knowledge of wall panels.
- WTCA offers various resources to help educate the industry about wall panels.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- The basis for a good safety program is keeping work areas neat and organized.
- A clean production area can significantly reduce the cost of accidents by preventing them.
- Create a daily housekeeping checklist to confirm that attention is given to specific areas of your operation—both the plant and the office.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- Using different wall bracing methods on the same structure is often acceptable.
- The IRC recognizes eleven total methods for providing wall bracing.
- The continuous wood structural panel sheathing section of the code has caused confusion in terms of whether other bracing methods can be used with it.
Article
2007 December
- Quality is something that no one should sacrifice, no matter what.
- Part of manufacturing is discovering the nuances that make a world of difference.
- Make it a goal to get your systems tuned up, in place and ready for the New Year.
Article
2007 December
- Solar panels—devices that convert solar energy into electricity or heat—are often installed in trussed and conventionally framed roofs.
- To determine if a truss can withstand the load of a solar panel, add the value of the panel to the maximum top chord dead load capacity.
- If a panel can be applied to a conventionally framed roof with the same design load capacity as a truss system, the application should also work in the trussed roof.
Article
2007 December
- The third largest cause of workplace injuries, slip and fall injuries can be expensive to employers.
- Tend to outdoor and indoor housekeeping during the winter weather months to minimize slip and fall hazards.
Article
2007 November
- WTCA President Bob Becht emphasizes bracing and long-span truss installation education.
- There was a time when short member temporary lateral restraint was not installed safely.
- BCSI and the B-Series documents have helped to provide direction and a consistent message on bracing and installation issues.
- Given the current state of housing, we need tools like BCSI to raise the level of professionalism in construction.
Article
2007 November
- There are many guidelines and recommendations in place to ensure trusses are installed and braced properly.
- Truss Design Drawings show the truss calculation and engineer stamp, but usually show limited bracing.
- It is our hope that BCSI recommendations are followed in the field, but we cannot enforce them.
Article
2007 November
- Making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition is one of the best defenses when driving in winter weather.
- Put together a basic cold-weather emergency kit for each vehicle in your fleet.
Article
2007 Sept/Oct
- Brand your company as "The Solution" for all of your customers’ needs.
- If you offer wall panels, engineered wood products, steel trusses, and turnkey labor, or engineering design services in addition to wood trusses, be sure to market them.
- Work with the design and specifier community to help streamline the front end of the construction process and value-engineer structures.
Article
2007 Sept/Oct
- The IRC 2006 references BCSI 1-03 in two locations—R502.11.2 and R802.10.3.
- In 2006, BCSI 1-03 was revised and retitled Building Component Safety Information; Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses.
- Although BCSI 1-03 is referenced in IRC 2006, you should use the most recent version of the booklet—BCSI.
Article
2007 Sept/Oct
- OSHA’s Top Ten list is a great place to start for reviewing safety issues at your facility.
- Three of the 2006 Top Ten (one, three and nine) fall under OSHA’s Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (Part 1926) and don’t apply to component manufacturing.
- The remaining seven violations relate to standards that are important to comply with as a component manufacturer.
Article
2007 August
- OSHA defines a powered industrial track (PIT) as any mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials that can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator.
- OSHA requires you to implement a PIT vehicle training program and verify that each operator has been properly trained and evaluated.
Article
2007 August
- Remember safety when you consider material handling in your operation.
- Creating a safety committee is a great way to inspire a culture of safety and discuss areas of the plant to examine.
Article
2007 August
- When a truss member is damaged, the anticipated flow of loads through the truss is disrupted, and that load must be resisted by another member(s).
Article
2007 June/July
- High school and college students can be a valuable resource during the summer months.
- Their inexperience can also bring a unique set of safety risks.
- Create a safe environment for your summer help with a few simple adjustments.