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Article
2008 December
- A manufacturer was asked to build “green” components though there was no intention for the project to be green certified.
- If this happens to you, ask the specifier and builder why “green” wood is desired.
- Consider supplying two bids for the job: one with regular components and one with “green” components.
Article
2008 December
- Balancing quality control and efficiency in the shop is more important than ever before.
- In-Plant WTCA QC program is one tool that manufacturers are using to manage quality, efficiency and cost at the same time.
- One of the greatest benefits the program is the information available to managers that helps them make informed business decisions.
Article
2008 December
- When pursuing CoC certification, your first step is to choose a certifying body.
- You will work with a third-party auditor appointed by the certifying body.
- Plan to spend between $2,500 and $5,000 to become certified.
- Submit documentation of CoC inventory and staff procedures to the auditor.
Article
2008 December
- Making sound business decisions in this business cycle provides no guarantee of business success.
- We must recast the notion of diversification and find creative new ways to serve customers.
- Beyond evaluating sales and product lines, defining clear objectives and consulting with industry peers for ideas are important exercises.
Article
2008 December
- Heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are not necessarily synonymous.
- SCA is often caused by an arrhythmia, and occurs when the heart stops pumping and starts to quiver rapidly.
- An AED is an electronic device that administers electric shock to an SCA victim.
- If no AED is available, CPR can be performed on an SCA victim to maintain blood flow to the brain.
Article
2008 December
- Lumber design values, not loads, are adjusted by the load duration factor (LDF).
- The application of LDFs is separate from load combining reduction factors, although both may be used in truss design calculations.
- In areas where snow load controls the design, code allows an LDF of 1.15, not 1.00.
Article
2008 November
- A new booklet for handling, installing, restraining and bracing of cold-formed steel trusses is now available. \
- CFSBCSI is organized into six chapters, each of which exists separately as a Summary Sheets
- The CFS Jobsite Package is a graphical presentation of CFSBCSI concepts for ease of use in the field.
Article
2008 November
- The new president of SBCA is Ben Hershey of Alliance TruTrus.
- Our industry is unique in that we work together to make builders more efficient.
- The decision to change the association’s name from WTCA to SBCA is a reflection on the products we now market.
- The spread of BCSI in our markets will help build our industry.
Article
2008 November
- Partition separation is often blamed on a condition known as truss arching.
- Wood may expand or shrink depending on its moisture content.
- The example given in Figure 2 shows that a 28-ft truss with 19% moisture content that dries to 7% may cause an upward deflection of about 0.7 inches.
- Many factors lead to partition separation; the only way to prove truss arching is to use a laser level to assess all the areas of potential movement in the structure.
Article
2008 November
- Before developing a first aid kit for your operation, analyze work spaces and review your OSHA Form 300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses to note potential hazards.
- Remember that where you place the kits can be as important as what you put inside.
- The most important thing is to put them in places that are centrally located that people will remember.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- A new booklet for handling, installing, restraining and bracing of cold-formed steel trusses is now available. \
- CFSBCSI is organized into six chapters, each of which exists separately as a Summary Sheets
- The CFS Jobsite Package is a graphical presentation of CFSBCSI concepts for ease of use in the field.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- Making sound business decisions in this business cycle provides no guarantee of business success.
- We must recast the notion of diversification and find creative new ways to serve customers.
- Beyond evaluating sales and product lines, defining clear objectives and consulting with industry peers for ideas are important exercises.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- Stock Building Supply helped to design and build a showy chapel addition.
- The use of components became interesting when the structural engineer decided that the significant horizontal deflection inherent in steep pitched scis
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- The most likely causes for OSHA to drop in are an employee complaint or a programmed inspection.
- Something you can do now is to identify authorized employer and employee reps who would accompany an inspector during a walkthro
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- One component manufacturer found out that supplying green-built trusses can be very costly.
- Eco-certifiers like FSC and SFI impose strict chain of custody requirements on secondary lumber product manufacturers like CMs.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- Learn more about who will be exhibiting at this year's show in Denver, CO.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- In our current business environment, we’ve got to get creative, explore new markets and consider ways to differentiate.
- If there’s one benefit of your membership in WTCA, it’s staying connected and learning from each other.
- BCMC is the place to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry and make adjustments to your business.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- Any lumber that is graded to assign design properties is considered stress-graded, no matter if it was visually or mechanically graded.
- Material with design properties listed in the NDS Supplement or in individual lumber use guides is considered stress-graded.
Article
2008 Sept/Oct
- Many of us do not get enough sleep, which can lead to mistakes and poor job performance.
- Tips for dealing with fatigue at work include hydration, taking a quick break to refocus and napping.
Article
2008 August
- BCMC allows you to keep up to date on industry happenings while strategically planning for your business.
- Discussing the state of the industry with peers at BCMC helps you gain perspective on how to endure the market.
- Attend a new CM roundtable on Tuesday called “Planning, Evaluating and Adjusting—Your Business Lifeline.”