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Lighting Requirements for Marine Vessels

A critical part of safe boating is complying with international and local lighting standards that allow the vessel to always maintain clear visibility. Marine vessel operators are responsible for ensuring all lighting meets relevant standards and regulations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972, also known as Collision Regulations (COLREGs), which defines the requirements for navigation lights. Additionally, regulations specific to a vessel’s operating region established by local maritime authorities must also be considered.

Proper use and maintenance of several different types of lights are critical for safe marine operations. Each type must comply with maritime navigation regulations and play a specific role in ensuring that the vessel is visible to others and can effectively communicate its intentions.

Just like land-based vehicles such as truck bodies, cargo vans, and trailers, marine vessels require proper ventilation to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of occupants, the longevity of equipment, and the avoidance of degradation of certain cargo.

Here is a brief look at the critical role proper ventilation systems play in marine vessels.

For starters, ventilation systems provide fresh air and maintain an appropriate temperature for crew and passengers on board. They also reduce the levels of carbon dioxide and other contaminants.

Preventing the spoilage of perishable goods on board is also important. Proper ventilation controls temperature and humidity levels to avoid spoilage and loss of cargo value. As important as that may be, it may be one of the less significant roles of proper ventilation on a marine vessel. Consider the transport of hazardous materials. Adequate ventilation is essential to prevent the accumulation of dangerous fumes and gases and to ensure the ship and its crew remain safe.

Modern marine-grade adhesives and sealants are designed to protect against water, chemicals, temperature extremes, and environmental degradation. The improved structural bonding capabilities of many of today’s products offer a myriad of benefits, including:

• - Support using light, one-piece composite hulls
• - Reduce construction time
• - Improve aesthetics
• - Durability
• - Flexibility
• - Longevity
• - Noise-reducing
• - Vibration dampening
• - Watertight seals
• - Better UV and chemical protection than ever before

Through the first half of 2024, the truck and trailer market continues to show signs of stabilizing. The market recovery from the excess capacity that originated during the pandemic due to an increase in new trucking companies has been slow. While there has been a reduction in the number of operating carriers, the adjustment and recovery have been slow. According to an article by Trailer/Body Builders, “The good news: The pandemic disruption and recovery have largely run their course, and traditional market cycles seem to be falling into place. The bad news: The freight cycle bottomed out in 2023, and the rebound remains on the horizon; that means that the heavy-duty trailer and truck markets can expect a down year in 2024.”

Companies are encouraged to focus on new trends as the market recovers to maintain competitiveness. Chris Bouchard writes, “The trailer industry is undergoing a transformative period, marked by innovative designs, technological advancements, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Encompassing recreational trailers to tractor trailers, several trends are shaping the future of this essential automotive industry sector.”

Corrosion poses a significant risk to trailer safety, gradually weakening the structure and leading to potential failures. Understanding the impact of corrosion is important for maintaining your trailer's longevity and reliability. In this blog, we explore the dangers of corrosion, its causes, and practical prevention strategies to ensure your trailer remains safe and roadworthy.

Taking steps to prevent trailer corrosion is critical for improving the useful life and productivity of the trailer, and it can also significantly impact road safety.

Corrosion can weaken a trailer's structural components, including the frame, chassis, and load-bearing parts. When the load-bearing capacity is compromised, cargo stability suffers. If the trailer can’t support the load, the domino effect is a risk that the cargo shifts or falls off the trailer. Shifting cargo and structural failures can lead to accidents on the road.

Another critical factor regarding trailer roadway safety is the reliability of the brake system, which can be compromised when the trailer becomes corroded. Corrosion can damage the brake lines, connectors, and other components, which can reduce braking efficiency or even lead to their complete failure.

No matter what type of trailer, proper ventilation is necessary for health, safety, and comfort. This can be effectively achieved by combining natural and mechanical ventilation methods.

Fresh air can flow through your trailer by natural ventilation methods such as windows, fixed vents, and skylights with built-in ventilation. Positioning windows on opposite sides is always a good idea for creating cross ventilation. Vents should be placed at both high and low points to take advantage of natural convection, where hot air rises and cooler air settles. It’s important always to be sure that vents are not blocked by an obstruction, which will mitigate effectiveness.

Installing roof and side vents is especially crucial for utility trailers transporting perishable goods.

In climates where natural ventilation is not enough, mechanical ventilation can be achieved via roof-mounted exhaust fans, air conditioning units, and portable fans. Individually or in combination, these methods can effectively remove hot air from the trailer and improve air circulation. When using a mechanical system such as air conditioning, schedule regular maintenance to clean vents and fans and replace air filters when needed.

Proper lighting and trailer lighting compliance are essential for the safe use of trailers on the road. This post will discuss the similarities and differences between trailer lighting requirements and those for cars and trucks.

National Safety Month Tips – Workplace Safety Starts with Commitment and the Right Equipment

Keeping our employees safe is a primary objective here at Austin Hardware, as we expect it to be with many companies. In recognition of June as National Safety Month, we will share some educational content to help you keep your employees safe.

Safety in the workplace starts with a commitment. That commitment must come from both leadership (management) and employees. Management should demonstrate its commitment to safety through its actions, allocating resources to safety training and equipment and encouraging employees to report potential safety issues without fear of reprisal.

Subsequently, employees need to show commitment through involvement. This includes forming committees to identify safety issues, volunteering for training, and helping to develop solutions.

Emergency preparedness requires planning, training, and practice. Companies need to identify potential risks, invest in training, create a communication plan, and practice their plan through regular drills such as fire drills.

Essential Products to Help Your Employees Stay Safe on the Job

Equipment is a major part of a management team’s commitment to providing a safe working environment for employees. Here is a partial list of common items needed for a safe manufacturing environment.

• - Anti-Slip Tape: Commercial grade, high-grit safety tapes for high traction that meet Prop 65, ADA, and OSHA standards.
• - Back-Up Alarms: To notify passersby when a vehicle is moving in reverse.
• - Conspicuity Tapes: Reflective conspicuity tapes for better nighttime visibility of your vehicle.
• - Emergency Reflector Kits: To keep your drivers safe in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
• - Fatigue-Reducing Floor Mat: A fatigue–reducing floor mat can relieve pressure on the knees and backs of your employees who stand for extended periods.
• - Fire Extinguishers
• - Safety Clothing: Gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, and more to protect the personal safety of your employees.
• - Ventilators: To condition the air and keep air quality safe in vehicles for drivers in every condition.
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Our Paint Shop Catalog contains many of our Safety products and a full line of MRO consumables.

Fabricators that work with removable panels need an efficient and reliable way to install them. However, the processes and hardware used significantly impact the end product. This post explains how to install a removable panel and select the proper hardware.

Removable panels are used widely across many industries, including signage, marine, interior design, and public transportation. While these industries have unique application requirements, they do have one thing in common: By design, removable panels will be attached and reattached dozens or even hundreds of times. So, before you begin the installation, it’s crucial to identify hardware and mounting methods that are strong and durable enough to handle repeated installation.

Step #1: Select Your Hardware

When most people think of removable panels, the first thing that comes to mind is the panels themselves. But the signature feature of removable panels – the ability to remove them – comes from what you don’t see: the hardware.

The success of a removable panel relies heavily on the strength and quality of the fastening system. So, before you begin installation, it’s worth taking the time to understand the hardware that makes it all possible.

Plastic fasteners are most commonly used to mount removable panels. Their low price and availability have made them the go-to for this installation. However, several problems might occur with plastic fasteners. They offer low durability and will fatigue after prolonged use. Their longevity depends on the specific product, but as a rule, plastic fasteners will degrade, warp, or break after repeated removal of the panel. When this happens, the panels will be difficult to remove or reattach, and there’s a good chance all of the hardware will have to be replaced.

The biggest challenges facing the EMS industry include staffing (finding the next generation of employees and retaining existing employees) and reducing stress. A 2023 EMS Trend Survey of more than 3,100 paramedics, EMTs, and EMS leaders has shed more light on these topics that are most concerning to emergency service professionals.

The survey shows that EMS managers must prioritize their employees' mental and physical health and safety due to chronic understaffing and the demanding nature of the job, which are having a more significant impact than ever before.

While the nature of the job will always create a stressful environment, managers need to look for small ways to reduce their employees' physical and mental stress. Improving how these critical care providers go about their day and finding logistical improvements can help. In turn, this will help to address the industry’s retention challenge along with leading to better patient outcomes.