The Importance of Testing and Quality Control for Rivets

The importance of working with rivet manufacturers whose testing and quality assurance programs meet regulatory requirements to produce certified rivets cannot be overstated. A structure or equipment's performance will be only as reliable and safe as the rivets that hold it together. Rivet manufacturers must adhere to rigorous testing protocols and quality standards to guarantee that their rivets will perform as expected.

Image c/o TecNiq, Inc.

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.

Industrial tapes serve various purposes in manufacturing, construction, and other specialized applications. In this post, we’ll briefly review each and then consider the key considerations for choosing them instead of liquid or spray adhesives.

Duct, electrical, packaging, double-sided, and transfer are found commonly in industrial applications.

Duct tape is prized for its strength and versatility. Commonly used in construction applications, it’s strong enough to use in various applications on the job site, including temporary repairs, sealing, and fastening.

Electrical tape offers insulation and safety for electrical work due to its resistance to electrical currents. It’s typically used for bundling, color coding, and splicing electrical wire.

As the name suggests, packaging tape is used to secure boxes and other packages for shipping.

Structural, or bonding, tapes have bonding strength strong enough to serve as a replacement for mechanical fasteners, such as screws and rivets or welding. To ensure performance, structural tapes must resist environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and more. Many structural tapes are double-sided and coated with adhesive on both sides. They come in various forms, sizes, and strengths, including transparent, foam, acrylic, high-performance, and more. Double-sided tapes are often used for mounting, joining, and assembly, and while not all double-sided tapes are considered “structural,” most serve as a permanent bonding solution.

The benefits of structural tapes include weight reduction, improved aesthetics, enhanced sealing, stress distribution, and assembly time efficiency. They also help as a dampener, reducing vibration and providing impact resistance.

Transfer tape is a highly versatile industrial tape with a thin adhesive film but no carrier or backing. It’s easily transferred to most dry surfaces from a peel-away release liner.

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.