by Machelle | Feb 12, 2018 | Business, General
What is silica dust?
Silica is among the most common elements that occur naturally on the planet. The mineral is found in most materials common on construction sites. This includes soil, sand, on concrete, rocks, granite, masonry, and landscaping materials. When these materials are disturbed, it will create the silica dust. Types of disturbance can be, grinding, cutting or drilling.
Possible situations when silica dust occurs
The dust from materials can comprise of what is referred to as silica particles. Typically, materials containing crystalline dust particles are not harmful unless they are disturbed. When disturbed, the materials will generate small-size particles capable of getting into your lungs. This is a process known as “respirable crystalline silica.” These dust particles are usually microscopic, smaller than the sand you’ll find on the bank of the sea. They are so tiny that you cannot see them. They are a significant cause of lung disease and lung cancer. Just a little amount of silica dust is powerful enough to cause a devastating health hazard.
Construction materials that contain silica
There are lots of construction materials out there that contain silica, and these include but not limited to bricks, cement, asphalt, drywall, mortar, grout, tile (including the ones mentioned above) and others.
What illness can result from a silica dust situation?
When crystalline silica is present in the air due to disturbance of materials bearing silica, people, especially workers at construction or mining sites become exposed to it through inhaling. When people inhaled crystalline silica particles, severe or sometimes, life-threatening illnesses can occur. Tuberculosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and acute obstructive pulmonary disease can result from it.
Furthermore, exposure to silica dust has also been linked to other dangerous health situations such as renal disease, and other forms of fatal cancers. In 1996, the International Agency for Cancer research on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified silica dust (crystalline silica) as a factor responsible for the human carcinogen. The WHO reaffirmed this position in 2009, demonstrating how dangerous silica dust and its crystalline particles can be.
Effects & realism of a silica dust situation
The unchanging position of the WHO regarding silica dust entails it is a significant health challenge. Even the American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recognized the fact that workers at construction sites and other industries stand a higher risk of contracting silicosis. Silicosis is a progressive disease that only gets worse, even exposure to respirable silica dust has stopped.
Studies have shown that the numbers of people living with silicosis in the United States are estimated to be between 3,600 to 7,600 affected cases. New cases of the silica infection occur every in the US, and their surveillance programs in operation in Michigan and New Jersey.
To mitigate the spread of the silicosis, the NIOSH recommended that construction or such other industry workers should refrain from bringing silica to the home by:
- Using washable or disposable working clothes at the work site
- Take a shower (if possible) and change into new clothes to prevent contamination of cars, homes, or other work areas.
- Park your vehicle where silica will not contaminate it.
Lastly, the OSHA recognizes the danger silica pose to employees. Therefore set forth a recommendation through its regulation 29 CFR 1926.1153, directing construction employers to minimize workers exposures to silica. The permitted levels at or below Permittable Exposure Level of (PEL50 ug/m3). While complying with other exposure control methods and guidelines.
Silica dust is hazardous, and it is best to prevent such a situation from occurring by keeping to acceptable working and behavior patterns.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, 8(a) Minority, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource:
Image Resource: Featured Image Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockdust#/media/File:Coal_miner_spraying_rock_dust.jpg, Cccefalon via Wikimedia Commons, Gumersindorego via Wikimedia Commons
by Machelle | Feb 5, 2018 | Business, General
Introduction—What is a modular construction?
Modular construction refers to a building method wherein sections of pre-fabricated buildings are manufactured in a plant. Then later delivered to the customer in single or more complete modular sections. Modular style of construction enhances top-quality production and cost efficiency. Every unit of the pre-fabricated building is constructed in an enclosed facility. Wherein negative environmental factors are not allowed to weigh against the construction timeline.
Advantages & benefits of modular construction over conventional construction
Modular style of construction is becoming popular among homeowners due to some reasons.
Eco-friendly
Modular construction uses a strict control process that generates less waste, minimize site disturbance, reduce dust and other contaminants while enhancing tighter structure without damaging the environment.
Versatility & Flexibility
The various components used in modular buildings can easily be expanded, relocated or reused at any time. Such flexibility enables you to adapt to future changes or expansions at your place of business or domicile.
Quick Installation
Components of modular buildings are pre-engineered to pave the way for quick assembly during installation. A faster installation time results in a minimized cost of plant productivity.
Reduced Cost of Labor
Modular building components are installed quickly and efficiently. This results in a lower cost of labor when compared to traditional construction.
Saves on Energy Bills
Modular homes are designed to be much more energy-efficient. Therefore means your monthly expense will be substantially reduced.
Decreases Construction Time
About 60-90% of modular building construction occurs in a secure factory. This efficiently eliminates weather barrier while allowing timely completion of projects.
Low Maintenance Cost
Modular style construction incorporates durable prefabricated materials that require very little maintenance beyond the occasional surface cleaning. This effectively eliminates the cost of surface repairs, repainting and other maintenance that bedevils the conventional building method.
Does Every Modular Home Look Alike?
The popular misconception is that all modular homes look alike, but that isn’t the case. Modular homes have no limitations in construction. You can suggest and create any style of your choice. Almost every host plan can be converted into a modular home. This means you can build your ideal modular home. Here is a great video from Intermodal Structures, that shows how modular construction is put together.
Facts About Modular Style Construction
- Homes built using this type of construction appraise similarly as their on-site built counterparts. They do not depreciate.
- Modular homes are highly customizable
- Their designs vary in size and style
- They can build on basements and crawl spaces
- Accessible home loans for modular houses are the same as their traditional counterparts
- Homes built using this type of construction can withstand 175mph of winds
- Modular homes are ‘real properties’ like their conventional counterparts
- Most building companies that offer modular home construction has a department dedicated to CAD (Computer Aided Design).
- Concerning taxation, depreciation is just 7 years while that of conventional construction is 39 years.
Conclusion
Modular style construction has a lot of benefits and uses for your comfort, and you can always acquire the best with the right information and company. Your budget aside, you can obtain a special construction loan valid for one year to aid your construction needs.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, 8(a) Minority, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: http://www.intermodalstructures.com/
Image Resource: Featured Image Source: KOMA MODULAR CONSTRUCTION s.r.o. via Wikimedia Commons, https://imodstructures.com/
by Machelle | Jan 29, 2018 | Business, Federal Government Contracting, General
Introduction—what is the General Services Administration?
The General Services Administration (GSA) is an executive agency of the US government responsible for managing equipment and property. It was established in 1949 and was tasked with the mandate of purchasing and distributing supplies to all government agencies. This includes maintaining supplies of important materials. Among its functions, the GSA oversees the construction of government buildings. As well as maintaining the various computers and communication devices used by the Federal Government.
Historical perspective of the GSA
July 1, 1949, saw the birth of the GSA. This was made possible by the US President, Harry Truman. Truman created and established the agency to streamline the tedious and administrative work of the Federal Government. The creation of the GSA saw the consolidation of various agencies of government into one federal agency. This included: Public Building Administration, National Archives Establishment, the Office of Contract Settlement, the Bureau of Federal Supply, the federal Work Agency and the War Asset Administration.
GSA Events from the 1950s to 1960s
As the GSA took charge of government daily administrative needs, it ramped up its efforts in the 1950s by overhauling the White House. It was an effort to restructure and reorient the internal administrative affairs of the government towards achieving good service delivery and thorough maintenance. Thus, the GSA engaged in emergency preparedness by stockpiling materials that will be used in war times. The GSA retained various emergency and management functions that weren’t overhauled until they were later handed over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979.
A government-wide intercity system—the Federal Telecommunication System–was created by the GSA in 1960. The problem of obsolete office buildings was addressed in 1962. The Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space recommended a major new building program for better offices in Washington DC. That led to the construction of most of the office buildings that now dominate Independence Avenue.
Further events in the 1970s to 1980s
After the major progress made in the 1960s, President Nixon came onboard. In 1970, his administration created the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center, which later became the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC). The body was responsible for the distribution of millions of consumer information publications from its facility located in Pueblo, Colorado.
Source: Canva (DynaGrace Enterprises Machelle L)
The Federal Buildings Fund was established, in 1971. It became operational in 1974 after the GSA gave out its rent bills for the first time to federal agencies. The GSA continues to deliver on its powers. In 1972, it established the Automated Data and Telecommunications Service. After 10 years, it later transformed into the Office of Information Resources Management.
The GSA also Created the Office of Federal Management Policy in 1973, and in 1978. It centralizes procurement policy through its Office of Acquisition Policy.
After the GSA introduced the use of charge cards to the federal government in 1984, with over 3 million cardholders on its Smartpay Program, the GSA opened its first ever child care center in 1987. The body now manages over 110 federal child care facilities covering over 8,000 children across the country.
GSA performance in the modern era
In 1994, the GSA through its Public Building Service introduced the Designed Excellence Program. This was in order to guide its selection of engineers and architects for major government projects. The Courthouse Management Group formed by the GSA in 1995 duly managed courthouse constructions.
Since the year 2000, GSA showed they embraced new technology and innovations like the internet for effective running of government activities. The GSA uses the internet to aid the administration of President George W. Bush in 2001, 2007 and 2009, under subsequent administrations. Also in line with global trends.
The year 2010 and 2013 saw the GSA completing over 500 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects across all 50 states, as well as increased IT spending. The GSA also introduced lots of initiative programs from 2011 to 2017. Such as the Technology Transformation Services, which is consolidating the efforts of the agency towards technology.
The GSA has been a remarkable government agency that covers the national administrative life of the US government.
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Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, 8(a) Minority, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: http://www.gsa.gov, http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/richard-m-nixon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act_of_2009, https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/technology-transformation-services
Image Resource: Featured Image Source: Cliff via Flickr, Pres. Harry S. Truman by Edmonston Studio – The Library of Congress (http://loc.gov) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_S._Truman#/media/File:Harry_S_Truman,_bw_half-length_photo_portrait,_facing_front,_1945-crop.jpg,
by Machelle | Jan 22, 2018 | General, Industrial Hygiene
The need for a Respirable Dust Monitor
It wasn’t until August 1st, 2014; a groundbreaking respirable dust rule went into effect. The rule which was introduced by the United States Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) further adds to the increased list of various protections designed for coal miners. While effectively closing some loopholes that expose workers to unhealthy coal mine dust at the workplace.
The rules have been part of a government joined efforts aimed at monitoring and reducing the risk of respirable dust. This dust is harmful to human health, particularly for mine workers.
The historical path to ending the risk of respirable dust
Since 2009, the battle to end or minimize the life-threatening effects of respirable dust gain momentum following the launching of the “End Black Lung–Act Now.” The campaign enables the mining industry and government watchdog agencies like the MSHA to turn from mere safety matters to critical health challenges in the mining sector. Efforts to lower silica and levels of respirable coal mine dust in the country’s coal mines were ramped up. They have remained on track in the aftermath of the “End Black Lung—Act Now!”
Effects of the respirable coal dust rule
The respirable coal dust rule that went into effect on August 1st, 2014. It was another indication of government efforts to curtail the negative effects of respirable dust on coal mine workers and the environment at large. During this period, dust samples results collected by the MSHA, containing this new rule, indicates that compliance can be achieved. Most importantly, the results show that samples from the dustiest occupations in underground coal mine facilities dropped to a record low of 0.64 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) for 2016. This was far better than the 2015 average year sample record of 0.70 mg/m3.
What the new respirable dust rule entails is that miners across the nation’s coal mines are now better protected. This improvement is better than before from the destructive black lung diseases.
Certification testing introduced by the new rule of August 1st, 2014
The new respirable coal dust rule requires that every certified person must pass the applicable MSHA examination. The examination demonstrates competence in sampling procedures slated under the final mark of 70.202. Or they will undergo a competency in calibration and maintenance under a final mark of 70.203, for every three years.
Such certification and its strict application have led to a great reduction in cases of black lungs. Seeing the general effects of respirable coal dust among mine workers reduced from 2014 to 2017. For instance, data released by the MSHA for October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, shows there were only 24 deaths recorded in more than 13,000 mines across the nation. This is the lowest from the 34 recorded in 2013.
The MSHA is currently working on a fixed certification testing schedule that will include location and time of test schedules. The third phase of the MSHA respirable dust rule took effect from August 1st, 2016, to date.
Results show that the concentration level of respirable coal mine dust in the air has been limited from 2.0 mg/m3 to 1.5 mg/m3 at the surface and underground coal mines. Also, the concentration for respirable dust is lowered from a range of 1.0 mg/m3 to 0.5 mg/m3 regarding intake air at underground mines, and for miners suffering from pneumoconiosis.
Conclusion
The MSHA has been making a giant stride in the quest to minimize the level of respirable coal mine dust in the air, under and around mining locations in the United States. These efforts have been a work-in-progress, spanning a period of years, with success recorded on every new sample year.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, 8(a) Minority, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource:
Image Resource: Featured Image Source: Jean Beaufort via https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=224094&picture=coal-miners, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvPmhyCdDijBz5SpaJB-L0g via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agTfGHUfFNQ, https://pixabay.com/en/users/Clker-Free-Vector-Images-3736/ via https://pixabay.com/en/red-circle-backslash-no-symbol-24018/
by Machelle | Jan 15, 2018 | Federal Government Contracting, General
What is FEMA?
FEMA which stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency is an independent agency created to respond to, plan for, recover from, and mitigate against disaster—natural or man-made. In any in part of the country of the United States. The agency is tasked with the mandate to report to the president. Also to suggests ways to arrest or resolve emergency issues.
When was the FEMA created?
The origin of FEMA as an agency can be traced to the congressional Act of 1803. It was the first Act that considers legislation on disaster because it gave assistance to a town in New Hampshire which suffered from extensive fire damage. However, the century that precedes 1803 saw an Ad Hoc legislation that passed over 100 times as a response to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and such other natural disasters.
A further historical perspective of FEMA
During the 1930s, the federal government started to approach the problems of natural disasters, and such concern became popular. Consequently, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was given the green light to make disaster loans. This consisted of the repair and reconstruction of certain public facilities, in the aftermath of an earthquake, and followed by other types of disasters.
In 1934, authority was given to the Bureau of Public Roads to fund the reconstruction of highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters. Another Act known as the Flood Control Act was passed. It gave the US Army Corps of Engineers extensive authority to implement flood control projects. However, there were some lapses and problems plaguing the effective utilization of this piecemeal approach. It calls for the need for a legislation to enhance greater cooperation between government agencies.
Massive disasters were recorded in the 1960s and early 1970s, which led to the formation of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration. It is an agency established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, the impact of other natural disasters such as the hurricane Carla in 1962, the San Fernando earthquake in 1971 and hurricane Agnes in 1972, led to more agitation for a better agency. There were calls to decrease the numbers of agencies task with disaster management, President Jimmy Carter was asked to centralize federal emergency functions. These led to an executive order in 1979 creating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The first director of FEMA was John Macy.
The mission of the agency
FEMA’s mission is to support first responders and citizen of the United States. To help build and improve the capability to prepare for, respond to, protect against, recover from and mitigate all forms of hazards.
FEMA’s performance today
Source: U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Alexis Velez Hurricane Maria
FEMA, still operating within the Department of Home Land Security, has been very active in coordinating the federal government response to natural and man-made disasters. Since its inception, the agency has been of great help to local and state government in tackling various hazards. Although FEMA has undergone lots of changes to increase its effectiveness, the Government Accountability Office is still recording lapses in the agency’s overall performance.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, 8(a) Minority, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: https://www.fema.gov/about-agency
Image Resource: Featured Image https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FEMA_logo.svg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USGS_-_1971_San_Fernando_earthquake_-_Collapse_of_Veterans_Hospital_buildings_1_and_2.jpg, https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/09/25/federal-agencies-continue-hurricane-maria-response-and-relief-operations
by Linda Rawson | Dec 19, 2017 | General
Sometimes, it is just time. Time to move!
Mother and Daughter Team in Morgan, Utah Picture by: Britney Brent
DynaGrace Enterprises Moves to New Location in Morgan, Utah Picture by: Britney Brent
DynaGrace Enterprises has moved out of a home-based office into a commercial building in Morgan, Utah. We have determined our growth opportunities need a storefront, and for other legal and regulatory reasons, we moved into a beautiful, rural, commercial, building that allows us to be more successful.
We love having a place where prospective clients routinely visit to make a decision to purchase our services. We feel we are definitely more professional in a commercial office.
We were limited on space for doing the services that we really want to do such as website design, publishing books, STEM activities for children and a podcast studio.
And well…after 12 years working at home it was time to be more productive in a different environment. Focus and staying on task are the theme for DynaGrace Enterprises in 2018.
Physically leaving home to go to an office helps us be more efficient and produce more.
We have a pure team environment now with Jennifer Remund, Machelle Lowry and myself, Linda Rawson collaborating on upcoming projects. We have already jumped into the business community by attending Women In Business events put on by the Northfront Business Resource Center. We participated in the first-ever Festival of Trees put on by the Morgan Chamber of Commerce.
We have a singular mission, and that is to make DynaGrace Enterprises a Women-Owned, rural, powerhouse for professional business services.
We are an example of the less than one percent in the State of Utah, and we are here to stay and prosper.
Come by and say hello.
The new address is 298 E 300 N, Morgan, Ut 84050. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
DynaGrace Enterprises, Morgan, Utah Picture by: Britney Brent
#womenowned #bosslady #rural #ladyboss #entreprenur #girlpower #success #wosb
