Category: Featured

Construction work can be dangerous, and it’s important for a contractor’s business that its employees are being responsible and practice upholding certain safety standards.  Those standards are set in the United Stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  OSHA is an agency within the Department of Labor that is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees in the United States.  They set and enforce standards that employers must follow to keep their employees safe on a job site.  These standards cover everything from protective equipment to safe work practices and environmental health.

As a business owner, it’s important to understand the significance of OSHA compliance and the impact it can have on your business.  By complying with OSHA standards, you not only ensure the safety of your employees, but also protect your business from potential legal and financial consequences.

Whether you’re a large corporation or a small business owner, understanding the importance of OSHA compliance is crucial for maintaining a safe workspace.  By following OSHA standards and best practices, you can protect your employees and your business, while also contributing to a culture of safety and well-being in the construction industry.

Overview of OSHA Compliance?

OSHA was founded in 1971 after the government listened to the public outcry against the alarming increase in workplace injuries and deaths.  The agency covers most private sector employers and employees in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and territories governed by United States laws.

Construction and municipal workers face some of the most hazardous working conditions in America. Whether it’s working on a high-rise building or repairing a busy street, these workers are constantly exposed to potential safety hazards. This is why compliance with OSHA regulations is so important.

For construction and municipal workers, OSHA compliance is critical to ensuring that they are protected from the hazards of their jobs. Some of the common hazards that these workers face include falls, electrocutions, struck-by accidents, and caught-in/between accidents.

OSHA has specific standards and regulations that apply to the construction and municipal industries. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including fall protection, respiratory protection, electrical safety, and hazardous materials handling.

One of the most important aspects of OSHA compliance for construction and municipal workers is training. Employers are required to provide comprehensive training to their employees on the hazards of their jobs, as well as on the proper use of the equipment they will use and safety protocols associated with that specific piece of equipment.

In addition to training, employers must also provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure that it is being used properly. This may include hard hats, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and other equipment that is specific to the hazards of their jobs.

Another important aspect of OSHA compliance is recordkeeping. Employers are required to maintain detailed records of workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as any OSHA inspections that have taken place. These records must be kept for a specified period of time, typically five years, and must be made available to employees and OSHA inspectors upon request.

Failing to comply with OSHA regulations has serious repercussions for business owners, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges in some cases. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to serious injuries or fatalities for workers.

In an effort to remain compliant with OSHA regulations, employers should conduct regular safety audits and inspections of their locations. They need to stay up-to-date on any changes to the regulations and make any necessary adjustments to their safety programs in conjunction with the changes.

OSHA compliance may seem daunting for business owners and managers, but the goal is to ensure workers stay safe and are able to come back to work, day in and day out.  Don’t risk the safety and health of your staff.  Make sure safety is a priority and ensure everyone is following OSHA regulations.

Benefits of OSHA Training

Concrete has become popular over the years, not only for industrial purposes, but also for residential flooring.  That glossy finish comes at a price, and often times, it is the concrete worker who pays for it.  They face numerous hazards, including exposure to silica dust and other airborne particles.  This can lead to a variety of respiratory problems, even cancer.  In order to ensure the safety of concrete workers and all construction workers, it is important for contractors to provide comprehensive training to employees on dust collection and other safety practices.

There are multiple benefits to OSHA training for concrete and construction workers, including:

• Improved Safety: OSHA training helps workers identify and avoid potential hazards on the job, including those related to dust collection.  By learning about the proper use of dust collection systems and other safety practices, workers will significantly reduce their risk of injury or illness.
• Increased Productivity: Properly trained workers are able to work more efficiently and effectively.  This will lead to increased productivity and better-quality work.
• Reduced Costs: By reducing the risk of accidents and illnesses on the job, OSHA training can help companies avoid costly workers’ compensation claims and other expenses related to workplace injuries, including increased insurance premiums. Staying compliant also helps the business avoid fines and penalties for not adhering to regulations.
• Improved Morale: When workers feel like their employers care about them and prioritize workplace safety, they are more likely to have higher job satisfaction and better morale, leading to a more positive work environment and a reduction in employee turnover.

In addition to the above benefits, there are also specific advantages to OSHA training and its applications to dust collection for concrete and other construction workers:

• Dust collection is a critical component of preventing respiratory problems and other health issues related to the inhalation of airborne particles. Proper training on the use of dust collection equipment can significantly reduce the risk of illness for concrete workers.
• Improved Air Quality: It is impossible to remove all of the dust and other particles from the air entirely.  However, using a dust collection system properly allows construction workers to significantly improve the air quality in their workplace.  This not only helps protect workers, but all people who come into contact with the surrounding environment.
• Reduced Equipment Damage: Dust buildup can cause significant damage to equipment over time.  Constantly replacing the equipment is a huge expense for contractors.  Proper use of dust collection vacuums will help reduce the damage and extend the life of the equipment.

Providing OSHA training to employees, not only benefits employees, but it helps business owners to save money in the long run by keeping insurance premiums low, protecting equipment, and not spending countless dollars and hours of precious time trying to locate replacement employees for other workers out due to workplace injury.

Methods of Compliance

One of the key components of compliance with OSHA regulations is the use of specified exposure control methods, which can be implemented through the performance option or scheduled self-monitoring.

• Specified Exposure Control Methods: These are a set of guidelines provided by OSHA that outline the steps that employers must take to protect their workers from exposure to hazardous substances.  In the case of dust and other hazardous airborne particles, OSHA has specific regulations related to the use of dust collection systems to minimize exposure.
• Performance Option: the performance option is a method of compliance with OSHA rules that allows employers to use any combination of controls that achieves the same level of production as the specified control methods.  The employer is free to choose the most effective and practical methods of controlling exposure to dust and other particles.  This is a popular option for employers because they can tailor their methods to the specific needs of their workplace.  For example, an employer may use a combination of engineering controls (like a dust collection system) and administrative controls (like limiting exposure time) to remain compliant.
• Scheduled Self Monitoring: This method of OSHA compliance is designed to ensure that specified exposure control methods are being properly implemented and maintained.  This requires employers to monitor their workplace to ensure that their control methods are effective and that workers are not being exposed to hazardous particles and substances.  Scheduled self monitoring can be useful for employers to ensure their workers are safe and the company compliant.  By monitoring their workplace regularly, employers can identify potential hazards and take corrective action before they become a problem.

What You Can Do with an OSHA Certification

OSHA offers two different certifications to train employers and employees on proper safety measures for their respective industries. The OSHA 10 and 30 hour training programs are taught by authorized trainers.  Let’s explore how these training certifications can benefit both employers and employees.

• OSHA 10-Hour Training: This training course is offered online and is primarily for entry-level employees. Designed to improve safety awareness, the 10-Hour training is an introduction to occupational safety and health.  It teaches students awareness skills and how to identify and prevent workplace hazards.  By having employees complete this certification, business owners are able to reduce accidents on the job, which in turn saves both the business and the taxpayers money.  It is also an easy and affordable way to remain OSHA compliant, which is crucial for small businesses.  Obtaining this certification shows you understand safety protocols and meet the federal, state, and local training requirements, which is a real plus on a resume, especially for jobs that deal with exposure to hazardous materials like concrete and construction workers.
• OSHA 30-Hour Training: There are two options under the 30-Hour training program.  The first program focuses on construction industry compliance provisions.  The second is set up for safety supervisors and field managers.  This extensive program provides employees with the knowledge of how to recognize, avoid, and prevent common workplace hazards and goes over the OSHA inspection process, permitting requirements for jobsites, general health and safety programs, emergency action plans, proper reporting or hazards, and industrial hygiene.  Completion of this program is key to growing your professional skill set in the construction industry.

OSHA training is vital to the safety of workers.  These programs allow workers to understand what the hazards are, how to prevent them, what to do in an emergency, how to use protective equipment and even basic first aid training.  No employer wants to see an employee get hurt, and no employee wants a potentially life threatening injury to sideline them from earning a wage.  The purpose of OSHA regulations is not to harass employers.  It is to ensure that workers can do their job in a safe environment that will allow them to make it home to their loved ones at the end of the day and go to work the following day.

Ensuring that all of your employees are trained in safety measures for all high-risk areas provides confidence to the other employees that everyone at the site knows what they are doing.  This improves morale, encourages teamwork, and instills a sense of community between the employees, all of which betters the business and saves money. Happy, healthy workers and money in the bank!  What more could a business want?

OSHA certifications are not only beneficial to businesses.  Obtaining these certifications is also a big plus for employees.  When you add OSHA certifications to your resume, that is a sign to employers that you understand workplace safety and that you have experience in implementing and adhering to the necessary procedures.  It’s also a great way to network with other safety professionals.  In adding to your resume and networking with other professionals, you will be well on your way to a new job or even a promotion!

There are several ways to make this certification work for you as an employee:

• Increased Job Opportunities: There are many employers that require certain OSHA certifications before deeming you hirable.  This is especially true in the construction industry where safety must be a top priority.  By obtaining the OSHA certification, you make yourself more marketable to employers and increase your chances of being hired for the job that you want.
• Higher Pay: Having your certification in place when you are hired may make you eligible for a higher pay rate.  It is not uncommon for employers to offer higher salaries or hourly rates to workers with their certifications already in hand.  They recognize the value that the certifications bring to the table when talking about safety and risk reduction.  Many employers will offer bonuses to employees who obtain certifications as a way to motivate workers to take the necessary steps.
• Leadership Opportunities: Becoming OSHA certified can also open up leadership opportunities. Employers look for workers that have OSHA certifications to take on roles such as safety coordinators or safety officers.  These positions require people who have a solid understanding of workplace safety and who can develop and implement safety policies for the business.

OSHA compliance is no joke.  It took many people becoming permanently maimed or losing their lives to cause the government to force businesses to strive for workplace safety.  These regulations are not a punishment for business owners.  They are a way to protect business owners from liability should a terrible accident occur and to protect employees from unsafe working conditions simply to put food on their table.

The hazards facing construction and concrete workers are many including falls from great heights, sharp saw blades, toxic chemicals, and microscopic dust particles that can infiltrate your lungs. Fortunately, there are businesses who understand the value of workplace safety and whose purpose is to manufacture and sell quality tools that are equipped with safety precautions.

U.S. SAWS is an industry leader in construction and concrete tooling and safety gear.  Their vacuums and dust collection systems are designed to be efficient, portable, and reliable to ensure the health and safety of workers in the industry.  Concrete workers will love the Ultra Vac 1250-G Gas Powered Vacuum.  This heavy duty vacuum is the preferred system for joint clean out saws, early entry saws, and the CC-100 Crack Chaser. It’s powered by a Honda GX240 motor and has optional external HEPA filters and Longopac bagging systems to make concrete work that much safer.  The best choice for worksites where electrical power is convenient is the Ultra Vac 1250 Dust Collector.  This vacuum system is a great option for Heavy Duty “Dust Buggy” Joint Cleanout Saws and the VSG-10 Surface Grinder.  It is powered by two Ametek 5.7” motors and is equipped with a 25-foot hose. Both of these dust collection systems comply with OSHA Table 1 regulations.

U.S. Saws understands the importance of workplace safety. That’s why we offer a range of surface prep and concrete finishing tools and equipment designed to keep workers safe on the job.

Our tools are engineered with safety in mind, from our dust shrouds and vacuum systems that minimize exposure to hazardous silica dust, to our diamond blades and bits that reduce the risk of kickback and injury. Additionally, we provide extensive training and support to ensure that our tools are used safely and effectively.

Investing in safety not only protects workers, but it also improves productivity and reduces the risk of costly accidents and injuries. Choose U.S. Saws for a safer workplace and a more profitable business.

Contractors need a diverse toolbox to cover the needs of a wide variety of jobs. Are you a contractor who often finds him or herself with a pipe in a tight spot with no clearance? If so, one unique tool to consider adding to your toolbox is the belly saw.  The Belly Saw is different than other types of pipe-cutting saws, and its numerous benefits make it a valuable asset. This saw does things other saws can’t, in conditions contractors with standard pipe cutting saws normally can’t access, all while making the process safer for the saw user.

What Is a Belly Saw?

Often times contractors find themselves dealing with a burst pipe that needs to be handled quickly.  This can be frustrating with standard saws because they require space and do not perform optimally in wet conditions with excessive dirt and debris.  The belly saw, however, is a tool that efficiently and effectively cuts pipes in wet conditions.  Pipe cutting requires precision and efficiency.  That’s where the belly saw shines.  Pipes in tight, hard to reach places are no longer a nightmare.  These saws are able to make fast work of a variety of pipes, from PVC, HDPE, ductile iron, and cast-iron pipes, and they excel in wet conditions.  They work with pipes ranging from 8” to 74” in diameter and only require about 7” of clearance.  By limiting the required clearance, the amount of time spent removing dirt and debris from the area surrounding the burst pipe is reduced, allowing for an efficiently managed job site.

What Are the Benefits of a Belly Saw?

Effectiveness in Imperfect Conditions

Contractors know that no two projects are ever exactly the same, and each comes with its own challenges. Typically, jobs that include burst pipes are in wet, subgrade locations and require a deep breath and a lot of patience.    Belly saws are the right choice for these substandard conditions.  While standard pipe cutting tools are perfect in dry, open spaces with plenty of clearance, belly saws excel at the other end of the spectrum.  Workers are well aware that perfect conditions with no unforeseen problems are an anomaly.  Clean, precise cuts are always a challenge when workers are wedged in a wet, tight space covered in dirt and debris.  Why try to cut a steak with a butter knife when you have access to a steak knife?  The same standard rings true for cutting pipes.  Use a standard saw for dry cuts in open spaces.  But when things get tough, tight, wet, and messy, the belly saw comes to the rescue and makes fast, precise work in those imperfect conditions.

Precision

Using a saw that makes precise cuts is a must in pipe-cutting.  Belly saws offered by U.S. SAWS utilize the Tiger Tooth blade, offering a superior cut.  Their belly saws are guided by four spring loaded wheels to optimize stability and precision.  Perhaps the best and most prized aspect of the belly saw is the strap.  The strap is used to attach the saw directly to the pipe.  Strapping the saw to the pipe allows the user to ensure accuracy and control.  U.S. SAWS belly saws have a throttle and a handle that provide stability for the user in order to allow cuts to be made accurately.  All of these features working together means the saw will be effective no matter what obstacles encountered.

Versatility

U.S. SAWS’ belly saws are the perfect addition to a contractor’s toolbox and are the ideal solution for wet pipe projects up to 72 inches in diameter. They cut with precision in wet conditions and require only seven inches of clearance space, meaning it won’t become difficult to use under difficult conditions. Project locations aren’t always predictable, and what looks like a simple job can change quickly. With a U.S. SAWS belly saw on hand, you’re prepared to handle all types of situations in a precise and efficient manner. It’s truly a versatile tool for use with a wide array of projects and will quickly become your favorite for projects that require precise pipe cutting in wet conditions.

Portability

Another aspect of the belly saw that makes it a leader among contractors and municipal workers is its portability.  Tight, wet conditions can be a problem on a worksite, and burst pipes often do not occur in convenient locations with electrical outlets.  Save the generators and the gas they use and invest in a cordless belly saw.  Belly saws can be air powered or operate with hydraulics.  This makes them the optimal saw for diverse locations.

Safety and Security

As with any tool, safety is paramount, and the U.S. SAWS Belly Saws shine in that department. U.S. SAWS’ belly saws offer a safe alternative to the use of standard pipe cutting saws.  Other types of saws may produce a work environment that is both difficult and dangerous for the worker.  However, with the belly saw’s ease of operation, workers can breathe a sigh of relief as the features of the belly saw have been developed with their safety in mind.  Strapping the saw in place, directly onto the pipe, eliminates kickback, protecting the user from severe injury.  The belly saws also have a clamshell design.  This design provides a guard that covers the saw blades which also protects the user from coming in direct contact with the saw blades.  Further, the belly saw’s air or hydraulic powered design means that workers won’t be exposed to harmful exhaust, and in tight spaces that benefit becomes a safety necessity. Features like small clearance and no harmful exhaust create a safer environment for everyone involved, and extra protection from the blades makes the belly saw a safe choice.

FAQ’s

1. When should a belly saw be used? Belly saws are the perfect choice for tight, wet locations that may not be near a convenient source of electricity.  They make precision cuts in difficult spaces in an efficient manner.
2. Why can’t I just use a regular saw for wet cutting pipes? Cutting pipes at wet job sites can be dangerous.  Saws slip, and when that happens injury is likely.  Belly saws attach via trap to the pipe itself, allowing for precise cuts while minimizing the risk to its users.
3. Why are standard saws a bad idea for tight spaces? Many times pipe cutting is needed for situations that require swift action.  When trying to use a standard pipe cutting saw in a tight space, excessive time may be spent clearing out dirt and debris in order to operate a standard saw.  This takes up valuable time causing conditions to worsen.  Using a belly saw eliminates the need to clear out dirt and debris as they require only seven inches of clearance space in order to operate.
4. Why should my company spend the money on a belly saw? The belly saw makes fast work of burst pipes in wet, tight locations. Having a belly saw on hand for workers to use simplifies the process of fixing the broken pipe and reduces water wasted or excessive spills of other fluids spewing from the pipe.
5. Does it matter how big the pipe is? Belly saws are versatile and make easy work of pipes ranging from 8” to 72” in diameter.
6. How are belly saws powered? S. SAWS is proud to provide two options for powering belly saws:  air powered and hydraulic.  Both guarantee exhaust fee cuts, saving your workers’ lungs!
7. Is a belly saw safe to use? Belly saws are the safest option for pipe cutting in wet conditions with limited clearance. They are designed specifically for subgrade locations where standard pipe-cutting saws fall short.  From their clamshell design, protecting users from the saw blades until its time to cut, to the strap attaching the saw directly to the pipe in order to eliminate kickback, these saws are the right option for difficult situations.
8. Is a belly saw worth the price? S. SAWS had your workers’ safety (and limbs) in mind when they developed their belly saws.  The belly saws produced by U.S. SAWS are top of the line, versatile tools made from high end materials and are guaranteed to make those wet cutting jobs easier, saving contractors time and money.
9. What belly saws does U.S. SAWS offer? S. SAWS offers multiple belly saws from air powered to hydraulic versions. Each saw works has different limitations as to the size of the pipe it will cut, but no limitation as to the type of pipe it can cut.
10. How do I know which belly saw is right for my toolbox? Contact U.S. SAWS to speak with a representative who will be able discuss the intricacies of each belly saw and work to find the right one for your business needs.

 

Trust U.S.SAWS

We understand the importance of getting jobs done safely and efficiently, with accurate cuts and a minimum of debris.  All of our products are like the Belly Saw: Designed to help you do your job with confidence. At U.S.SAWS, we’re always happy to discuss our tools and how they will help your business.  Contact us today to see which belly saw is right for you!

As the aesthetic value of concrete gains popularity, the need for specialized tools to achieve a brilliant shine increases. In order to maximize the quality of your work, having the proper tools is a must. For any grinding or polishing work, understanding the scope of your project will guide you to the right set of tools. Attaining that perfect finish requires knowledge of the type of grinding that will be done (wet or dry), the best grinder to use, and the material(s) that need to be finished. This guide will help ensure you are using the right tools to obtain the desired outcome for your project.

What is diamond tooling?

Diamond tooling is the process by which diamond “grit”, think heavy-duty sandpaper, is used to cut, grind, and drill a wide variety of surfaces. These are real diamonds, but not the ones found in fine jewelry. They are synthetic diamonds, grown in a lab, that are renowned for their abrasiveness. By using synthetic diamonds, manufacturers are able to control the size of the diamond bits used. The scope of the project controls the grain size of the diamonds.  For challenging jobs, like grinding concrete flooring, larger bits of diamond are required. For polishing projects, it is best to go with smaller grains.

In order to grind and polish concrete, a sturdy, abrasive material is required. Diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth, scoring a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it the perfect abrasive material for grinding and polishing projects. They are also thermal conductors. This allows the heat to transfer out of the diamond, extending the lifespan of the grinder or polisher by protecting it from overheating. Another benefit of using diamonds in tools is that they do not react with any chemicals that may be used in the grinding or polishing process.

Another consideration for your grinder or polisher is the number of segments your tool has. The options are single segment and double segment. While most medium to large projects will use a double segment for better performance on larger machines and for smoother finishes, single segments are optimal for smaller, lightweight machines.

Bonds

Bonds are essential to diamond tooling. The bonds are used to secure the diamond pieces to the tool. Not only are the bonds critical to holding the diamond pieces intact on the tool, but they also gradually wear down, allowing new bits of diamond to be exposed as the older diamond pieces become dull. Bonds may be metal or resin and are chosen based on the hardness of the concrete involved in the project. To understand how hard the concrete surface is, do a scratch test.

Soft metal bonds will create the best results for hard surfaces. Harder materials require more abrasive action. Soft bonds wear down faster, allowing new diamond bits to become exposed faster, maximizing the effect of the diamond tooling on the surface. Using soft bonds on hard materials will reduce any instances of glazing, where the abrasiveness of the tool melts and re-hardens as a smooth surface, rendering the tool ineffective. One great option for single-segment jobs is U.S. Saws’ Single Segment Fast Change – Soft Bond, which is a single-segment fast-change diamond grinding tooling for grinding machines. This tool saves time and money and increases production through its ease of use and fast change system. For larger jobs, U.S. Saws has the perfect double segment option, the Double Segment Fast Change – Soft Bond. Perfect for larger concrete finishing jobs that require a perfectly smooth surface, this tool reduces downtime and saves money while coming in a variety of grit sizes, including #16/20, #30/40, #60/80, and #120/150.

Medium metal bonds work in a wide variety of situations. These are a great idea if the hardness of the surface is undetermined. The issue with medium metal bonds is that soft materials will cause the bond to wear quickly, and hard materials will prove more difficult to cut. U.S. Saws offers an economic option for single-segment medium bond diamond tooling. The Single Segment Fast Change – Medium Bond diamond tooling makes grinding a breeze with the fast change benefit. Double-segment options are also available. The Double Segment Fast Change – Medium Bond is an excellent choice for those larger jobs where the hardness of the surface is unknown. Both the single segment and double segment come with a variety of grit options.

Hard metal bonds are resistant to softer materials, like asphalt, soft concrete, and rain-damaged concrete. They are ideal for use on projects that require adhesive removal. U.S. Saws offers the Single Segment Fast Change – Hard Bond product as a way for contractors to save time and money through the fast change system, making fast work of those soft material projects.

Diamond Polishing Pads

Polishing pads are integral to obtaining the perfect sheen on your project’s surface. Choosing the right polishing pad is dependent on the thickness of the pad, wet versus dry polishing, and type of surface. Polishing pads typically range in thickness from 2 millimeters to 8 millimeters. Thicker pads last longer but are prone to cupping. Pads that have been cupped do not wear evenly, many times causing the outer portion of the pad to not make contact with the surface, reducing the effective size of the polishing pad. Friction is always an issue with grinding and polishing. Wet polishing pads reduce heat caused by friction, which in turn allows for a higher degree of shine in the finished product. However, wet polishing pads can be messy. Dry polishing pads may see an increase in heat due to friction, but they are also designed to withstand higher levels of heat. While dry polishing pads also create a mess through dust, there are dust collection systems available that make fast work of any dust and debris. Understanding the surface material and the work environment will aid in choosing the right wet or dry polishing pad for your project.

U.S. Saws offers multiple options for all of your polishing pad requirements. The 5” Honeycomb Polishing Pad Pack is the perfect option for polishing granite and marble. This pack of dry pads includes multiple grits to get you through a wide range of polishing finishes. Lower-numbered grit is coarser, while higher-numbered grit is finer. This is ideal for hand-held grinders. For larger surface areas, U.S. Saws offers the 7” Honeycomb Polishing Pad Pack. This pack is for dry polishing and also contains a wide range of grits, from #50 to #3000.

The 5” Standard Concrete Polishing Pad Pack from U.S. Saws is the right option for smaller wet polishing concrete surfaces for a high gloss finish. U.S. Saws has a great option for larger concrete surface areas. The 7” Standard Concrete Polishing Pad Pack provides a wide variety of grit sizes that are ideal for wet polishing.

Contact U.S. SAWS today to locate the proper diamond tooling products for your project.