As ecommerce sales continue to grow exponentially, online retailers, distributors and logistics firms are facing a storage challenge. With more orders to handle than ever, there is a need for cost-effective storage solutions that make the best use of existing space. With online sales forecast to increase another 14% in 2022, mezzanine floors offer an ideal storage solution for ecommerce businesses. By installing a mezzanine, businesses can make the most of the space they already have, rather than incurring the expense and time of searching for new premises. A mezzanine floor can be adapted to store whatever you need, whether it’s stock, equipment or even office space. And because mezzanines are constructed from steel, they’re incredibly strong and durable, so you can be confident that they are safe. Mezzanines are also highly versatile and can be easily reconfigured to meet changing storage needs. The alternatives to a mezzanine floor are either to move to larger premises, which can be costly and time-consuming, or to make do with the space you have and hope that it’s enough. Neither of these options is ideal, but a mezzanine floor offers a practical and cost-effective solution to the storage challenge faced by businesses in the ecommerce sector. Specialist mezzanine floor engineers can build a bespoke solution to provide pallet storage on top and shelving/racking storage beneath, or they can create office space on a mezzanine with access by stairs, lift or mezzanine decking. How mezzanines solve the ecommerce storage challenge: Mezzanines make the best use of existing space, rather than requiring new premises. Mezzanines can be adapted to store whatever is needed, whether it’s inventory, packaging materials or office space. Mezzanines are quick and easy to install, with minimal disruption to your business. Building a mezzanine floor is also a great way to make use of otherwise underutilised space in your warehouse or factory. By utilising the height of your building, you can double or even triple your available storage space without having to expand your footprint. Structural engineers are able to design solutions for even the most challenging spaces. They work closely with their clients to ensure that their mezzanine storage solution meets their specific needs and requirements. With extra storage you can be sure to meet customers’ deadlines and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the space to cope with future growth. We asked Western Industrial who are a UK based mezzanine construction specialist how they approach designing and building a mezzanine floor. They commented, “We offer a free consultation to assess our clients’ needs and recommend the best options for their space. We then work closely with them, discussing their mezzanine application, deciding on materials, column grid and site conditions for installation. Our aim is to provide clients with the best solution that will also comply with all fire, safety and building regulations legislation.” As you can see internal expansion is most often the rational answer to space shortage if you are scaling up your ecommerce business. It then becomes unnecessary to move to larger premises with the inherent costs and relocation. You can seriously consider expanding any part of your business upwards and in-house. A mezzanine floor can provide any of the following storage solutions: Extra Office Accommodation Production Facilities Extra Storage Warehouse Space Specialised Areas Showrooms Archive storage Personal Storage Cleanrooms

If you need a storage unit, you will have to determine how much space you need. You will rarely have the chance to take accurate storage unit measurements. Therefore, you will have to estimate how much storage you will need, which is tricky.  The storage space will determine the storage you need and the price you pay. Trying out every possible storage will take too much time and is not a viable option.   When estimating the storage unit size you need, the following are tips that will help you:  Check Your Inventory If you are looking for a storage unit, you already know what you want to move into, especially if you are decluttering and organizing your living room or house. It would be best to have an inventory list. It will help you keep track of your belongings as you move them and determine how much storage space you will require.  You should group all the items in one place as it will help you get a more accurate picture of the volume they occupy and hence the storage space you will need.  Find Out Storage Unit Sizes Storage units come in different sizes, so you should know the available sizes if you are storing your possessions in one. Your storage search will begin by evaluating security, rental agreements, and price features. However, after you narrow down your options, you will also have to know the available sizes for San Antonio Texas storage units.  Storage unit sizes can range from 5*5 (25 sq ft) to 20*40 (800 sq ft). You should ask storage companies for size guides to help you know the type of storage units they have. Understanding the storage unit sizes will help you determine the size you need as you are limited to the available units.  Use A Moving Truck You will probably be moving your stuff to the storage unit using a moving truck, whether moving permanently or for renovations. Therefore, the vehicle is an excellent tool for estimating the size of the storage unit you will need. If you can fit the stuff into the truck, they will probably fit in a storage unit of the same size.  However, a moving truck only has to transport your goods to be as tightly packed as possible. So, when using the truck to estimate storage unit size, consider adding a size to allow for better organization and ease of movement.  Visit The Unit Many people use the internet to hire a storage unit which has its disadvantages though it might be quick and convenient. You will not be able to get an accurate picture and estimation of the storage unit’s size.  Therefore, the best way to estimate the size of a storage unit is to visit the unit in person. Bring a tape measure with you and get accurate unit measurements. You can get a better fit if you can compare the unit’s actual size against the volume of your possessions.  Go Big If you are in doubt about the storage you will require, it is best to go bigger rather than smaller. The last thing you want is to underestimate the storage size and have some of your belongings not fit into the unit.  A bigger storage unit will be more expensive, but the margin of safety it allows you and the piece of the mind are worth the price. You will also have the opportunity to add stuff to the storage unit if the need ever arises.  Choosing a storage unit is challenging, and estimating your storage needs is even more complicated. If you want to get an accurate estimation, you should check your inventory, find out available unit sizes, use a moving truck, visit the unit, and go big when in doubt. If you follow these tips, you will get a storage unit that meets your needs.

Slaked lime is one of the common names that the chemical composition – calcium hydroxide is called. There are other names used to refer to this chemical composition especially depending on the form they take. There are some important things you should know about this compound. Well, this article is born out of the need to help you understand this essential chemical compound. This is advised considering how it is used for several applications. This knowledge will also ensure you get the right one if/when the need ever arises. To this end, you are advised to read on as we fill you in on some things to know about slaked lime. What Is Slaked Lime? It is another word used to describe the calcium hydroxide compound. This is a compound that presents itself in a white power state under standard pressure and temperature. A lime slaker manufacturer specializes in equipment for the slaking process of lime, specifically calcium hydroxide. Slaked lime finds diverse applications such as pH regulation in agriculture, water treatment, lime mortar preparation in construction, and usage in the food and chemical industries. It is an alkaline substance historically used for medicinal purposes, but caution is necessary during handling due to potential skin and eye irritation.  As mentioned above, slaked lime is not the only term used for this compound. Pickling, caustic, and slack – lime; are some of the others names used as well. To understand the chemical formula explaining this compound, you can start by understanding that its type of compound is ionic. This is considering how polyatomic hydroxide ions get the two electrons lost by the calcium element. There is a long technical explanation for this but simply put, slaked lime’s chemical formula is Ca(OH)2. For more on this, you can visit: https://www.vedantu.com/ Things Involved In The Preparation Of Calcium Hydroxide This chemical composition is used in many places for various reasons. Two of the places where it is used mostly are laboratories and for commercial production of several things. In light of this, it is prepared from things such as: Calcium Chloride Especially for applications in laboratories, it is made by mixing the compounds – sodium hydroxide and CaCl2. However, the compounds would have to be in the form of aqueous solutions before the mixture. Calcium Oxide The use of the compound – CaO, for this purpose is mostly for commercial production. This involves the treatment of the CaO compound with water. Slaking of lime is the term used to explain the production processes involved in making Calcium Hydroxide from CaO. Calcium Hydroxide Properties Pointing out the properties of Calcium Hydroxide means that we have to touch on both the chemical as well as physical properties of this compound. Chemical Properties Some of the chemical properties of slaked lime include the following: Decomposition It has chemical properties that enable it to decompose at a certain temperature. Specifically, this happens when it is exposed to a temperature of 512℃. The decomposition will cause Calcium Hydroxide to break down into water and CaO which is also known as quicklime. Carbonatation Water and CaCO3 can be formed by this compound because of how its reaction with carbon dioxide unfolds. Reaction with Some Acids This compound would react to some acids. They include Dilute HCI and concentrated acid. When a reaction with the former occurs, water and calcium chloride is formed. When it is with the latter, calcium sulfate in precipitates form, and water is formed. Ammonia Formation Ammonia, water, and calcium chloride are formed when there is a reaction between slaked lime and ammonium chloride. Physical Properties Some of the physical properties of slaked lime include the following: Melting Point at 580℃ You may have come across details explaining that decomposition of slaked lime happens at 512℃. Well, its melting point is a lot higher as this happens at 580℃. Solubility Solubility is one of this compound’s physical properties but this only happens in a select few aqueous solutions. These solutions are glycerol, acids, and water. In addition to this, its physical ability to become or stay soluble is threatened when faced with increased temperature. And just so you know, its ability to be soluble does not apply when alcohol is involved. This is even though there are alcohols that fit the description of aqueous solutions. So, you should take note of this. Alkaline or Basic Natural State Slaked lime is alkaline or basic in its natural state. This is unless some activities have been carried out to make it otherwise. Molar Mass Based on Avogadro’s amount of molecules, slaked lime has a molar mass of 74.9mol/g. If you would like to know the chemical concept behind Avogadro’s amount of molecules, you can read this article. Choosing a slaked lime supplier is a crucial decision. So, it is important to request detailed product information and samples, evaluating production capacity and logistical capabilities for a consistent and timely supply. Prioritize effective communication and customer support. Compare quotes, mindful that low prices may indicate compromised quality.  Obtain references and reviews to gauge supplier performance and reliability. Consider environmental practices and, finally, review and negotiate contractual agreements, ensuring clarity on pricing, delivery, and quality specifications. This comprehensive process helps choose a supplier aligned with requirements, contributing to operational success. Connect with professionals and industry associations for recommendations on reputable suppliers adhering to quality standards. Consult manufacturers of lime-related equipment and engage with environmental experts for insights into sustainability practices. Additionally, consider input from experts in procurement, logistics, and quality control. Leveraging their knowledge and experience will help them make an informed decision when choosing a slaked lime supplier. Conclusion Understanding basic things about slaked lime such as we have discussed are important. This is because of its use for so many reasons. Some of its applications have to do with sewage treatment, aiding digestion, water processing, sugar production, whitewashing, and paper production. Seeing that it is used for so many reasons, you should not make light of the need to know about this important compound. This

Some jobs required you to handle several materials, ranging from mild to highly toxic stuff. For instance, waste management personnel might handle harsh chemical substances. And this can pose a threat to their health and lives. However, since there are always hazards in every working environment, they are almost unavoidable. Nevertheless, businesses and industries still take some actions to prevent or reduce the effect of these dangers associated with the job. And this is why you can find fire extinguishers, warning signs, safety data sheets, and more in these firms. Also, some companies go the extra mile to organize safety training for their staff. Several industries use hydrated lime as a raw material in production. However, the colorless crystal is dangerous when improperly handled. So, companies will need a safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemical. An SDS for hydrated lime contains vital information regarding safe handling, hazards, proper disposal, threshold limits, etc. And learning more about these data sheets can help keep you safe. So, we will discuss SDS for hydrated lime in this article. Hydrated Lime Hydrated lime or Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2 is a chemical substance produced in the laboratory by mixing quicklime with water or slake. And though the chemical might be dangerous, it has a wide application in several firms like food industries. Calcium Hydroxide has a chemical property that makes it less toxic when compared to other raw materials. And this makes it very useful in various aspects of food production. For instance, sugar industries use it to extract raw juice from sugar beets or sugarcane through carbonation. You can read this article to learn more about carbonation. Furthermore, hydrated lime is used in processing water for soft drinks and alcohol. In short, the chemical has several applications. However, unprotected exposure can cause rashes, skin irritation, blindness, chemical burns, or lung damage. Therefore, an SDS for this chemical is a handy tool for users. Safety Data Sheet for Hydrated Lime There is a possibility that you could come in contact with a toxic chemical substance at your workplace. And this can harm you if you are not well prepared. However, a safety data sheet can help you understand how to handle contact with such materials safely and swiftly. There are over 800 hazardous materials used in workplaces around the US. And the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has a database listing each of them. Furthermore, OSHA demands that every workplace have SDSs for each of the chemicals they use. This will help keep employees informed about the dangers and hazards of those chemicals and how to handle accidents that may arise during use. Hydrated lime SDS is usually found in food processing industries. It contains vital details about the chemical and how you can handle them safely. Some of what you might find in a hydrated lime SDS include. Details about the Nature of the Substance This section contains details about the physical and chemical features of the material. Due to this, it can be a bit boring to read. So, some employees skip this page and miss vital information. While reading this area seems tasking and boring for some, it contains some vital details. They include trade names, synonyms, the contact information of the manufacturer, and more. Composition and Ingredients This section explains the components and ingredients of the material. In addition, it tells how each of them behaves. This knowledge is only known to chemists, but using an SDS can enlighten you in such aspects. Physical Properties Knowing about the chemical properties alone is not enough. Understanding the physical composition of these materials and how they react with our surroundings can help us store them properly. One of the benefits of using an SDS is learning how to use, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals. Also, the sheet shows details of the stability, reactivity, and biological implication of the material. You can read more about the physical properties of hydrated lime here: https://www.researchgate.net/. Hydrated Lime SDS Sections There are over sixteen sections in an SDS. And they each cover different details about the material. Some information you will find include handling, hazards, storage, disposal, exposure limits, manufacturer’s contact, first aid procedures, and more. The hydrated lime SDS sections include: Identification This section includes the restrictions, recommendations, and product identifier of the chemical. It also carries an emergency contact number and details of the manufacturer. Hazard Identification This contains the OSHA’s signal words, precautionary statements, and hazard statements. The section is usually updated as new hazards are discovered during classification. Chemical Composition This is the third section, and it contains the chemical names, its CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number, synonyms, and stabilizing additives or impurities the product contains. Also, since hydrated lime is a combination, this area will tell its exact mixing percentage, concentrations, and health hazards. First Aid Since accidents are inevitable, this section is very vital. The measures given here vary based on the impact and exposure. Fire Extinguishing Measures This section lists all the methods for fighting fire incidents caused by the product. It also contains the precautions firefighters should take while controlling the incident. Other sections include: Accidental release control Storage and handling instructions Protective control and exposure limits Chemical and physical properties Reactivity and stability Toxicological information Ecological information Disposal considerations Transport information Regulatory information Other information, like the SDS preparation date. Conclusion Working in some industries exposes you to several chemicals that might be harmful. However, learning about these dangers and steps to take during exposure can save you from worse damage or death. So, before using any chemical at your workplace, ensure you have read the safety data sheet.

You may have a construction project in another state or have sold construction equipment to a customer far from you. Regardless of your situation, you need to know how to transport these pieces of equipment properly so they may get to their respective destinations in one piece. The safe transportation of construction equipment is a serious business. When handling some of the most gigantic and heaviest pieces of machinery built by humankind, thorough planning and a set of protocols is a must for an accident-free hauling.   This article shares basic guidelines on how to move your construction equipment safely to another state. Read on to know them. Perform A Risk Assessment In terms of heavy equipment liability, construction businesses have the responsibility to pay a great deal of attention to the details of transporting their construction equipment. A documented risk assessment shows proactive compliance and allows you to prove how comprehensive your fleet management processes are.   So, make sure to create one for your construction equipment transfer preparation. A supervisor or a senior manager can be in charge of this protocol. It should contain the complete transportation timeline and operation, weight loads, relevant risks, and what can be done to address such risks.   Choose The Right Trailer The next thing you need to do is choose the right type of trailer for your construction equipment for safe and stress-free transport.  The most common trailers used for heavy hauling include: Lowboy Trailer As its name implies, this type of trailer is close to the ground. It makes it easy to transport tall and large equipment such as cranes.  Flatbed Trailers Flatbed trucks are one of the most common trailers used to haul large equipment since they can easily handle heavy loads. These are open trailers attached to larger trucks and have a level service that makes loading and unloading easier.   Step-Deck Trailers Step-deck trailer is similar to a flatbed but with two levels— a top and a bottom deck. Step decks can hold heavy and tall equipment such as bulldozers that may not fit in a standard flatbed trailer.    Gooseneck Trailers This trailer is available in various designs, such as removable, fixed, mechanical, or hydraulic types. Regardless of the structure design, the trailer works by letting you attach it to the hauling.  Plan Your Route And Choose Experienced Drivers Planning your route can help minimize safety risks and problems during transport. You need to consider road widths, bridges, and other road structures, particularly in rural areas, and ensure that your heavy cargo can safely pass through.  Also, you want to avoid the busy roads that tend to have heavy traffic and roads under construction. Also, check for overall traffic and weather reports to identify any potential issues that might affect your transport. In general, the least amount of bridges, turns, stops, and rough terrain to be encountered by the driver, the better. Speaking of drivers, transporting heavy machinery is a difficult job. You want someone behind the wheel experienced in transporting heavy construction equipment and who knows how to load and unload it safely.    Prep Machines For Transport Before loading your equipment into a trailer, you need to take the time to prep it for transportation. Here are some things to consider: Immobilize the wheel components of the machine. You need to apply the parking brake and use chocks or wedges against the wheels to secure them in place and prevent them from rolling on deck.   Remove or secure loose parts such as doors to prevent them from opening and flapping around during transport.  Cover vulnerable areas that you don’t want to be exposed to the elements. Also, it’s crucial to cover vulnerable extruding parts or attachments such as gear shifts, knobs, and mirrors to protect from protruding objects along the road.   Empty all fluids, including fuel and other liquid hazards. It helps reduce the risk of leaks that can damage the machine and pose a fire hazard.   Disconnect its batteries and alarm system since this can accidentally set off during transport.   Use The Right Securing Devices In securing your heavy construction equipment to a trailer, there’s no such thing as ‘too much.’ You want to use a suitable securing device, and you’ll need enough of these.   Transporting heavy machines requires using at least four tie-downs or more, depending on the size of your equipment. Make sure to attach your tie-downs using clamps or hooks which can’t come loose during transport.  When strapping down heavy construction equipment, you can also use chains and steel strapping if needed. In addition to strapping and chains, bracing and blocking can also help secure heavy equipment. You can use edge protection if there’s a risk of the machinery component cutting the tie-downs.  Meanwhile, construction machinery with metal tracks such as excavators tends to have low friction when placed on a hauler. In this case, you can use friction mats and other friction devices to prevent it from sliding.   Take Away The shipment of heavy construction equipment requires careful planning. One minor oversight and things can instantly become a nightmare, jeopardizing your workers’ and the equipment’s safety. So, ensure to follow the above guidelines for safely hauling your construction equipment to your next project or customer.  

Regardless of the size of your manufacturing and production plant or business, there’s one thing that stays at the forefront of operations: efficiency. Businesses today are living under so much pressure to do more, produce more, do better, and compete higher, without spending any more additional time and resources than are necessary. Efficiency is, therefore, relative to the capital investment your business puts in. The pursuit of having a competitive edge is never complete without that all-important goal to be more efficient. When you consider each step or process of your production, it’s easy also to see how achieving efficiency may not necessarily be so straightforward. There’s much more that needs to be done, tweak, and learn, to achieve that point for your business. Read on for some of the best ideas on how you can significantly improve your business’ manufacturing and production efficiency. Identify And Eliminate Waste One of the top hindrances to efficiency is waste. If you don’t study every step of your manufacturing and production processes closely, you may be missing out on how much waste is actually generated in every step. The waste being referred to here doesn’t just pertain to the materials, but also time and other resources as well. To start, here are some ways to help you identify and eliminate waste: Create less waste in the long-term by using new operational processes and equipment, like new cutting tools. Say, you’re still stuck using old and inefficient materials and equipment. It’s time to bid those a good farewell by switching to newer, faster, more efficient equipment. Go through each process in manufacturing and production to successfully identify which steps are producing the most waste. Take A Multifaceted Approach In Measuring Data Data is one of the key drivers of making good decisions in manufacturing and production. However, avoid focusing only on one specific point in your manufacturing and production process, without thinking about all others. Simply measuring one type of data won’t give you a complete picture of what needs to be done to improve manufacturing and production. Try to pinpoint some problem areas in efficiency. But rather than measuring multiple factors like labor, capital utilization, and materials, you might have only measured the output per labor hour. In effect, you might unknowingly increase costs elsewhere, like in automated equipment and capital expenditure. A good tip to apply for a successful multifaceted approach is to integrate the software you’re using in manufacturing and production systems with all the other software in all branches or departments of your business. By doing so, you can have a clearer picture as to what productivity looks like in your business. Always Incorporate A Team Approach While it’s upper management that makes the most important decisions, this isn’t to say that a team approach can’t be taken for better goal achievement. Remember that you have to start first by identifying where the bottlenecks exist. Once that’s done, you can proceed with assigning specific teams and members to help address each of those bottlenecks. To make this process more effective and doable, start first with tackling the most expensive bottlenecks. Implement changes in your manufacturing process gradually, to avoid any significant disruptions in your manufacturing and production process. Then, have a sense of accountability to communicate with your teams regularly and check if the changes you’ve implemented were all effective. Improve Training For Employees Having a thorough and rigorous training process upon hiring and onboarding isn’t reason enough to skip training employees regularly. As a matter of fact, you should prioritize continuous employee development. All the more this should be done when you have new equipment in your manufacturing and production line. Remember that the machines aren’t going to do all the work by themselves. No matter how advanced they may be, there still needs to be that element of control done by human beings. Poorly-trained staff can damage the machines. Maintain Your Equipment Whether you’ve modernized all your equipment, or you’re waiting for more resources to be able to replace your machines, you need to keep a keen eye on maintenance. Set aside a budget and come up with a plan for the maintenance of your equipment. The preventive approach, of course, should work best.  Conclusion Manufacturing and production comprise of repetitive processes. One delay or bottleneck in any step affects the others. The next thing you know, the entire efficiency of the operations is severely affected. While it’s a lot of work to master, perfecting efficiency in operations is a must for businesses. Doing so factors total output, customer satisfaction, profitability, and many more. Let the strategies above lead you toward achieving better efficiency.