Industrial

Integrity Crane And Hoist Answers Questions About The Overhead Crane Inspection Process

Integrity Crane and HoistWhile companies using cranes for years are fairly well-versed in their upkeep and maintenance, Integrity Crane And Hoist says that it takes time to fully get up to speed on the process. Many new crane owners are not, and they have lots of questions. Today, the experts from ICH answered a few of these for the absolute beginner.

Q: Why should I have an overhead crane inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Safety is the obvious first answer, but another important reason: it’s required. OSHA mandates that all in-service crane and hoist systems be inspected at least once each year. This is because everyday wear and tear can have a significant impact on components, many of which you can’t see with just a casual visual inspection. Failure of any of these parts puts your team at risk and can lead to expensive lawsuits as well as reputation damage for your company.

Q: Who should perform these inspections?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: All crane inspectors, according to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, must have no less than 2000 hours of hands-on, direct experience in the repair, maintenance, service, and modification of cranes and hoists. Anyone performing an overhead crane inspection must also be trained in local, state, and federal codes, documentation processes, industry terminology, and safety and design standards.

Q: When is the best time to have my crane and its components inspected?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your first overhead crane inspection takes place at installation. OSHA 1910.179 mandates that this equipment is compliant with the provisions put forth in that section. Some machinery also requires a load test. During this, your crane inspector will test your equipment load rating (at no more than 80% of its maximum). All findings during this and subsequent inspections must be logged and signed by the inspector.

Q: Why am I required to perform a visual inspection before each shift?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: A functional test inspection also keeps you in compliance with OSHA standards. This is a visual assessment that looks for maladjustment, leakages, deterioration, excessive wear, distortion, hook deformation, and other issues that would render your equipment potentially dangerous.

Q: What is the difference between a frequent inspection and a periodic inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your initial test and daily examinations are not the only types of inspection your machines need. Frequent inspections may happen weekly or monthly, and the frequency of which depends on how you use your equipment and what’s listed on its paperwork. Periodic inspections are also equipment-dependent, but these are typically performed quarterly. Each of these looks for malfunctions, but your periodic inspections go a bit further by testing the electrical components, checking for corrosion, and evaluating the overall condition of the brake system.

If you still have questions, your overhead crane inspection professional at Integrity Crane And Hoist can walk you through the process. Our dedicated staff is fully trained and committed to helping you create a safer working environment for your employees.

Integrity Crane And Hoist is a leader in the material handling industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, our team can handle repairs and testing, maintenance, and upgrades.

Water Damage Specialist

5 Facts About Mold That Might Surprise You

Rytech NashvilleIf you’re a Nashville homeowner reeling from the effects of water damage in your property, you’re likely to be familiar with mold. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also affect your home’s structural integrity and cause potential health risks like allergies and respiratory ailments. Here are five mold facts that you should know.

  • There are two mold states.

Experts estimate that there are over 100,000 mold species, and these have two states: viable and non-viable. Likely, mold is active and growing; it is in an environment where it can thrive and spread. While non-viable mold is no longer active due to a lack of food source or moisture, it can still release spores into the air that can spread throughout your home.

  • You can forego mold testing.

Some homeowners believe that any mold should be tested for proper identification and confirm if it can cause property damage. However, the mold remediation professionals at Rytech Nashville should remove any type of mold immediately; prior testing is no longer necessary. 

  • Water damage is not the only cause of mold growth.

While water damage is one of the most common causes of mold growth, addressing this will not guarantee a mold-free home. Poor ventilation and humidity is another factor that can encourage mold to thrive. Consider the kitchen, bathroom, and basement as mold hotspots because these are naturally humid environments.

  • Mold has no odor

You’ve probably heard that mold has a musty and earthy smell – it’s the mold byproduct that is causing the odor. As it digests the surface that it has taken hold of, The fungus releases odors and toxins.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting your home won’t be good enough.

Mold removal is not a simple DIY project you can do over the weekend. Yes, you can clean and disinfect surfaces, but this won’t address the root cause of your mold problem. Most of the mold will be in hard-to-reach areas like crevices, cracks, and interior walls. Moreover, in trying to get rid of mold, you might inadvertently release mold spores throughout your property. It’s best to work with mold remediation and water damage professionals like Rytech Nashville to remove any mold growth safely.

Rytech Nashville has been providing effective mold remediation and water damage solutions to residents of Middle Tennessee and its surrounding areas since 1995. IICRC-certified technicians will recommend a plan of action to remove the mold and cut off sources of moisture causing it. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.

Rytech Nashville is a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. The company has reached exponential growth from its humble beginnings in one location and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information

Cybersecurity

Q+A on Nashville Cybersecurity Measures You Can Take Now

ImageQuestIt’s true; you never know what you have until it’s gone. Cyber security works the same way. There are a lot of unknowns in the world of cybersecurity and cyberattacks, but here at ImageQuest, we are determined to introduce answers about these critical factors. We have a lot of companies from Nashville asking us all about cybersecurity; we figured answering them here will help provide information! 

Q. What is the first step I should take in protecting ourselves from cyberattacks? 

A. Use 2-factor authentication. As simple as this may seem, it does more than many would believe. Having a 2-factor authentication on any website or extension with a password will help further your security. Most apps and websites have this option to use, and there is no reason why you should not use it!

Q. How can I make sure my home network is secure? 

A. There are a lot of steps to take when securing your home network. The first step is making sure you have a secure firewall to protect your data. The second step is to change the password on your WiFi router after installation from the default password initially on the device. be entirely certain that each of your devices has antivirus software installed. Next, make sure you have the latest personal device security. We recommend a Next-Generation Anti-Virus program, which can help block ransomware and other attacks. Finally, make sure you are updating your devices whenever a new software update is released. Many devices offer automatic updating, which is often installed when the device is turned on and charging. 

Q. How do I build a secure network if I can’t remember all of my passwords? 

A. Password managers. These are becoming lifesavers for both families and businesses because installing these apps creates a password for each website and saves them for you. We recommend two password managers. The first one is 1PASSWORD, which has a yearly rate of $36 for an individual subscription. It may seem expensive, but in the grand scheme of things, if a cyber-attack happened in Nashville, you may be protected because you went to extreme lengths to make sure every password is secure. The next one is Dashlane, also costing around $60 per year with a free option for just one device only. Do your research to find which one will be best for you, your family, and your business. While this option is beneficial, it makes the world of remembering your passwords so much easier! 

Q. My IT team has a ton on their plate, and I’m afraid to add this onto them- how do I make sure I have the top cybersecurity without burning out my team? 

A. We love this one because we can help them out directly. We have worked in Nashville for many years, helping each company thrive in their cybersecurity, and we continue to see it pay off. At ImageQuest, we take pride in putting in the work that some businesses don’t have time for regarding their network security. In today’s world of technology, you cannot afford not to have good protection in your devices. Save the hassle and your companies’ privacy by having ImageQuest help you out today!

ImageQuest

Whether you are building your business or just now realizing the importance cybersecurity is for your local Nashville business, we would be delighted to help you out at ImageQuest. Technology is a complicated, evolving world that challenges us as we seek to protect the information we willingly give each platform we are on. 

Contact us HERE today!

Industrial

How Do You Maintain An Overhead Crane?

Integrity Crane and Hoist
Integrity Crane and Hoist

Having a proactive and customized overhead crane inspection and preventive maintenance program is essential to workplace safety and productivity. This article aims to answer frequently asked questions on overhead crane and hoist inspection, repair, and maintenance.  

Q: Why is it important to have an overhead crane inspection and preventive maintenance plan in place?

A: Having regular inspections and preventive maintenance activities helps identify potential risk areas and reduces downtime while supporting compliance requirements. Moreover, keeping overhead crane and hoist systems safe for daily use is a more cost-efficient option to lawsuits, medical expenses, and the tedious administrative work related to finding a replacement for an injured employee. 

Q: How often should overhead crane and hoist systems be inspected?

A: Routine overhead crane and hoist inspections are a must regardless of their condition because of the work they complete (i.e., lifting loads in varying sizes and weights). There are four inspection categories: Initial, Functional, Frequent, and Periodic.

The initial inspection is conducted after the installation of a new crane or hoist, or after the equipment has been reinstalled after alteration, modification, or repair.

Functional inspections must be done before every shift.

Frequent inspections should include all aspects of the functional inspection, paying extra attention to the hoist brake, wire rope, and load chain. The inspector must be on the lookout for any unusual sounds. The hook and latch must be inspected as well. A crane that operates under “normal service” should be inspected monthly; a crane in “heavy service” should be inspected weekly to monthly, and a crane in “severe service” should be inspected daily to weekly.

Under periodic inspections, cranes used for “normal service” and “heavy service” should be inspected yearly while cranes in “severe service” should be inspected quarterly. 

Q: How do you inspect an overhead crane?

A: Check crane and hoist components for signs of malfunction, deterioration, and everyday wear and tear. Functional operating mechanisms, hydraulic and air system components, and crane hooks must be inspected daily, before starting each shift.

  • Functional operating mechanisms – Check for maladjustment
  • Hydraulic and air system components – Inspect valves, lines, tanks, drain pumps, and other components for deterioration or deficiency
  • Crane hooks – Check for cracks and signs of deformation.

Inspect rope and end connections as well as hoist chains and end connections every month.

  • Rope and end connections –  Check broken strands or signs of wear and tear
  • Hoist chains and end connections – Are there signs of distortion or anything else that might hinder it from functioning properly?

All findings must be documented in detail so you can have an accurate record of the overhead crane’s maintenance history.

Q: What’s the difference between corrective and preventive maintenance? 

A: Corrective maintenance is done when there is equipment failure or malfunction. Examples of corrective maintenance procedures include retrofits and customizations.

Preventive maintenance, on the other hand, involves taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents or equipment failures even before these happen.  

You’ll need to do both at some point. Integrity Crane and Hoist recommends having a highly trained team of professionals to complete these tasks.

Working out of Columbia, Tennessee, Integrity Crane and Hoist is a full-service overhead crane and hoisting equipment company that designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, modifies, modernizes, and load tests industrial bridge cranes, gantry cranes, ergonomic workstations, runway systems, monorails, power systems, and control panels. They also perform inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance for all types and brands of cranes, hoists, vacuum filters, and below-the-hook lifting devices. Get in touch today to learn more.

Call Integrity Crane and Hoist at (615) 302-3431 for more information.

Uncategorized

Is it time? When to replace your garage door.

Franklin Door and DockKnowing when to replace your garage door can be difficult to determine. Frequently, clients have determined that they need to replace their entire door, which can be expensive, but that is not the most economical solution.

We want to help you know when you need to replace your garage door, or when it may be an issue that can be easily repaired. Knowing the difference could save you a lot of money!

Time to Diagnose. 

Garage Door Malfunctioning Opener

Have you ever been rushing up the stairs with a ton of groceries, clicking the button to close the garage door – and it makes about ten different noises, and then never closes? Or while sitting inside, you hear a loud bang come from the garage? How about you go into your garage and the door looks unbalanced in the opening? These are common malfunctions that we repair on a regular basis.

Loud, Obnoxious, and a Fixable Garage Door 

We all get annoyed and even embarrassed when we’re watching the door slowly go down while almost screaming for the entire neighborhood to hear. This could be an issue with a loose chain in the garage door operator.

Thankfully, this issue is easy to fix for us! Call us and we will head on over to make sure that loud noise is silenced.

It can be very frustrating when your garage door just doesn’t do what you are trying to get it to do. Close? Nope, it stays open. Open? Stays closed or takes forever to open. These common problems are sometimes caused by installation errors or just normal wear on some parts.

Safety comes first. 

Have you ever been about to leave for work and notice your garage door was open the whole night? Thankfully, no one stole anything from you, but they easily could have. Garages doors provide safety and security for your home and family, so it’s important to keep your doors in excellent condition.

We are here for you, whether it’s just a small repair or a complete garage door replacement, let’s talk about what the best option is for you! 

Located in Franklin, TN – Franklin Door and Dock offers garage door repair for any of your needs. These issues are to be handled with care, expertise, and to save money. If you are located near Franklin, TN give Franklin Door and Dock a call to see how we can cater to your needs, budget, and desires! Call us at 615-857-3667 or visit our website: https://franklindooranddock.com/

Construction

Build A Better Deer Fence – Here Are 5 Ways How

Straight Shooter Game FencingDeer are persistent animals and will doggedly try to make their way into your orchard or garden. A high – and imposing – deer fence can help prevent that. How high and strong should your deer fence be? What factors should you consider in constructing one? Here are 5 tips from high fence contractor Straight Shooter Game Fencing on how you can build a deer-resistant fence.

  1. Height matters

Deer are very agile and are surprisingly capable of jumping impressive heights. Your high fence must be at least 8 feet tall to prevent deer from jumping over it.

  1. If you can’t go high, make it double

Note that while deer can jump high and across a long distance, they can’t do both at the same time. As an alternative to building a high fence, consider constructing two shorter fences, one inside the other and are approximately five or six feet apart. Their poor eyesight makes it challenging for them to jump over a double barrier. Achieve the same effect with a taller fence by slanting it outward so it appears to be a wider and riskier high fence.

A DIY fence could lead to costly mistakes due to trial and error. Make sure to consult with a high fence contractor like Straight Shooter Game Fencing to build a deer fence tailored to your property. 

  1. Secure the bottom of the fence

Being the inquisitive and persistent creatures that they are, deer will try to go under your fence if they can’t jump over it. If you have plastic and welded high fences, ensure that the bottom is secured to the ground in between posts. Otherwise, deer will squirrel their way underneath the fence. Use metal tent stakes to secure your fence at 6 feet intervals.

  1. Don’t spread out fence posts too far apart

Deer can exert a lot of pressure on your high fence. Deer leaning against it or accidentally running into it, for example, will weaken the stability of the fence itself. Having posts far apart increases the chances of the fence material sagging in between posts, which will entice deer to jump over it. Set up high fence posts at 8 to 12-foot intervals.

  1. Increase your high fence’s visibility

Black plastic and welded fences are difficult for deer to see, and the last thing you want is to have them running headlong into a fence and breaking through. Brightly colored ribbons tied between posts can warn deer that there’s a barrier in place. These ribbons should be tied four feet above the ground to get the best results.

Based in Alabama, Straight Shooter Game Fencing works with property owners throughout the US to provide the best deer high fence installation at competitive prices. We guarantee a professional fencing installation on your property no matter the size. We’ve done every high fence job you could imagine; no job is too big or too small and no terrain is too rough. Get in touch with us to know more.

Interior Design

How To Style Your Bookcases and Shelves

The Linen DuckAre your bookcases and shelves currently functional and fashionable, or are they a catch-all for the things that don’t have a home? More often than not, it’s the latter. Luckily, styling bookcases and shelves only takes a short amount of time and effort and creates a huge impact on your home’s overall look and feel.

The Linen Duck, a boutique furniture store offering interior design services in Nashville TN, shares tips on how you can take the existing items in your home and transform your bookcases and shelves from boring to chic in just a few hours.

Clear, clean, and sort

As with any styling project, remove everything from the area before you begin. Clear the bookcases and shelves and sort the items into separate piles. Give everything a good dusting.

Sort items into three main categories: books and magazines, decor and photo frames, and greenery and plant life. Let go of all the other items that don’t fit in these categories or find it a new home. Remember, a place for everything, and everything in its place. Loose paper, gloves or scarves, and gadgets should be stored in their rightful places.

Choose your color palette and aesthetic

Color palettes and aesthetics can be interpreted in different ways. A color palette in navy, blush, and ivory, for example, could be styled as French country, farmhouse chic, or ultra-modern. Be deliberate with the design style you want to create.

Having selected two to three main colors and a design style, find several pieces in at least one of your chosen colors to represent the following textures or finishes: fabric or natural fiber, nature (pine cones, dried grasses, florals, greenery, etc.), metals (bronze, stainless, rose gold, etc.) and glass (clear, mosaic, or ceramic).

Have fun and see what works

While the curation process is the same, styling your bookcases and shelves is different from the way you’d style a coffee table.

Place your items next to each other and take a step back. Do these items flow together? Edit out items that look out of place. Take an item from each of the categories mentioned earlier and make odd-numbered groups. Place each group of items on its own shelf.

Look at your shelf or bookcase objectively. You may need to shift a few pieces here and there or adjust the spacing. Either way, your bookcases and shelves are now a showcase of your tasteful curation skills, and you didn’t have to buy anything new. 

Do you need decorating advice not just for your bookcases and shelves but your entire home as well? The Linen Duck offers interior design services in Nashville TN or for anyone in surrounding areas. Sit down with one of our in-house designers and discuss space planning, art, accessories, and other elements of design for a space you are working on. We will review your room measurements, color swatches, fabrics, etc. to make sure you are on track. Please book this complimentary service at least 3-5 days in advance. 

Schedule your next project or refer us to a friend. Call us at (931) 548-2422 or visit our website to learn more.

Public Relations

McKeeman Communications (PR Firm located in Raleigh, NC) interviews Social Influencer, Becca Ingle

McKeeman CommunicationsIn a world that is becoming increasingly more involved with social media, it’s important for marketing agencies or businesses alike to understand the value of social media and how having a social media influencer might boost their engagement. To help businesses understand why partnering with someone like a social media influencer can be great for business, we went to the experts with our questions. A few months ago, we interviewed social media influencer Becca Ingle (located in North Carolina) about how you can find an influencer that will be the perfect fit for your business. 

  1. How do I find the right influencer?
  2. At first, it can be a daunting task to find a social media influencer, but there are many resources to help you. For starters, you can join blogger/vlogger/influencer groups on Facebook, and then post about your inquiries, what you’re looking for, and your targeted audience! Most times, bloggers need to know who the brand is they would be partnering with – so make sure your post is detailed but also aligns with the influencer’s brand and passions. 
  1. Who knows how to help me find an influencer? 
  2. The idea of going onto a Facebook page may not settle well with you, which is perfectly fine! I recommend hiring/working with a PR team that has established relationships with influencers. PR Firms in Raleigh, NC, like Mckeeman Communications, have the expertise and relationships you need! 
  1. How do I get started? 
  2. It’s crucial you have an influencer that aligns with your network and audience. Go to their profile and see who they are, what they do, and who their audience is! This will help you narrow down your influencer list. They might already have partnerships that align or even compete with your own business. So, doing advanced research will help you even more. 
  1. How do I know they will reach my ideal amount of people? 
  2. Instagram has an insights page, so ask your influencer to send you that page with all the metrics, insights, and analytics! This will also help you see if they are legit and have an authentic reach and customer engagement. 
  1. How can I trust them with what they’re posting for us? 
  2. This trust comes from a whole lot of communication. Each month, or whenever you talk to your influencer, make sure you have an idea of what you want them to say – but do not give them an exact script. The whole idea of hiring an influencer is to have their experienced voice speak for your company/brand. If they have a good direction for what their content should be focused on, allow them to take the creative next steps. It’s why you decided to partner with them in the first place – their polished content. It’s always good to confirm what they’re posting and when to ensure you’re aligned on a unified plan, so you can engage with their content. 
  1. Is this worth my time and investment? 
  2. Yes. Social media is not going away anytime soon. All of us in Raleigh felt the impact after the world closed down in 2020. People started to rely more on social media and digital marketing for more sales. Use this to your advantage NOW so you can hop on the digital train. Your business will not regret this decision. 

Remember, this will be a learning experience. You and your influencer will have to be patient in communication and understanding each other’s businesses and brands. You want them to know, trust and LOVE what you are offering, which is why it is SO important to find someone who will love your products/services. There are influencers all over the country, and if you are located in Raleigh, NC, you can guarantee there are multiple ones to choose from! We would love to hear from you and help you navigate this new trend that will benefit your brand/business like never before! You don’t need some celebrity endorsement anymore; you just need to find a social influencer, and lucky for you, there are SO many of them! 

A top PR firm in Charlotte NC, McKeeman Communications works with companies that are experiencing rapid growth or change. We help localize and share messaging that builds awareness and trust for their brand. Call (866) 341-2650 or email info@mckeemanpr.com to learn more.

Water Damage Specialist

Protect Yourself From These Post-Flood Wastewater Hazards

Rytech NashvilleWhile post-flood water damage to a home is considered a given, many property owners are still caught off guard by health and safety risks posed by contaminated wastewater. Let’s look at the different kinds of wastewater contamination and what you can do to minimize risks.

Sewage contamination

The water is contaminated by waste coming from non-industrial human activities such as bathing, washing, and cleaning. Assume that the water you come in contact with post-flooding may be tainted with raw sewage.

Here’s how you can stay safe:

  • Wear protective clothing such as boots, gloves, eyewear, and a face mask.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
  • Avoid eating food that has come in contact with contaminated water. Drink bottled water for the time being until the safety of the local drinking water has been verified.
  • Clean and bandage cuts and scrapes, even if these are minor, before doing any cleanup work.

Chemical contamination

Industrial chemicals such as pesticides and gasoline could leach into waterways after a flood and get into your home; these must be handled accordingly.

Protect yourself by:

  • Wearing protective clothing.
  • Being aware of symptoms resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation. Seek medical help immediately should these symptoms persist.

Consult with a qualified water damage remediation expert before re-entering a flood-damaged home to make sure other, more lethal threats such as live electricity and potential structural collapse have been mitigated.

Rytech, Nashville’s leading water damage restoration expert, provides a professional assessment of flood contamination risks and reliable water damage restoration services. Middle Tennessee residents trust Rytech’s IICRC-certified technicians for their water damage restoration requirements. 24-hour emergency services are available. Get in touch today for a no-commitment consultation.

Rytech Nashville has become a leader in the water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. From its humble beginnings in one location, the company has reached exponential growth and currently provides service to 49 major markets across 25 states. Call (615) 751-8445 for more information.

Telecommunications

9 Reasons Why You Should Work With A Telecom Consultant

Pivotel Networks

For business owners, working with telecommunication providers is painful but necessary. Most people struggle to decipher “tech-speak” to try and understand the best solution for their unique challenges and business needs. It can be so overwhelming that business owners are often tempted to give up and just say ‘yes’ to any proposal that seems to fit.

This is where a telecom consultant like Pivotel Networks comes in. At Pivotel, we evaluate your business requirements and match these with customized solutions that fit your needs. Moreover, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our customers and will help resolve issues as they arise in an efficient and timely manner.

Here are 9 more reasons why you should consider using us as your telecommunications consultant:

  1. Customized solutions. We will design solutions based on industry trends and best practices, ensuring that you receive the best solution possible.
  2. Carrier neutrality. We can work with various providers, allowing us to offer excellent solutions options from different carriers.
  3. Implementation assistance. We will assist you in integrating these new solutions into your work environment.
  4. Billing audit. We will provide a billing audit to make sure that everything has been billed accordingly. 
  5. Customer care. Get help with escalations. Need help in escalating an issue or ticket? We can help to escalate tickets until they are resolved.
  6. Budget management. Work with us to find a solution that’s well within your budget.
  7. Circuit Inventory. We will keep track of all your circuits so you don’t have to.
  8. Support. We provide technical support as needed.
  9. Infrastructure analysis. We will audit your current communications infrastructure and determine if you are utilizing the best and the most cost-effective solution for your business.

Should you decide to partner with us, we’ll begin with an in-depth analysis of your current infrastructure. We’ll then identify the pain points that need to be addressed. As a telecom consultant and business phone systems expert, we can present options from different carriers and provide unbiased advice on which solutions best fit the nature of your business and budget.

Based in Nashville and serving Middle Tennessee, business phone systems expert Pivotel Networks strives to be your advocate and ally in an ever-changing world of telecommunications and technology. Get in touch by calling (615) 499-7900.