Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converters are valuable to scrap metal dealers, in part, because they contain precious metals.
A converter is an emissions control device that has precious metals — platinum, palladium, rhodium — that act as catalysts. Platinum is often used as the catalyst for the converter, which reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and oxygen, and oxidizes carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and unburned hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water.
Historic wrought-iron gates stolen from Battle Acre Monument Park
Picture of the front gates at Battle Acre Park before the restoration began in April 2014. The two outside gates were taken. The two larger gates in the center were left behind.
Police were called to the park around noon Tuesday for a report of a theft. The project manager for restoration of the park told police that the two gates for the park entrance were inside the property on June 25 — which was the last time he was at the park. A contractor discovered the gates missing on Monday.
Model Mania explores the world of construction scale model collecting
JCB actively engages with scale model collectors, and last fall had a press event to unveil its 1977 JCB 3C Mark III backhoe model.
Model Mania | Exploring the World of Construction Scale Models
Model Mania explores the world of construction scale model collecting and delves into why so many people have a passionate interest in these big iron replicas.
A big percentage of collectors are either employed directly in or are in some way connected to the heavy equipment industry,” says Daris Stratton, president of Stratton Systems. “Almost all machine operators want a model of the machines they spend their days operating. There’s also a fair amount of cross over from model railroaders, and those who collect trucking and agriculture models. And although some will begin collecting in their teens, the most serious collectors are in their 30s or older with more discretionary income.”
Grapples, Magnets, Shears Make It Happen
Grapples, Magnets, Shears for the Demolition & Scrap Industry.
The manufacturing industry has provided the scrap recycling industry with a wide range of attachments to meet a variety of handling needs. Grapples come in all shapes and sizes to lift scrap metal and tires; magnets move ferrous scrap; buckets move finer scrap particles; mobile shears cut metal and tire scrap; and crushers pulverize scrap concrete block. And through simple hydraulic controls on the scrap handler, attachments can be opened and close.
NYC Construction Crew Unearths a Military Railroad Relic
Construction crews on NYC’s Governor’s Island have unearthed a military railroad relic.
Construction crews in New York City find a railroad artifact from the early 1900s. An archbar, a kind of freight car wheel, was discovered on Governor’s Island. It dates back to when the 172-acre island was an important military installation with its own railroad.
OSHA’s Hazard Identification Training Tool
OSHA has unveiled an online game intended to help workers and employers identify hazards in the manufacturing and construction industries.
After installing the free Unity3D plugin, employers and workers can virtually explore how to identify common workplace hazards in the manufacturing and construction industries. Players learn not only hazard identification skills but also learn about hazard abatement and control.
Two-way radio is better than a smartphone for jobsite communication
Jobsite Communication | 5 reasons why the old two-way radio is better than a smartphone.
Many jobsites across the country have embraced smartphones as they have made contractors and construction workers more capable in the field than ever thanks to the ever-growing number of apps available.
Historic McKeesport, PA Water Roundhouse set for Demolition
Cindy Shegan Keeley, Daily News | Equinox27
Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County plans to begin demolition of this 106-year-old facility near McKeesport’s Fifteenth Avenue Bridge on Tuesday.
McKeeesport is a post-industrial city near Pittsburgh, at the confluence of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela Rivers. It has been economically depressed since the decline of the steel industry.
NDA launches new website design
National Demolition Association (NDA) Launches New, More User-friendly Website
The National Demolition Association has launched a new website — demolitionassociation.com – with greatly improved, user-friendly features, streamlined content, and mobile-response design that allows the same site to be accessed from desktop, tablet or mobile phone.
NDA Members now can enter the website through a members-only portal that delivers a more enhanced viewing experience, giving them access to information not available to the general public. The section is integrated into the main website so they no longer need to navigate through a second site.
Stand Down 4 Safety
June 2-6, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is leading a National Safety Stand-Down.
Falls kill – they are the top cause of construction fatalities and account for one-third of on-the-job injury deaths in the industry. Each year in the U.S. more than 200 construction workers are killed and over 10,000 are seriously injured by falls. This week, June 2-6, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is leading a National Safety Stand-Down to give employers across the country the opportunity to talk to their workers about construction fall hazards and the importance of fall prevention.