Call 811 Before You Dig

In March 1994, a 36-inch natural gas pipeline ruptured and exploded near the Durham Woods apartment complex in Edison, New Jersey, sending a massive fireball 500 feet into the air and lighting the night sky for miles around.  Eight apartment buildings were destroyed, over a hundred people were left homeless, and scores were injured.

An investigation by the NTSB determined that the blast was caused by earlier damage from excavation equipment that had gouged and weakened the pipe.  As a result of these findings, New Jersey passed a law requiring all property owners and contractors to call a “Once Call” telephone hotline prior to any digging to have all underground utilities located and precisely marked.  By 1996, the One Call system had become national practice, and in 2005, the FCC established 8-1-1 as the nationwide number to call for all local utility location services.

Though damage to underground utilities is seldom as catastrophic as the Edison gas explosion, it can seriously disrupt vital services, cause property damage and injury, and result in costly repairs, fines and project delays.  A few days before any digging project, large or small, contractors or property owners are legally required to place a call to 8-1-1.  The One Call center will notify local utility companies to dispatch locators to mark out underground utilities with paint, flags, and stakes.  Different utilities are color-coded – red for electricity, yellow for gas, orange for communications, blue for water, green for sewer, etc.

 
Because One Call utility locators only mark lines leading to meters, contractors must also examine accurate as-built drawings and confer with facility owners prior to digging in order to precisely identify, locate and mark private underground utilities using the color code system.  Sites should also be carefully inspected for other telltale signs of unknown buried utilities or hazards that might exist.  These markings must be carefully preserved, and contractors must follow strict regulations and procedures when digging in close proximity to underground utilities.
 
When digging, an error of just a few inches can spell disaster.  So whether you are a homeowner installing a mailbox or a contractor breaking ground for a large facility, remember to call 8-1-1 before digging and mark out underground utilities.  It’s the law.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

R. BAKER & SON: TRICKY JOB WITH A VERY AGGRESSIVE SCHEDULE

R. Baker & Son was contracted by a pharmaceuticals firm to perform selective demolition in their central utility plant.  The company was slated to bring an innovative new drug to market, and it was especially critical that research and development went undisrupted.
 
The central utility plant supported many of the facility’s operations with compressed air, chilled water, steam, nitrogen and DI water. The project required much of the old equipment to be removed and replaced by new equipment.  This necessitated that crew members remove old housekeeping pads with jackhammers and saw-cut new drains into concrete.  With adjacent R&D laboratories lining two walls of the CUP and a vivarium not far away, R. Baker & Son developed a detailed schedule in coordination with facility owners to suppress dust and minimize noise, and vibration.

 
Selective demolition and dismantling took place as a precise, step-by-step process. System piping and other equipment were carefully traced, identified, and marked for appropriate disposition. Hazardous substances and materials, including refrigerants and lead paint, were carefully removed and abated, and proper lockout / tagout procedures were followed.
   
To complicate the already-challenging project, the pharmaceuticals firm moved the completion date up by three months due to increased urgency in bringing the new product to market.  The project kicked into an even higher gear and shifts were added in order to complete the project on time.

R. Baker & Son developed a detailed Rigging and Routing plan when it came time to move new equipment into the facility.  After double-verifying weights and dimensions, team members determined how and when to move the equipment, and through which access points.  Many pieces of equipment required careful disassembly in order to maneuver it into the building. In some instances, new equipment was installed in the midst of demolition.

As new equipment was rigged, installed, and readied to be brought online alongside existing equipment, crews went over a detailed checklist to ensure a smooth transition from old equipment to new.  This was done without system interruption whenever possible, but when unavoidable, the work generally took place when the facility was unoccupied and details were meticulously planned and scheduled with owners.
Once the new systems were up and running, Baker crews concentrated on cleanup and punch list items.  When all was said and done, the new central utility plant equipment was seamlessly integrated, and the project was successfully completed on time.  Owners were so pleased with the outcome they treated everyone involved to a catered luncheon.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Web: http://www.rbaker.com 

BIM - Building Information Modeling

BIM Tools

Over the last decade, design and construction industries have widely embraced Building Information  Modeling, otherwise known as BIM. BIM utilizes 3D real-time modeling technology to coordinate a building’s data, from its design and construction through the duration of its life cycle.
 
With BIM, all building details – design, document production, construction planning, performance predictions and cost estimates, etc. – are centralized and readily accessible.  When changes are made and recorded, BIM automatically updates every trickle-down detail.  Errors and information loss that commonly occurs when a project is handed from designer to contractor to owner is virtually eliminated, saving time, improving efficiency, and reducing costs.
 
Recently, BIM has extended its reach to the job site with BIM-to-field technology.  Three dimensional BIM models and CAD files are merged onsite with advanced positioning technology to provide pinpoint laser layouts of various components.  Using only a robotic central station and a handheld controller, one person can plot a complex layout in a fraction of the time, manpower and expense previously needed. 
BIM is being more and more widely used and is touted as the future of building design and construction methodology.  R. Baker and Son uses BIM technology frequently to determine building features, simplify logistical details and allow easy detection of potential problems.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: http://www.rbaker.com

BORESCOPE USE IN CONSTRUCTION

By David Baker, R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

Borescopes have a multitude of uses.  From manufacturing to turbine maintenance to underground pipe inspections – even medicine – they have become an invaluable tool across a wide range of industries.

A borescope is an optical device consisting of a rigid or flexible tube with a lens or miniature video camera on the end that is used to visually inspect objects that are not accessible for direct viewing.  Rigid borescopes are the most widely used and cost less than flexible devices, but viewing is restricted to a straight line.  Flexible borescopes include a bundle of optical fibers that allow access to cavities and around corners.  To meet the wide range of needs required by such diverse industries as aerospace, weaponry, and power generation, borescopes come in a variety of diameters and lengths, and can be customized for different viewing angles and environments.
 
Borescopes are widely used in the construction industry to inspect ductwork, wall cavities, piping, conduit, tanks, and more.  In R. Baker & Son’s line of work – rigging, dismantling, and demolition – they provide data on the structural features and integrity of a building, detect damage in underground piping, and identify ductwork problems such as tears or collapses.  They’re also used to trace the layout and origin of lines and piping, examine their condition, and locate lost or previously unknown underground tanks and vessels. 

Contractors who frequently use borescopes (plumbers, HVAC) often purchase or rent equipment, while others use professional borescope inspection services.  With sophisticated borescope equipment and highly trained technicians, these companies are equipped to handle challenging inspections of just about any kind, and some offer repair, washing, and retrieval services as well.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

Corporate Contact Information
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: http://rbaker.com/home.php

Hard Hats - R. Baker & Son, Redbank, NJ

Head protection is an absolute must to protect construction industry workers from a wide array of hazards.  Hard hats or helmets meeting ANSI standards should be worn any time there is a risk of falling or moving objects, fixed objects such as exposed pipes or beams on which one might strike their head, or if there is a possibility of accidental contact with electrical hazards.  Protective headgear should resist penetration, absorb the shock of a blow, resist water and burns, and display clear instructions.

There are three industrial classes for hard hats.  Class A hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance along with electrical protection up to 2,200 volts.  Class B provides the maximum level of protection against electrical hazards (up to 20,000 volts) as well as impact and penetration protection.  Class C offers lightweight impact protection, but does not protect from electrical hazards.
 
Hard hats should be inspected daily for holes, cracks, tears or other damage, and should be cleaned periodically to extend their useful life.  Replace suspension systems when they appear damaged or worn.  Headgear that is perforated, cracked, or deformed should be discarded and replaced, as well as those that have show signs of exposure to excessive heat, chemicals, ultraviolet light, or other radiation.  This can include loss of surface gloss, chalking, or flaking.  Finally, always replace a hard hat if it sustains an impact, even if damage is not noticeable. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: www.rbaker.com

ASSISTING CUSTOMERS WITH PRECISION DIS-ASSEMBLY & RE-ASSEMBLY

Wind Turbine

With precision dis-assembly and re-assembly, many details need to be taken into consideration. If equipment is to be relocated, it must be pre-determined where equipment will be split, and into how many sections, to properly prepare for packaging and transport. Every movement and opening – elevators, doorways, windows, roof openings, etc. – must be plotted, because the smallest opening is always a primary concern.

When factory testing of complex interconnected equipment is required, you should consider having the same layout at the FAT (factory acceptance test) as you have in your facility. This allows you to ship and reuse all piping, wiring, flex hoses and all other equipment connections rather than do it twice. This can save considerable time, money and effort for your project.

If existing equipment is being relocated, this is the ideal time to replace defective parts, gasketing, and old or worn items. Involving the factory is a big plus, and you might even be able to have the manufacturer agree to extend their warranty.

Packaging of equipment is very important. The manufacturer must dis-assemble equipment and package all
parts properly, clearly identifying each for re-assembly at the new location. If equipment is to be shipped by sea or air, proper packaging is necessary to prevention moisture intrusion, which is a concern that is more common than you might think. All fluids, media and product materials must be removed immediately after factory testing is complete before equipment is shipped. A quality contractor can ensure that all of these important steps are taken.

We recommend that, when dealing with large, complex equipment, customers should have a factory-trained tech provide basic consultation on how the equipment was packaged, how it should be assembled, and whether there are any specific steps that should be taken during or following assembly. Also, manufacturers sometimes require a factory tech to witness and document certain steps during assembly. Though factory
consultation might add to your project costs, it is money well spent. Having to take equipment apart later because something simple was missed at assembly can be an expensive show-stopper.

If you have chosen wisely, your contractor will do far more than just rigging your equipment into place when it arrives on site. Whether installing new or relocating existing equipment, they should be fully knowledgeable on every project detail, asking all the right questions, and can assemble all of your systems – piping, electrical, controls, compressed air, nitrogen, hydraulics, etc. – to startup readiness.

Make sure your contractor has plenty of related experience, with expert mechanics and millwrights, and can guide you through the complex process from start to finish. Whether you are installing pharmaceutical modules, lyophilizers, equipment trains, tanks, generators, chillers, boilers, green technology, or even a large piece of art, your contractor should be your quality partner for success.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million).  Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

Corporate Contact Information
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: http://www.rbaker.com/

Something Old Is Something New

It’s an undeniable fact that manufacturing in the United States has significantly decreased over the last decade as foreign competition has increased and many manufacturers have shifted production overseas.  Factories have been shut down, their equipment packed up, sold, and relocated to new sites throughout the U.S. and around the world.  This trend has raised concerns and posed many challenges, but it also offers new opportunities for reuse and rebirth. 

 

The main concern that arises when a company halts production is the fate of the vacated buildings and the land they occupy.  Some buildings are demolished, while others are to be refurbished for manufacturing or reconfigured into warehouse space.  Others are reincarnated as prime commercial or residential real estate commanding top dollar, such the old Maxwell House factory in Hoboken and the Domino Sugar refinery in Brooklyn, both of which have been converted into luxury apartments. 

Restoration and reconditioning of these old factories often uncovers many interesting architectural and industrial artifacts from an era gone by.  Beneath layers of paint and dirt, hidden in corners or in plain view, items that might have been considered junk in the recent past are increasingly salvaged and reused, or find rebirth as objects of value and beauty.  One good example is the reuse of old materials in the refurbished Philadelphia Navy Shipyard.  

Many manufacturing plants constructed during the mid-20^th century utilized materials that have proved to be hazardous over time.  Regardless of whether an old factory is slated to be refurbished or demolished, there are environmental, health and safety issues that must be addressed along the way.  Toxic materials like asbestos, lead paint, PCBs and contaminated soil must be safely contained and removed, and the site restored to code compliance.  

R. Baker & Son has been instrumental in countless relocation, select demolition, remediation and reconditioning projects to the complete satisfaction of our clients.  As a leader in our industry servicing customers throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe, R. Baker & Son should be your first choice for your project.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million). Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: www.rbaker.com

Clients Expect “Total Care” in Plant and Equipment Relocation

When in the market for a plant relocation contractor, many customers mention “turnkey” service as an important quality to look for.  But nowadays, buyers are advised to beware:  “turnkey” has become an overused catchword whose true meaning has been diluted.  Plenty of contractors claim to offer turnkey plant relocation services, but how many of them can truly deliver?   
 

As a genuine turnkey contractor, R. Baker & Son offers total care when relocating plants and equipment.  With a 100% ready-to-operate result in mind, we use our experience and expertise to anticipate and address every possibility.  We ask all the right questions, and, like all good contractors, we know the value of good listening. 

The first and foremost consideration in plant relocation is timeframe.   Where and when must the new facility be up, commissioned and running?  Instead of taking a start-to-finish approach, we target the startup of the new facility and coordinates the project “backward” from there.  This helps to eliminate loose ends and makes it easier to identify potential trouble spots before they happen. 

Relocation begins with cleaning and decommissioning.  Existing utilities and electrical are safely cut and capped.  Refrigerants, oils and liquids are recovered and reclaimed.  Lead and asbestos is tested, contained, and addressed appropriately.  Contaminated soil is properly removed and replaced.  Travel logistics are reviewed and coordinated with exacting detail and all necessary permits are obtained.  Decommissioning must occur in a precise sequence, so the same technical knowledge that went into assembling the original plant is needed to systematically take it apart and relocate it.  Certain systems, like HVAC and process cooling, are often required to remain up and running while other equipment is removed.  O&M manuals and drawings are packed and shipped with the equipment to aid installation at the new location. 

With the capability to offer true turnkey plant relocation to anywhere in the world, R. Baker & Son exemplifies a total-care contractor.  If you are considering plant or equipment relocation, please contact Art Sferlazzo to discuss what we can do for you. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million). Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: http://www.rbaker.com

An Interview with David S Baker - President of R. Baker & Son

Living in Media recently conducted an interview of David S. Baker, president of R. Baker & Son. The entire interview can be seen on their website by going to People On The Move - David S. Baker

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards) and is financially strong (bonding capabilities over $10 Million). Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery & plant moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, wrecking, selective demolition , demolition contractors in NJ and warehousing.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Website: www.rbaker.com

For more information visit our website or contact Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM atdkozul@rbaker.com