Essential PPE: Hard Hats

Because there are a myriad of potential hazards in the rigging and demolition industry, wearing the proper protective equipment is imperative to protecting worker safety. Head injuries, which can prove fatal or cause permanent impairment, are particularly dangerous, so one of the most important pieces of PPE in an R. Baker & Son crew member’s arsenal is the hard hat.

In general, protective headgear should always be worn in situations in which there is risk of falling or moving objects, fixed objects such as pipes or beams on which one might strike their head, and/or risk of accidental contact with electrical hazards. For construction, rigging, and demolition workers, these hazards are always present and hard hats should be worn at all times. At minimum, hard hats should be resistant to penetration, capable of absorbing the shock of a blow, water and burn resistant, and should display clear instructions for use.

There are three industrial classes for hard hats. Class A headgear provides impact and penetration resistance and electrical protection up to 2,200 volts. Class B is designed to provide maximum protection against electrical shock, up to 20,000 volts, as well as impact and penetration protection. Class C offers lightweight impact protection and does not protect against electric shock. R. Baker & Son workers typically wear Class B hard hats.

Hard hats require regular maintenance and daily inspection to ensure they meet or exceed safety regulations and standards. Headgear that is perforated, cracked, or otherwise deformed should be discarded and replaced, well as those that show loss of surface gloss, chalking, or flaking, which can indicate excessive exposure to heat or chemicals. Suspension systems that appear damaged or worn must be promptly replaced. Always replace a hard hat that sustains an impact, even if damage is not visible.

R.Baker & Son, All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com
http://rbaker.com/demolition-contractors-new-jersey.php

R. Baker & Son in New Jersey: Utility Safety During Demolition

Demolition in New Jersey requires considerable planning when it comes to utilities. Before R. Baker & Son begins a project, multiple above-ground and below-ground utilities must be considered and identified, and may need to be shut off, disconnected, and/or relocated in order to perform demolition.

Prior to starting demolition, each utility company must be contacted. Local representatives or field engineers will be assigned to the project and may require submission of drawings, applications, and/or permits pertaining to the individual utilities. For example, electrical lines will need to be shut down, relocated, tested, and reenergized under the supervision of the electric company, who may also need to notify nearby customers of power interruptions. Similarly, water lines may require that valves be shut down and verified that they hold, and pressure taken off the line and locked out for worker safety. Gas lines may need to be shut down, pressure relieved and purged of all residual gas, and verified before work can commence.

Fiber optic cables and cable TV also require coordination with the utility companies. Fiber optic cables carry significant amount of data, and a severed line can affect service to thousands of commercial and residential customers. Damage to TV cables can cause outages for numerous customers as well.

Utility representatives will mark where underground utilities are located with paint and flags to prevent accidents and unnecessary interruptions. The most common method for locating utilities is using a tick tracer or sensitive metal detectors to locate piping or electrical lines. Though drawings and as-builts are valuable aids in locating utilities, it should be noted that there may be inaccuracies, and sometimes these drawings have been misplaced and can’t be located. Also, easements that give utilities a right of way to exist are often unmarked, and as NJ is the most densely populated state, there is an increased chance of accidental damage to utilities.

Lastly, when removing utilities during demolition, it is important to preserve all meters and return them to the utility company. For more information on utilities during demolition, please contact R. Baker & Son at 732-222-3553. 

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

Refinery Selective Demolition Project

R. Baker was recently involved in a large selective demolition project at a petroleum refinery/research center located in northern New Jersey.  The project to make way for a new exhaust system and new lab hoods throughout the facility was a complex one, complicated by the facility’s fortress-like construction, with rebar-reinforced, 12-inch-thick floors, walls, ceiling, and roof. Baker crews performed demolition, coring, cutting, rigging, and assembly.

Removal of the equipment was the first, and easiest - stage of the project.  During this enabling phase R. Baker & Son crew members worked closely with the client to determine which pieces of equipment and fixtures would be removed and when so lab users would have advance knowledge to temporarily work around the missing equipment. 

When the selective demolition was completed, the more difficult tasks began.  Floors were x-rayed to determine to determine where electrical conduit was located. X-rays were performed at night to minimize radiation risks to building occupants. The images required careful study to differentiate between rebar and conduit throughout the floor. 

Once electrical conduits were identified, they were traced to the nearest electrical panel, and circuits were isolated and rerouted so the floors could be cored.  These circular passageways ranged from eight inches to eighteen inches in diameter throughout the facility.  Because the coring machine was water cooled, conduits had to be plugged with clay to prevent water from flowing down into the labs through conduit openings.  Some areas could not be cored and had to be jackhammered to expose the conduits and make way for control wiring risers.  The entire effort was coordinated with a structural engineer and the HVAC designer. 

New ductwork, fire dampers, and controls were installed within the openings throughout the building.  Large new exhaust fans and plenums were rigged onto the roof, and new lab fume hoods were assembled and installed in all labs.  The new lab exhaust system worked in conjunction with the 100% outside air system which provided 105,000 CFM of air throughout the building.  Upon completion of the new ventilation system, new pre-fabricated casework was installed where needed for lab experiments.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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

Container Cranes and Rigging

Port of New York and New Jersey home to some of world’s largest container cranes...

As part of a major expansion of the Port of New York and New Jersey, three massive shipping cranes have been erected at the Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) on Newark Bay.  The cranes, classified as super-post-Panamax, among the largest container cranes in the world, will allow the port to accept larger cargo ships that will begin shipping directly from Asia to the East Coast once the Panama Canal expansion is completed in 2015.

The cranes, shipped by manufacturer ZMPC from Shanghai aboard a specially-designed freighter, arrived in New Jersey in May 2014.  They stand 561 feet tall and, with their longer arms, are capable of rigging higher stacks of containers, and can extend farther to unload big ships that are 22 containers wide.  Previous PNCT cranes were capable of rigging a maximum of 18 rows of containers.

The $500 million PNCT expansion is part of a larger effort that includes dredging of channels in New York Harbor as well as a $1.3 billion project to raise the height of the Bayonne Bridge to allow larger ships to reach terminals in Newark and Elizabeth.

Container cranes are generally classified by their lifting capacity and size of the ships they can unload.  “Panamax” refers to cranes rigging ships capable of passing through the Panama Canal prior to its expansion.  Post-Panamax cranes can load and unload ships that are too wide to pass through the Panama Canal up to 18 containers wide.  Super-Post-Panamax cranes can rig containers from ships 22 or more containers wide.  The Panama Canal will be wide enough to accommodate most container ships once the current expansion project is completed.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Demolition.Rigging

Selective Demolition and Preserving History

R. Baker & Son has been involved with a number of high-profile New York City landmark projects, and whenever we work on historic buildings, there are multiple layers of challenges.  Most old structures have undergone numerous renovations, repairs, and other projects over many years, so you never know what you’re in for when a project begins. A recent project had numerous surprises in store. 

When demolition began, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work was exposed that required upgrading, such as knob-and-tube wiring from the early 20th century. Some of the wiring was run in old gas lines piped to gas lighting fixtures.  There were also corroded and leaking galvanized water lines that needed to be replaced with copper or PVC.  Shoddy, patch-up water leak repairs over the many years needed to be removed and repaired properly.  There were also issues with the building settling, so action needed to be taken to bring the structure back to plumb and level.  Asbestos found on old boiler and steam pipe fittings required removal and remediation.

The most interesting part of the project was identifying, preserving, and restoring irreplaceable historic objects wherever possible. Old gas chandeliers, sconces, and light fixtures, some Tiffany, were removed for reconditioning, electrical wiring, and reinstallation.  Stained glass windows were reconditioned, and a dumbwaiter that had not worked in many years was repaired and made operational.  Even copper gutters and leaders were restored where possible, as well as the building’s original brass pipe-and-horn intercom system.  Intricate woodwork in the building required careful preservation.  Original ornamental woodwork and bannisters were reconditioned, most of it in-place, and oak paneling was sealed off and protected.  A humidifier was brought in to keep the wood at the proper humidity during demolition and renovation.  Oak, cherry, and walnut doors and brass hardware was sent out for reconditioning.  Old black-and-white photographs were used to restore interior spaces and the exterior to the original design wherever possible.  The end result was a beautifully-restored NYC building.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Demolition.Rigging

RSIs: Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are activity-related injuries to the musculoskeletal system, and they are more common in construction than in any other industry. Also known as cumulative trauma disorders, repetitive motion disorders, and overuse syndrome, RSIs are the leading cause of occupational disease in the United States and cost billions of dollars each year in workers’ compensation.

Work-related RSIs result when the body is subjected to stresses caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained awkward positions. Some common RSIs are carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome, and trigger finger. Jackhammer operators can suffer hand-arm vibration syndrome, painters frequently suffer from tennis elbow, and plumbers often develop rotator cuff tendonitis from working with their arms above shoulder level.

Preventing RSIs

To prevent RSI, identify hazards in the workplace and take steps to correct them. Be aware of early symptoms such as pain or tingling in neck, shoulders, arms or hands. Break up prolonged repetitive movement with rest periods, or by rotating tasks. Stretch or move around if you experience any task-related discomfort. Use ergonomic tools specifically designed for the task at hand. Arrange layout of tools and equipment to minimize excessive stretching and bending, and practice proper lifting techniques. Because cold can increase RSIs, especially those related to vibration, wear gloves or use hand warmers when possible. Use ergonomic PPEs such as back supports, wrist and arm supports, and elbow and knee pads, vibration dampening gear, and boots with good ankle support.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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

Mold Remediation on Demolition Projects

Oftentimes while performing demolition, selective demolition, dismantling, plant decommissioning or plant relocation projects, R. Baker & Son encounters mold growth.  Mold exposure can cause adverse health issues ranging from mild to very serious, so it is important that mold remediation is performed properly.  R. Baker & Son is expert in various environmental services including mold remediation.

Mold is a fungus that requires excess moisture to grow. This moisture can be come from a variety of sources such as flooding, leaks, poor drainage, standing water, sweating pipes, inadequate dehumidification, etc. If the building is not undergoing total demolition, it is important to identify and eliminate the source of the moisture. 

Merely applying a biocide such as bleach is not enough to eliminate health threats, as mold maintains its allergenic and toxic qualities even when in a non-viable state.  Mold must be physically removed using a specifically a formulated detergent solution, or effected building materials must be completely removed from the environment.  Where mold growth is extensive, remediation must be carefully controlled to minimize health and building contamination risks.

Because mold remediation was developed using asbestos abatement practices, the two abatement methods are similar with the exception of using water to suppress airborne particles. Affected areas must be contained with plastic sheeting to prevent mold from contaminating other building areas.  Remediation workers must be equipped with proper PPE including respirator, gloves, goggles, and, at times, protective suits. Mold-contaminated materials should be removed in large pieces where possible to avoid aerosolizing mold spores, then sealed in heavy polyethylene bags or sheeting.  After a settlement, remediation workers should clean the area with HEPA vacuums and damp-wiping with a bleach solution.  Air ducts, ventilation systems, and air handling units should be evaluated and remediated as well. 

When mold is encountered on any type of project, R. Baker & Son personnel are 100% OSHA safety trained and equipped to handle mold remediation, as well as many other environmental services.  Please contact us at 732-222-3553 to discuss your needs. 

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

Complex Enabling Project

Baker was contracted by a customer to perform enabling work for a project involving critical shutdowns, tie-ins, and repairs on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and sanitary systems.  R. Baker’s portion of the project was to support a schedule of complex tasks in a production facility that could not afford extended down time. 

Because most of the shutdown work was scheduled to be done during weekends, R. Baker & Son’s preparation work, selective demolition and rigging was performed during the week.  Separate teams were designated for each enabling projects.  One project entailed removing ceilings then enclosing the open area with transparent plastic sheeting to enable visual inspection of the area.  This allowed crews to perform selective demolition and other work during weekday nights while facility production was not running.  The temporary ceiling allowed teams to trace, identify, and remove all unnecessary ductwork, wire, piping, etc., and replace them with new systems in preparation for future roof HVAC units. 

Enabling work was also performed on underground systems where piping locations were identified, video cameras were used for internal pipe inspection, flooring was saw cut, and new prefab piping was prepared to drop in the trench to replace the deteriorating and non-functioning existing systems.  The work was performed area by area, system by system, while working closely with users so as not to affect ongoing production. 

To ensure that the enabling work went smoothly, a detailed schedule was assembled showing which shutdowns had to be performed and when to support the overall electrical/mechanical schedules and startups.  Tight scheduling necessitated the development of a Method of Procedure (MOP), a roadmap detailing the sequence of activities, the crews involved, and allotted time for each task over each weekend three-shift-per-day period.  The entire project management team met twice weekly to ensure that all support work would be completed in time for each scheduled shutdown, and that all material and personnel were set in place in accordance with the schedule. 

Complex projects such as this are very challenging, and obstacles and unknowns are to be expected.  R. Baker & Son’s seasoned demolition and rigging team utilized years of experience, out-of-the-box thinking, and a can-do attitude to tackle the job and get the work done to the client’s satisfaction.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status).

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Redbank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Recycling is an important part of any R. Baker & Son demolition, dismantlement, decommissioning, or plant relocation project.  Among the materials that can be recycled are metal, concrete, brick, cardboard, mineral fiber panel, plastic, clean wood, glass, gypsum wallboard, carpet and insulation.  Waste that that may contain hazardous materials cannot be directly recycled and require proper handling and disposal.  Fluorescent bulbs are often carefully packaged and sent to a recycling facility during demolition projects, but what happens to them once they reach the recycling facility is a mystery to most people.

A fluorescent bulb can contain anywhere from 5 to 50 mg of mercury, which is highly toxic to the nervous system and kidneys.  Each year, an estimated 600 million bulbs go un-recycled and are instead sent to landfills or incinerators, resulting in the release of 30,000 pounds of mercury vapor into the environment. The EPA strongly recommends recycling spent bulbs, and many states have banned them from solid waste landfills. 

Upon arrival at a recycling plant, workers remove fluorescent bulbs from their packaging and feed them into specialized recycling equipment.  The machinery is fully-automated and -contained to prevent the release of hazardous mercury into the air. Mercury-containing phosphor power is separated from glass and metal by-products and collected into containers.  The contaminated powder is then retorted to extract and isolate the mercury.  In the end, all of the remaining materials – glass, metal end caps, powder, and mercury – can be recycled. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status).

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-222-3553
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Demolition.Rigging

Qualified Riggers vs. Certified Riggers: What is the Difference?

The terms “qualified” and “certified” are often used interchangeably in the rigging industry, but many construction professionals don’t know the difference. OSHA standards require that qualified riggers must be used during hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly work, or when workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or connecting a load to a component or structure. However, OSHA does not require that riggers be “certified”.  So why is it important that a rigger is certified? What exactly do these terms mean?

Qualified Rigger

OSHA only loosely specifies who meets the criteria of a qualified rigger, leaving the final determination up to the employer. A qualified rigger “possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, OR who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads”. Qualified riggers do not, however have to be certified by accredited organization or third party. Under these criteria, a rigger with extensive hands-on experience, but no formal training or certifications, may be considered a qualified rigger. 

Certified Rigger

A certified rigger is a person who has passed stringent written and practical exams related to rigging.  Accredited organizations such as NCCCO offer rigger certification testing, as well as many crane and rigging training schools. Most programs offer basic, intermediate, and advanced certifications.  Advanced-certified riggers generally have substantial rigging experience and have completed master rigger courses and training.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services has been offering rigging and demolition services since 1936. Our impressive in-house team of rigging professionals, one of the best in the industry, is comprised of highly-experienced, qualified and intermediate-to-advanced-certified riggers, master riggers, and engineers, and our rigging equipment is state-of-the-art.  R. Baker & Son can handle industrial, pharmaceutical, and commercial rigging projects of nearly any size and complexity. 

Contact Information:

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553

Web: http://rbaker.com/news.php

Man Baskets in Rigging, Demolition, and Dismantling

Suspended personnel platforms, commonly known as man baskets, crane baskets, crane cages, or construction baskets, are important equipment in the rigging and demolition industry.  R. Baker & Son frequently uses man baskets suspended from crane load lines to hoist rigging and demolition personnel to access elevated, hard-to-reach areas.  It is often the only means available for steel and concrete structures.  OSHA strictly prohibits use of crane-mounted man baskets when no other safe alternative, such as ladders, scaffolding, aerial lift, etc., is possible. 

Rigging crews and crane operators must observe strict rules and safety regulations when employing a man bucket.  The crane must be placed on firm, stable ground and riggers must perform a proof test each time a basket is installed.  The basket must be hoisted with 125% of the rated load, held for five minutes, and inspected for safety. 

Trial lifts are required at each setup location immediately before workers enter the basket.  Riggers must load the basket with the anticipated working weight and run it through the work path to ensure that all systems are working safely and properly and there are interferences. Man basket occupants must wear a body belt or harness with a lanyard to prevent falls and should stand only on the floor of the basket. Tools, materials, and equipment must be properly distributed and secured before rigging.

Contact Information:

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://rbaker.com/news.php

Plant Relocation

Plant relocation can be a complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning, communication, and preparation.  A comprehensive schedule must be developed that will seamlessly ramp down the vacating facility while simultaneously phasing in production at the new plant. This should include testing and commissioning. Close coordination and communication among the plant relocation contractor, designers, and facility managers is vital to accurate schedule development. 

Detailed drawings of the equipment layout in the vacating plant will be needed when planning utilities and locating equipment in the new facility. Existing equipment must be assessed to determine which will be relocated reused, and whether it will require refurbishment. Equipment slated for plant relocation must meets local code in the new facility. 

All relocated equipment must be meticulously identified, logged, and tagged, and utility connections and separation points must be accurately noted. Utility systems and structural modifications needed in the new plant must be identified, designed and installed to ensure that equipment installation, testing, and commissioning can smoothly occur without a hitch. 

R. Baker & Son provides comprehensive turnkey service for all phases of industrial and commercial plant relocation.  Services include dismantlement and relocation planning, match marking, heavy machinery moving, rigging, relocation, reassembly, reinstallation, and startup.  Projects are performed with minimal disruption regardless of scale. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
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Understanding Brownfields

A brownfield site is land previously used for commercial or industrial purposes, the reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of low-level hazardous waste or pollutants. Once cleaned up, brownfields have the potential for reuse, usually with restrictions to minimize exposure from possible leftover contaminants.  Cleanup of brownfield properties protects the environment, reduces blight, provides job opportunities, and reduces development pressures on green space in other areas.  R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services are expert providers of decommissioning, demolition, hazardous material abatement, asset recovery, and environmental remediation services that can aid in brownfield recovery and redevelopment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Investigation and cleanup of brownfield sites is regulated by state environmental agencies in cooperation with the EPA.  Many state and federal programs provide funding, technical and assessment help, and tax incentives.

Brownfield sites can be redeveloped in numerous ways.  They can be reused for housing, or for new commercial or industrial development, or green spaces for recreational use.  Many brownfields are used for the development of renewable energy sources such as wind farms, solar arrays, and geothermal plants.  Most already have existing electrical and transmission capacity and are zoned for industrial use, making them ideal for energy generation.

For more information on brownfields and land revitalization, please contact R. Baker & Son at 732-222-3553.

R. Baker & Son
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Web: http://www.rbaker.com

Reduce Emissions on Diesel Rigging and Demolition Machinery

On January 1, 2014, the Tier 4 Final emissions standard set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for off-road diesel engines went into effect.  Manufacturers are now required to produce diesel engines with advanced emissions control technologies, and heavy construction, demolition, and rigging equipment such as cranes and excavators must now meet standards that reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions to near-zero levels. 

The new Tier 4 standard only applies to the manufacture of equipment, but state and local emissions regulations are rapidly changing, and many environmentally-conscious clients demand greener equipment on construction, rigging and demolition projects as well.  R. Baker & Son is in the process of updating our fleet of rigging and demolition equipment through retrofit technology and new purchases.  We fully comply with all rigging and demolition emissions regulations and can meet even the most stringent of our clients’ environmental needs.  At R. Baker & Son, we care about the environment and are firmly committed to reducing our carbon footprint to ensure a better future. 

Contact Information:

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://rbaker.com/news.php

R. Baker & Son Rigging Project

R. Baker & Son recently performed a rigging project to install two large lyophilizers on the second floor of a large pharmaceutical plant. Because some pieces were as large as 60,000 lbs., the floor had to be reinforced along the route in which the loads were to be rigged before work could begin.  A structural engineer helped R. Baker & Son design the support system to shore up existing steel members and approved the final drawings, and the floor reinforcements were constructed. 

The lyophilizer pieces were transported by truck to the project site, and a crane was maneuvered into the tight access area where a platform had been constructed at the building opening.  One by one, the Baker crew rigged lyophilizer chambers, refrigeration skids, and condensing skids from the trailer to the platform and rolled the live loads on skates into the building.  Riggers carefully transported the live loads along the 100-ft. route marked on protective heavy-duty masonite sheeting.  

Precise placement of the lyophilizers was imperative to ensure that adjacent equipment could be connected properly, so laser-aligned holes were pre-drilled in the floor.  R. Baker & Son carefully rigged, set, assembled, and secured each piece of equipment.  The project was successfully completed on-time and on-budget. 

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Fax: 732-450-0311
Web: http://www.rbaker.com
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New York City Demolition Waste by David Baker

New York City generates over 14 tons of waste, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste accounts for more than 60%. C&D waste is defined as uncontaminated solid waste.  C&D abatement operations are regulated by the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).  Depending on the nature of a demolition project, permits must be issued by one or any combination of the three agencies. 

Though New York City strictly enforces disposition of construction and demolition debris, it encourages but does not require recycling of C&D waste.  R. Baker & Son is wholly committed to reuse and recycling of demolition debris to ease environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and save energy. Demolition waste materials that are currently recycled include asphalt, brick, corrugated cardboard, carpet, concrete, drywall, film plastic, fluorescent lamps, glass, land clearing debris, metal, pallets, roofing, and wood. Renovation, demolition and dismantling projects may also yield salvageable materials that can be reused, such as appliances, architectural features, circuit breakers, office furniture, windows and doors, and wood timbers.  Certain solid waste cannot be categorized as construction and demolition debris.  This can include asbestos, fluorescent lights, carpeting, etc. 

Currently, there are eighty regulated construction and demolition waste processing facilities in New York State, and 280 registered C&D waste processing facilities.  Registered facilities process wood, concrete, masonry, steel, asphalt, brick, soil, and rock that are uncontaminated. In 2010 these facilities processed 11.5 million tons of construction and demolition debris and recovered about 6.3 million tons of material. 

As part of our commitment to divert construction and demolition debris from landfills and incineration facilities, R. Baker & Son is 100% LEED compliant and ensures that clients receive all LEED rating points (up to 14 points) available in our portion of a project.  Recycling and/or salvage of C&D debris can earn 1-2 LEED points.  Diversion of 50% of demolition waste is worth 1 point, and 75% earns 2 points. Non-LEED projects may also qualify for LEED points if construction and demolition debris is appropriately recycled or salvaged. 

photo courtesy of USGBC

R. Baker & Son Supports Women, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Businesses

SDVOSB

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is owned by Walter Baker, a service-disabled veteran, and we are members of Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).  We support other veteran-owned businesses, as well businesses owned by women and minorities, through our many successful efforts to team with these firms on projects.  R. Baker & Son contributes to and actively attends functions hosted by the New Jersey chapter of PWC (Professional Women in Construction), including the upcoming Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in celebration of Women’s History Month set to take place on March 12, 2014 at The Newark Club. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition,  wrecking and razing,  rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

1 Globe Court

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-222-3553

Fax: 732-450-0311

Web: http://www.rbaker.com

PPE Basics Hand Protection

Hand and arm injuries account for one third of all construction-related injuries. With proper use of job appropriate PPE, most of these injuries can be prevented, and there are many choices available that are far more comfortable and provide better dexterity and protection than the lightweight cotton or bulky leather gloves of the past. 

Different trades require different levels of protection from various hazards, and gloves should be chosen accordingly based on specific need. For example, rigging and demolition workers require gloves that offer greater resistance to cuts, punctures, and abrasions, while other trades may be may be more susceptible to chemical hazards, heat, or cold. When dexterity is particularly important, workers should wear gloves that allow them to perform intricate tasks without having to remove them. Vibration-dampening and impact resistant gloves are recommended for workers who operate equipment that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and other cumulative trauma disorders such as jackhammers and pneumatic tools.

OSHA requires that employers supply proper hand protection and recommends ANSI standards as a guideline. PPE vendors may also refer to ASTM standards to assist customer selection.

To also read about Rigging Safety Guidelines.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

1 Globe Court

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Phone: 732-222-3553

Fax: 732-450-0311

Web: http://www.rbaker.com

R. Baker & Son Top-Rated by ISNetworld®

ISNetworld® is the leading global resource for connecting clients with safe, reliable, sustainable contractors. R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is a proud member of ISNetworld® and maintains an A-rating.

ISNetworld® is an online contractor management database that collects health and safety, procurement, and regulatory information from contractors and suppliers, verifies its accuracy, relevance, and timeliness, and rate’s the contractor’s level of ISN compliance. By centralizing conformance information, prequalification is streamlined, and clients are better able to connect with contractors that best meet their regulatory and internal requirements.

R. Baker & Son is fully committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety, customer satisfaction, and all-around excellence. As an A-rated member of ISNetworld®, clients can be guaranteed of R. Baker & Son’s 100% compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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

R. Baker & Son Partners on Numerous OSHA VPP Star Projects

OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program, or VPP, was created in 1982 to recognize and partner with businesses and worksites that demonstrate excellence in occupational safety and health, with systems that effectively prevent workplace injuries and illnesses above and beyond the industry norm. R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, an industry leader in rigging, demolition, dismantling, and plant decommissioning, has been directly involved in nearly a dozen VPP projects earning the coveted STAR status, the highest rating level awarded by OSHA, as well as many VPP MERIT projects.

According to OSHA, the average VPP construction worksite has a lost workday incidence rate that is more than 50 percent lower than the national average.  Participants must meet stringent healthy and safety criteria, and worksites must undergo a rigorous evaluation by a team of OSHA experts to received VPP certification. Of the firms that qualify, only a select few “best-of-the-best” sites achieve the highly-demanding STAR status, with the great majority receiving a MERIT designation.

Our frequent participation on VPP STAR construction projects demonstrates our clients’ recognition of R. Baker & Son’s firm dedication to the exceeding  the highest health and safety standards in our industry.  We are proud to partner with VPP STAR firms that share in our level of commitment to maintaining the safest, cleanest work environments possible. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in nearly a dozen projects achieving OSHA VPP Star status). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

Demolition, wrecking and razing, rigging, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business / SDVOSB, salvage, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and machinery moving, building demolition, riggers, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, interior demolition, investment and asset recovery.

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

R. Baker & Son: EPA’s Website Simplifies Compliance

Demolition, dismantling and decommissioning have the potential to expose our environment to significant dangers.  Failure to control pollution can damage waterways and wetlands, contaminate groundwater, kill wildlife, and release hazardous substances into the air.  Materials such asbestos and lead are known cause significant health problems and deadly diseases.  Contractors must comply with regulations and follow practices that eliminate risks to health and the environment when handling hazardous materials.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacts and enforces the numerous regulations related to the construction and demolition sector.  In order to streamline and simplify compliance, the EPA provides regulatory information, documents, and guidelines on their website, www.epa.gov.  Topics include asbestos, lead, demolition waste, and storm water runoff.  EPA construction and demolition sector regulatory information can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/regulatory-information-sector/construction-sector-naics-23

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services operates in strict compliance of all federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations, and our personnel are we are expert in environmental remediation and decontamination.  All demolition debris and hazardous materials are properly designated, recycled, and disposed of, and 100% LEED compliance is guaranteed. 

About R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services

R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in business since 1935, is a premier specialized contractor operating in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with over one hundred employees and an exemplary safety record (we have been directly involved in four sites that received VPP OSHA Safety Awards). R. Baker & Son is financially strong, with bonding capabilities over $10 million. Capabilities include industrial and commercial demolition, rigging, machinery- and plant-moving, dismantling, decommissioning, plant and equipment relocation, interior demolition, selective demolition, warehousing, wrecking and razing, millwright, plant reconfigurations, heavy rigging, salvage, environmental services, remediation, decontamination, abatement, and investment and asset recovery.

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