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