The world has become very dependent upon plastic products. From household items to industry and aerospace, plastic in its many formulations has transformed modern manufacturing and created conveniences and economies unimagined in the early decades of the 20th century.

Injection Molds
The injection molding industry took hold in 1946 when James Hendry built a screw injection molding machine. But, his technology was based on an earlier invention by John Wesley Hyatt who, in 1868 injected hot celluloid into a mold to make billiard balls. Hyatt's method used a plunger to force the material inside a mold. Hendry's improvement was revolutionary because it eliminated the plunger and replaced it with an auger-type action that better distributed material and facilitated the use of plastic inside molds.

Today's injection molds use much the same process and produce a wide variety of products from car panels to outdoor furniture, small toys and tools. Injection molding is ubiquitous in manufacturing and uses many different materials from polymer plastics to aluminum, copper and other metals. The plastic bottles and kitchen implements people use in everyday life are products of the injection process.

Because the metal molds are generally expensive to produce, injection molding is most economically used when thousands of pieces are being manufactured. Molds are made of hardened steel or, more recently, aluminum which is less expensive.

The Injection Process
Described very simply, molten plastic is injected into the mold under high heat and pressure. The goal is to have the molten plastic material evenly flow to all parts of the mold, creating an exact, consistent, solid plastic replica of the mold cavity. After a brief cooling cycle, the mold or tooling mechanically ejects the plastic part which then moves on through the manufacturing process. In the injection molding industry, this is a completely automated process that's very fast and extremely efficient.

Rotational Molding
Rotational molding is yet another method of producing multiple products, most often made with a variety of plastic powders. This process is usually used in making hollow products such as traffic cones, canoes, kayaks, bicycle helmets and giant tanks used for water or chemical storage.

Like Injection molding, rotational molding had its roots in the 1940s. But it was not until the technology was more sophisticated and new polymer and plastic formulations became available that the rotational process became a mainstream manufacturing method.

Rotational Process
The two processes are quite different. Let's consider, for example, a 300 gallon water storage tank made of polyethylene. Picture a master mold made of aluminum or steel. The plastics manufacturer pours poly resin powder into the mold that is fitted inside an oven. Once sealed, the mold is mechanically turned on at least three axes, moving much like a gyroscope. At the same time, the oven is raised to an appropriate temperature and the polymer - or other material - tumbles inside and slowly coats the inner walls of the mold, melting as it rotates.

Once the optimal temperature is reached, the mold is cooled. As the temperature of the mold itself falls, the product on the inside shrinks away from the inner walls and is easily removed. This is not always the case with injection molds that are often more difficult to successfully remove. The shrinking action of rotational molding is particularly desirable when the product is very large and awkward to handle.

Rotational molding is also more economical for some products because less material is used. In addition, the polymer that is left over from one mold can be used in another. The method itself is more streamlined than injection molding, which requires more interlocking parts.

Materials Improve and Expand
Most products made with the rotational molding method are from the polyethylene family. Other materials include nylons, polypropylene and PVC plastics. Some manufacturers have developed formulas that integrate the use of natural materials such as sand and chips of stone to make products.

Plastic and resin products are now an integral part of everyday life and supply us with items as tiny as paper clips and as big as storage tanks. As the industry developed, so too has environmental awareness about the safety and use of these petrochemical-based products. Today, materials can meet the specifications of FDA requirements, and other health and safety related regulations. Producers are also cooperating to create products that can be recycled.

What it is for

The systems are used for thermal vacuum dehydration and degasification of electrical insulating and lubricating oils in order to withdraw free and soluble water, gas as well as for removal of particulates. They are applied while installation, repair and operation of oil-filled high-voltage equipment.

What it consists of

- system is mounted in a metallic frame 1;
- vacuum vessel 2;
- gear type pump 3;
- vacuum pump 4;
- unitized controller 5;
- pipeline;
- primary cartridge filter 6;
- fine cartridge filter 7.

The vacuum vessel is a cylindrical chamber which is placed in a casing. There are also electrical heaters to heat oil under processing in the casing. The vessel is heat-insulated outside. In the upper part of the chamber there an oil sparger is set. The vacuum vessel is connected with atmosphere through the moisture separating filter and throttle. Rate of exhaustion in the chamber is regulated by the throttle.

The gear type pumps are equipped with a bypass line which has taps and safety valves on it. The drive mechanism of each pump is an asynchronous three-phase motor with a squirrel cage rotor (2.2 KW and 1440 rpm).

The vacuum pump is intended for exhaustion in the chamber.

The vacuum pipeline is equipped with a siphon compensator, back-pressure valve, moisture separator, non-return valves and vacuum reduction valves.

Heater drive circuit is interlocked with pump drive circuit. In the control cabinet is located magnetic starter, heat regulator supporting set range temperature, indicator lamp.

How it works

The purification system operates in modes as follows

- filtration mode
- filtration, heating and thermal vacuum purification mode
- degasification mode

The filtration mode

Through the input valve and mesh filter the deteriorated oil is sucked by the gear type pump and then through the primary cartridge filter and three-way valve goes to the processed oil vessel.

Filtration, heating and thermal vacuum purification mode

Through the input valve and mesh filter the deteriorated oil is sucked in by the gear type pump and through the primary filter goes to the casing of the vacuum vessel. There the oil is heated with the electric heaters up to 60°C and subsequently moves to the sparger of the vacuum vessel. Vacuum in the vessel is supported by the vacuum pump. Rate of exhaustion in the vessel is regulated with the throttle and controlled by the vacuometer. Air gets to the vessel through the moisture separator. Gases and vapors are carried away off the oil surface with rising stream of air so that the oil becomes dried. Next humid air is taken out through the moisture separator to atmosphere with the vacuum pump. The gear type pump directs purified oil through the fine filter and back valve to the purified oil vessel.

Degasification mode

Being sucked by the gear type pump the deteriorated oil moves through the input valve, mesh filter and cartridge filter to the casing of the vacuum vessel to heated there and be directed to the sparger. As was mentioned above vacuum is supported by the vacuum pump. In the sparger there occurs separation of gases from the oil. The gases are taken out through the oil separator to atmosphere by the vacuum pump. Being directed by the gear type pump the degassed oil moves through the fine filter and back valve to the purified oil vessel.

Potentially saving time, money and effort it is worth bearing in mind that there are likely two main reasons that the equipment is available for purchase second hand. That it's no longer reliable or that it's no longer needed for reasons of insolvency, upgrade or a change in the operation. You can minimize the risks of purchasing used farm equipment by buying from a reputable source and getting the maintenance records.

It's widely considered that the safest bet when picking up used machinery is the local machinery dealer as they usually know the history of the machine and may have even reconditioned it themselves. Often they will provide a warranty on the machine and help get it up and running.

On the other hand, the riskiest place to purchase machinery is likely to be at auctions as often there are no maintenance records available, and the real reasons as to why the machine is being sold might not be known. The pace of an auction is also usually quite fast for the inexperienced buyer to keep on top of things.

Somewhere between the lurking threat of an auction and the comfortable expense of a local dealer lies the wonder of the Internet. Buying online will certainly offer you the greatest choice of equipment. It's also likely to provide some of the most competitive pricing.

Online farm equipment classifieds and agricultural machinery chat rooms provide a rich source of great used equipment deals with the Internet playing a valuable role in helping get better deals since it's easy to find used machinery prices. If used wisely the Internet is probably the best bet when it comes to purchasing equipment especially if it leads you to a local dealer who you can buy from using Internet prices. It's the best of both worlds.

Wherever you source your used equipment it is worth remembering a few pieces of advice. Firstly, the brand of machinery is very important when it comes to finding a dealer for repair and parts service. Some brands have better resale when you may want to sell the machine on.

Don't be seduced by a new coat of paint - it can cover many defects. Always check under the bonnet for knocks and bangs and be sure to get the equipment up and running. Check the bearings, knuckles, joints or working parts for damage or indications of wear. Listen to the equipment running and check for excessive exhaust or smoke.

Try to but as locally as possible. The problem when buying from afar being that when you take into account expenses such as fuel, travel time, hired help, trailer rental and lost income you may actually find that you're not getting as good a deal as you thought.

There are three primary reasons why cost savings are so valued. The first simply being that cost savings have a beneficial effect on the bottom line which is good news for any purchaser. The second is that any savings can be reallocated to the purchase of additional equipment and potentially improve efficiency. The third is that higher quality, more effective and efficient used machinery can now be brought in for no additional overall expenditure.

Traditionally, used machinery has largely been bought and sold through local auctions and sales. New machinery and used machinery is sometimes surplus to requirements, sometimes available through insolvency. Farming and construction publications also display advertisements for new and used machinery.

In recent years a vast new market in used machinery has evolved driven by the Internet, including numerous industry related sites offering huge data bases of equipment much of it with detailed specifications and images and sophisticated search options to help you find the specific machine to suit your needs. Products from a range of well known manufactures such as Bobcat, Case IH, Caterpillar, Claas, Fiat-Hitachi, Fendt, Ford, Hitachi, Ingersoll Rand, JCB, John Deere, Komatsu, Leibherr, Link-Belt, Massey Ferguson, Steyr, Valtra, and Volvo are all readily available.

Not only has purchasing of used farming machinery and plant machinery never been easier, it's also never been better value for money. Online competition is hot and so are many prices. From tractors, sprayers, spreaders, tippers and trailers to irrigation equipment, pumps, mowers and harvesters it's all out there and it's often excellent value.

The usual advantages of buying online can all be seen to apply to machinery:

1.Price: items are usually cheaper on the Web because of online competition. Storage, staff costs and overheads in general tend to be lower.

2. Convenience: purchasing can be much easier on the Internet. It can be done at home, at a convenient time and be very quick.

3. Breadth of choice: Internet shopping allows you access to a wide range of suppliers all around the world. Online suppliers can also carry a much larger stock by aggregating products from a range of smaller suppliers or acting as a dealer portal.

4.Quick delivery: most Internet sites are able to deliver within a few days.

Of course there are sensible precautions that it would be wise to take before investing hard earned money in used machinery. You'll ideally want to personally inspect and test any equipment and take delivery of logbooks, certificates and warranties. You may even wish to have a certified third party inspect the equipment. You may have to pay a little extra to get hold of it but clean, good conditioned low use kit will likely save you time and money in the long run.

If it's great value farm machinery you're looking for have a look online today - you may well find yourself a bargain!

Any type of heavy duty machinery needs to be properly stored and secured during transport. That avoids the machinery from becoming damaged and keeps individuals from getting injured if people are in the vicinity of the equipment during transport. In this case, we're referring to strapping machines.

Strapping machines are used in strapping together objects for transport. Many times this includes boxes of merchandise stacked upon a pallet that need to be transported in that stack. The strapping keeps them from falling over and becoming damaged or causing injury. Sometimes, strapping machines need to be transported as well for strapping reasons. Sometimes it is good to have one on hand in the truck in case any strapping does come loose and the items need re-strapped. But how do you properly store and secure a strapping machine for transport? It would be terrible to hit a bump and such an expensive piece of equipment meet an untimely demise. Then again, what if a person were in the vicinity at that time? That could get a bit ugly.

Storing and securing

There are several ways that some businesses choose to secure their strapping machines during transport. Those methods include a bolted down box large enough to house the strapping machine or a wall mounted unit that keeps it secure.

Below is an explanation of how each method can keep your strapping machine secure:

• The bolted down box method can be successful for a number of reasons. First of all, the box should be metal or a hard plastic that is very durable. It should have a lid to keep the strapping machine inside. However, you want to make sure that it cannot move around inside the box. That means using materials such as Styrofoam or another sturdy packing material to ensure there is no movement inside the box whatsoever. What this does is keeps the strapping machine perfectly stable and keeps it out of the way of anyone who needs to work around in that area.

• Some choose to use a wall mount method. This includes using brackets and straps to secure it to the wall. This keeps it out of the floor, allowing for more floor space in the cargo area. This is opposed from using a box bolted to the floor, which can take up some floor space. However, the wall mount method needs to be done carefully. If it is not secure, then the strapping machine can become airborne if it is necessary for the driver to slam on their brakes. This can damage the strapping machine, which can cause a bad situation in the case that the strapping machine is needed during transport.

Other creative means

Of course, strapping machine owners have come up with their own ways to store and secure their strapping machines that they have found to be successful, but doing so can be a bit dangerous if it has never been done before. The above methods are frequently used methods that are effective in keeping both you and your equipment safe. What happens is you're protecting your investment and also protecting those who have to work around the strapping machine.

The most important thing is to be sure everyone involved is using their head. Anytime anyone thinks, "I'll just lay it in the floor because I'm sure nothing will happen" is the individual who gets into trouble because the strapping machine is damaged, merchandise that was in the way of the flying strapping machine was damaged, or someone was injured. So be sure to properly store and secure your strapping machine prior to transport.

There is nothing more dangerous in any home or business than a poorly marked electrical circuit. Technology has brought numerous developments over the years, but those developments have led to a greater demand for energy and thus electrical wiring. As such, in any home, office and larger business premises, there are commonly wires everywhere. As such, it is important to have an effective and efficient wire and cable marking system in place.

A good wire and cable marking system can help you to decipher what cables and wires lead where at a glance. This in itself is extremely useful because it has a number of functions, for both the homeowner or business staff and also any electricians that may be called in to solve any problems at a later date.

For the person operating any electrical equipment at home or at work, it is the external cabling that matters. A good wire and cable marking system can identify the wires that lead to a TV, PC, printer, telephone and anything else you may have in the one place. This can prevent confusion if one of the above is not working or needs to be unplugged for another reason. It saves the hassle of pulling out the wrong plug and risking an electric shock!

For the electrician, a wire and cable marking system can enhance the safety of the work environment and enable him or her to solve any problems much more quickly and efficiently. A wire and cable marking system effectively ensures that all wires are labelled to ensure that the electrician can follow the circuit and identify where exactly the problem lies.

Implementing a wire and cable marking system can be extremely tie consuming if one is implemented after the initial wiring to the building is already done, which is why you should ensure it is done from the start if possible. However, taking the time to do it at any stage of its lifespan could save you time and money at a later date.

Many companies offer a wire and cable marking system product so, depending on the system that you want to implement, you can choose the one that best suits your wants and needs. Any system is better than none though so look into the possibility today!

When things go wrong using a Mig Welding machine, its not 100 things going wrong. It's always 1 or 2 things causing your Mig welding problems... and it's almost always only one thing at a time.

The absolute #1 mig welding problem is a bad ground. Let me tell you a secret: your Mig welding machine is a cold hearted SOB! It does not care if you have a bad ground. It just keeps pumping out welding wire anyway. If you have ever pulled the trigger on a mig gun and it went Pop! Pop! Pop! and sounded like a drive by shooting, you probably had a bad ground. But take heart! It's not all your fault and it's an easy fix.

Mig welding machine manufacturers are in hot competition these days and just seem to cut corners on their ground clamps by not making them out of the best materials. Have you seen them? I mean please! They are so wimpy. But you can easily remedy the problem without even buying a new and better ground clamp.

Just get yourself some old welding lead or ground cable and cut off about two feet of cable. Then Strip off the insulation and tape the ends with electrical tape. Fold it in half and put the ends in a vise. Stick a screwdriver in the loop and twist it pretty tight. (When you are done it will look kind of like a French twist pastry.) Now you have a cool tool that gives you a constant ground. Why?

· Because it's copper, the best conductor of electricity.

· Its braided wire and has more contact areas than a rigid ground clamp.

When you clamp this thing to what you are welding using your old ground clamp, you have literally hundreds of little contact points that will never lose the ground...not even for a second. This is critical when mig welding because as I already mentioned, your mig machine does not know or care if you lose the ground for a second. It just keeps feeding wire. That is the number one cause for poor starts. Try it! This makes a much better mig welding ground clamp than what comes on most machines.

One of the things that seems to confuse welders who want to start a welding business is the purchase of welding equipment. There are so many options available that its hard to know where to begin. And you do not want to make any mistakes here because unlike buying a car or a new set of golf clubs, this decision can really make the difference between being successful or failing. For example: Should you buy new or used welding equipment? What brand is the best? Miller, Lincoln, Esab, Hobart? Should you get a multi process machine like the Miller Shopmaster that is capable of Tig, Mig, Flux core, and stick welding? Or should you buy a separate machine for each process? Oxyfuel cutting outfit or plasma cutter? Air compressor or electric grinders? You see what I mean?

This article about starting a welding business is strictly opinion but it is based on solid experience. It is only because I have a welding business that I feel qualified to weigh in on how to start a welding business.

Here is what I would do in a down and dirty nutshell:

Stay away from multi process machines like the Miller Shopmaster unless you get a smoking good deal on one and intend to use it for only one process. Why? It just takes too much time to swap processes and the hoses, torches, and cables are downright unmanageable.

For your main Tig welding machine, try to locate a Miller syncrowave 250 on eBay or craigslist. If you are patient, you can find one with all the accessories for 2000 bones or less. A bargain.

For a Mig welding machine, again shop eBay or craigslist for a Millermatic 250 or 251.

Somewhere around 1000 bucks is a good deal. Anything less is a steal.

If you are cramped for space, a foldable welding table or two is the ticket. They are strong and you can hang them on the wall to get them out of the way.

You can get by with electric grinders at first and I would definitely get a couple of straight grinders and 4 1/2 inch angle grinders with a good assortment of consumables.

If you have a shop and not just the garage in your home, I would recommend an oxyfuel cutting, welding, and heating kit. Very useful. Owners size cylinders are roughly 175 each and the torch kit along with cart might cost another 300. Thats a total of 650 dollars. But you need it.

In fact, you really need to have a spare cylinder for all your processes. Welding gas cylinders are available in basically two kinds: leased cylinders which are the full sized cylinders used in industry, and owners cylinders. Owners cylinders are usually about 125 cubic feet or roughly half the capacity of the big ones. I recommend getting two owners cylinders for everything. Why? Because running out of argon on Saturday evening when the job is due out Monday morning is not bad for business. Having an extra owners bottle will not add to your monthly expenses and buys you time in getting your main cylinder refilled.

2 argon, 2 argon/co2, 2 acetylene, 2 oxygen at roughly 175 each = 8x175=1400

So here is the breakdown:

* Used Miller syncrowave 250 2000
* Used Millermatic 250 or 251 1000
* 8 gas cylinders 1400
* 4 grinders 2 straight, 2 angle 500
* Oxyfuel kit 300
* Miller spectrum 375 plasma cutter 1400
* 2 foldable Welding tables 300
* Total 6900

You may know them as a stud gun, a Hilti or a Ramset. Powder actuated tools are actually a form of a gun, using gun powder to drive nails into concrete and steel. Many think of these tools for fastening 2 x 4 material to concrete, perhaps in finishing off your basement, but they have a very broad use in all facets of the building trades.

Uses in the trades

Framers use them to shoot lumber and metal studs to concrete and steel. Foundation contractors and waterproofing contractors shoot foam on to foundations. Electricians use the tools to fasten junction boxes, emt straps and to suspend light fixtures. Many mechanical contractors use a special gun that will shoot a 3/8" threaded stud into concrete.

Fastening to concrete

Shooting a fastener in to concrete is the fastest way to mount anything to concrete or steel, just load the pin, pull the trigger and your done. There are many different types and sizes of fasteners to choose from depending on what you are mounting.

When fastening into concrete, you can expect the pin to penetrate the concrete any where from 3/4" to 1". Keeping that in mind, to fasten a 2 x 4 to concrete take the actual thickness of the 2 x 4 (1 1/2") and add 3/4" to 1". This would bring you to a 2 1/2" pin. Please note, some codes require a 3" pin.

Fastening to steel

To fasten into steel, keep in mind the pin will go in about 1/2" and stop. Therefore the same 2 x 4 (1 1/2" actual) would use a 2" pin. If you try to use a longer pin, the pin will go in about 1/2" then stop and the pin will either bend or break. Many people are hesitant about shooting into steel, but most times it is easier to shoot than concrete, just a lot louder!

Power Load Selection

As for the loads or "bullets" , the loads are color coded and numbered to identify power level. Starting from lowest to highest you have gray, brown, green, yellow, red and purple. The rule of thumb when choosing a load is start low and work your way up. The trick is to use just enough power to set the fastener properly without over driving the tool. Some tools have power adjustments allowing you to use just one color and adjust down.

Tool Selection

What is the right tool for your job? If you just want to do your own basement, you can probably get away with using a single shot tool that you actuate with a hammer, available at any big box store. If you are a contractor, remember, you get what you pay for. Don't buy the cheapest tool you can find. Some of the less expensive tools are actually considered disposable, with no replacement parts available.

Consider what the majority of your work is. If you are a general contractor, you may want a good brand name middle of the road semi-automatic tool that can be serviced. If you are a commercial drywall contractor you may opt of a good quality single shot too or even consider stepping up to a fully automatic gas tool or a tool with a magazine.

An electrician may consider a power adjustable tool that can offer him more flexibility. If you do a lot of over head work, consider a tool that works well on an extension pole. If you hang a lot of 3/8" rod, check out a 3/8" stud gun.

Mass Spectrometer is an analytical tool used for measuring the molecular mass of a sample. It provides fast, precise analysis for improved process control and features a vault-tolerant design that maximizes uptime. A variety of sample inlets systems are available depending upon the process being monitored with multi-port inlets available, where an atmospheric pressure process requires more than one sample port. The process mass spectrometer is a fast, highly stable scanning magnetic sector that generates a high-energy ion beam from the sample gas. This ion beam is separated into its constituent molecular fragments by the electromagnet and the auto-zeroing amplifier measures the signal intensity. A series of distributed microcontrollers provide complete automatic control of the process without requiring any manual interventions.

Structural information can be generated using process mass spectrometers usually those with multiple analyzers. This is achieved by fragmenting the sample inside the instrument and analyzing the products generated.

Process Mass Spectrometers are used in various industries for both routine and research purposes. The following list is a brief summary of the major process mass spectrometric applications.

1. Biotechnology- the analysis of proteins, peptides
2. Pharmaceutical-drug discovery, combinatorial chemistry, drug metabolism
3. Clinical-neonatal screening, hemoglobin analysis, drug testing
4. Environmental-PAHs, PCBs, water quality, food contamination
5. Geological-oil composition

Today, producing a good quality product error free without the help of process mass spectrometer is almost impossible. The use of real time process analysis and control has been useful in establishing and maintaining optimum operating parameters so that the potential for human error can be reduced. Real-time data allows the process operators to make decision to correct immediately a problem during a process so that the product quality can be preserved.

Fisher is easily the world leader in providing reliable regulators, control valves, instrumentation and performance of services. Fisher offers innovative and carefully testicles solutions to process control industry play a huge role to reduce costs by keeping a lid on maintenance, reducing capital requirements, reducing costs of regulatory compliance and increase the availability process.

Fisher high-performance anti-wave valve is easy to implement and service. These valves are specially designed and modified to meet the specific needs and requirements of the compressor fight against the surge in applications that require the ultimate in control and reliability. No longer do you need to activate the complex systems that require staff authorized to order and music. Now, the fight against the surge Fisher is adjusting valve easy and can also save money spent during the following update to repay your initial investment several times during the high-performance valves life.

Manufacturers of Fisher control valves understand precisely how to meet fight against the valve control components - actuators, digital controller valve, the valve itself and other elements involved in an efficient and effective design that does just as with the engineering expertise of 125 years of process control. The fishermen fights against the surge valves are rightly to be the best in the operation, control and reliability.

The anti surge FIELDVUE digital valve controller (DVC) has many innovative features - a robust pneumatic relay, a rugged I/P converter, and potted electronics designed to protect it from rough environments. These valves are certified as being both explosion proof and safe. These valves comply with the requirements of the European ATEX directive and its enclosure meets the NEMA 4X and IEC 60529 IP66 criteria.

The industrial revolution gave us taller buildings and skyscrapers that toy with the imagination and stun the eye. For every beautiful skyline, a row of cranes reach up and out like so many metallic arms. In some sense, these cranes are magnificent and a perfect demonstration of applied physics and geometry. Yet the scale of these real life erector sets can be dangerous, and not a few injuries and deaths result from crane mistakes and mishaps. These four stories trace a few of the crane accidents over the last several years.

Miami Crane Accident (March 2008)

Crane accidents can hit close to home. This past March, a seven-ton crane quite literally crashed into a home in Miami killing two construction workers and injuring five more. The crane was working to construct a 46-story high-rise at the scenic Biscayne Bay. Witnesses in the vicinity said that the crash felt and sounded like an earthquake. Unfortunately, similar accidents have occurred across the country.

New York City Crash and Subsequent Damages (March 2008)

It is not surprising that one of the world's most impressive cities has also experienced some of the worst crane collapses. One such event took place in March 15 of 2008. Initial reports were not hopeful as the two hundred foot crane crashed into several buildings and demolished a townhouse in the east side of Manhattan. Among the dead were two tourists from Florida who came to New York to enjoy St. Patrick's Day. Mayor Bloomberg himself reported this to be one of the worst crane accidents in the city's history.

Reports on this particular accident, about human error, allegations concerning false inspection reports, equipment failure and even thefts that resulted from the ensuing chaos in the amount of $90,000. These related woes highlight the chaotic and tragic nature of crane accidents. While men continually try to build, advance and reach higher, the natural elements and human error can bring everything to a crashing halt.

Bellevue, Washington Crane Collapse

In 2006, residents in Bellevue, Washington also experienced the devastation of a crane collapse. A normal evening at home was turned upside down when the crane crashed through their condo. One man was killed in this accident and the crane operator, who was in the crane when it collapsed, was injured.

The psychological effects of crane accidents were one notable result in this case. The crane operator himself was merely attempting to shut the crane down for the day when he heard a snap and plummeted with the crane. Similar to other incidents, the crane crashed into several buildings, mostly condos and homes. Several people witnessed the event and expressed understandable sentiments of terror and fear.

Manhattan Crane Drop (December 2007)

Many of the most damaging crane accidents are instances when the entire crane collapses. Yet another ominous risk looms above the city streets. Cranes are built to lift massive loads to impressive heights. The normal means of accomplishing such a task is with some form of lifting sling. The importance of these slings is inestimable. OSHA has written several codes and regulations to ensure safe lifting slings. A proper understanding of sling strength and application is crucial. Yet with all of these precautions, sling accidents have still happened, with tragic results.

In December of 2007 a sling carrying large load of metal studs weighing 14,000 lbs. snapped dropping the 30-foot studs thirteen floors to the streets below. The majority of the studs landed on two trailers that the construction company was using for offices. Five safety violations were cited to the responsible parties.

No member of the general public was harmed, but an architect working in one of the trailers was rushed to the emergency room with multiple serious injuries. The construction zone will be the future world headquarters for Goldman Sachs and is located near the reconstruction of the World Trade Center.

New Regulations

Because of the magnitude of these accidents and the liability of several parties involved in crane accidents, the Buildings Department has issued several new safety regulations for crane operations. A city inspector is required to be present at the time of major crane maneuvers - when it is assembled, jumped or dismantled. "Jumping" the crane is the process of building it higher during construction. Before each jump, a meeting is required between the contractor and the workers to prepare for the operation. In addition to these personnel requirements, new guidelines and protocols are provided for the construction workers and more detailed reports are required after the maneuver.

These particular regulations followed the case of the Manhattan drop, and have been instituted only in New York City. Each city must create its own safety regulations, and all cities have safety measures to differing degrees.

Future Prospects

Unfortunately, each of these crane accidents had tragic results. Cranes don't operate in the forest, and if a crane falls in the city there is always a host of witnesses to hear it - and a host of victims. These particular accidents are a selection of the worst crane mishaps in the past two years. Destroyed homes, apartments, offices and lives are the casualties of this constructive aspiration. If you live in a city with frequent constructive activity and high cranes out your front window, be sure to contact your city's building department. Citizen concern can always improve the safety awareness of the community and even influence requirements and regulations. While children may enjoy playing with building blocks, these cranes are real. At this scale, no safety measure is too careful and no life too common.