Safety Tips

Calibration

How Often Do You Calibrate Your Measuring Devices?

May 22, 2024 admin

There is no definitive short answer that applies to all instruments, but there are certain conditions that may prompt you to have them checked.

Anti-Slip

Quick Guide to Anti-Slip Safety Compliance

May 22, 2024 admin

Here are things to consider when buying anti-slip products for safety and compliance.

Chemicals

Dangerous Goods Vs Hazardous Substances

May 22, 2024 admin

Here’s the difference between these two seemingly interchangeable terms.

Quick Guide to Stainless Steel Fasteners

May 20, 2024 admin

Are you working in a caustic environment where corrosion is an important factor in material selection? Are you concerned about rust forming on structural parts and fasteners due to a wet or moist environment? If so, then fasteners made of stainless steel may be the answer to your problem. Many people ask us these questions: Which is better between 304 and 316 stainless steel fasteners? What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel? Why does rust still form around stainless steel? Is 316 stainless steel suitable for seawater immersion? Is well-polished stainless steel maintenance-free? We hope this article gives you a basic understanding of stainless steel and the best choice for your intended use, especially when it comes to fasteners. (We also updated it to cover some common misconceptions about stainless steel in general, courtesy of our friends at Hobson.) What is stainless steel? Stainless steel is a low carbon alloy with at least 10.5% chromium, as well as other alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum, which enhance the anti-corrosive properties of the material. At or above this level of chromium, a layer of complex chrome-oxide forms on the surface which prevents oxygen atoms from penetrating the steel, thus preventing the formation of iron oxide (rust). The chrome-oxide layer is what makes the stainless steel "stain less". Does stainless steel rust? Rust may still form on the surface and in crevices, especially when you choose the wrong grade of stainless steel for the application. Put simply, using stainless steel does not guarantee that minor surface rust will not appear. It is actually quite common, particularly in harsh environments, to see “tea stains” on the surface of stainless steel, where a small amount of surface rust has formed. When it comes to stainless steel fasteners, it is critical that the rust does not penetrate the body/structure, to maintain its integrity. According to Australian fastener manufacturer Hobson Engineering: If rust occurs within a few days or weeks, it is almost certainly due to carbon steel contamination from fabrication or the local environment. Longer initiation periods arise from: Surfaces that are too tough Aggressive environments (eg. 304 SS posts on a wharf) Lack of washing (eg. drainpipes under eaves) What are the types of stainless steel? Stainless steel comes in various types, based on the ratio of the alloying elements and on the molecular structure of the material. The four fundamental types of stainless steel are: Austenitic stainless steel Duplex (austenite-ferrite) stainless steel Ferritic stainless steel Martensitic stainless steel (For more information on the family of stainless steel, please refer to The Atlas Steels Technical Handbook of Stainless Steels.) What about stainless steel grades? The grade determines the corrosion resistance, durability, temperature resistance and other essential characteristics of the material. Different grades have different ratios of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and carbon. Stainless steel grades define how the product will perform in each environment; hence it is very important to know which grade is appropriate for your intended use. The typical grades you'll encounter in your search are the 200 and 300 series. The 300 series is the most common. Specifically, 304 and 316 (also known as A2 and A4 grades, respectively). 304 stainless steel Grade 304 (UNS 30400) is the most common and widely used of the 300 series. It has 18-20% chromium and 8-12% nickel. It is sometimes called the standard 18/8 austenitic stainless steel. It is resistant to oxidation and corrosion and is best used in food preparation and processing environments, and when aesthetics is important. This is the one commonly used in general workshop and household stainless steel hardware. Benefits: Ease of fabrication Ease of cleaning Helps prevent product contamination Offered in various finishes and appearances (eg. in hinges & locks) Commonly used in: Auto mouldings, accent trims, intake and exhaust manifolds, wheel covers etc Corrosion-resistant electrical enclosures Hose clamps Kitchen equipment Pressure vessels Piping Storage tanks 316 stainless steel Grade 316 (UNS 31600) is also referred to as, in the vernacular, “marine grade stainless steel”, although the term is not a recognised industry standard. It has the addition of 2-3% molybdenum. The chromium content is lowered to 16-18%, and the nickel content is raised to 10-14%. This change in the chromium-nickel ratio and the addition of molybdenum significantly increases the metal’s resistance to “salt” corrosion. This makes 316 a very heat-resistant stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance as compared to other chromium-nickel steels when exposed to many types of solutions such as seawater and brine. It may cost a little more, but that translates to savings in the long run, especially if your fasteners and structures are going to be used outdoors. It also has greater resistance to many chemicals than Grade 304. Benefits: Ease of fabrication Ease of cleaning More resistant to common solutions (sulfuric acid, chlorides, bromides, iodides and fatty acids at high temperatures) More protection against seawater and brine Best used in: Marine construction More corrosive environments where the material will be exposed to chemicals and solvents Important: While 316 is often referred to as “marine grade”, it simply means that it will remain bright and shiny, provided it is maintained properly. It may still rust (especially in crevices) when exposed to seawater, which has about 20 times the chloride level 316 is designed to withstand. Stainless steel properties Stainless steel has these following characteristics that -- depending on your intended purpose – may or may not be to your benefit. Better aesthetic appeal Better durability Better resistance to corrosion Better resistance to extreme temperatures Better resistance to oxidation Harder to weld Higher work hardening rate Higher cryogenic toughness Higher tensile strength Lower electrical conductivity Lower heat conductivity Lower magnetic response More brittle (and therefore may be prone to denting) More expensive and time-consuming to manufacture *Versus other common metals Note: Higher tensile strength fasteners may not be available or, if they are, can be very, very expensive. For more information, here’s a related article discussing high tensile bolts. Should you use 304 or 316 stainless steel fasteners? The most common grade is 304 stainless steel, but there will be certain situations where 316 is your best option. If you work in an environment where there is exposure to chlorine in the atmosphere and other corrosive substances, choose 316 stainless steel. Just keep in mind that, while it’s more rust-resistant than 304, it is more brittle because of its chemical make-up. Elsewhere, you may opt for 304 since it also serves the purpose of basic corrosion protection. In a nutshell: AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories. Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions). Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments. Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate. Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary. Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues. Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects. Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items. Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable). *Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au.

Environmental Safety

How to Manage Industrial Waste At Home

May 20, 2024 admin

Industrial products are some of the most challenging items to recycle and discard by households. That is partly because they are made to be very durable, and partly because of their potentially hazardous composition. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind these waste management regulations when disposing them, because as a responsible consumer, you want to minimise your waste footprint. In this article, we discuss: The difference between reusing and recycling What not to throw in the trash bin How to recycle adhesive packaging (specifically Loctite’s) How to recycle aerosol cans How to recycle batteries How to recycle electric motors How to recycle power tools How to dispose of blades, knives and cutting tools How to dispose of garden hoses How to dispose of household chemicals, paints and oils How to dispose of fasteners How to dispose of other materials not covered here A directory of local councils Reuse vs recycle The difference: Reuse: You use a product, then you (or others) consume it again as it is, for the same purpose. Examples are used books, bags and clothes that can still be used by other people. It’s loosely similar to “repurposing”, where you (or others) consume the product for a different purpose. For example, electric cables and metal/wooden rods being creatively turned into a laundry pole. Recycle: You use a product, then you (or a facility) take its components/materials and convert them into a different item, for a different purpose. Examples are used batteries, electrical devices and scrap metal that are processed to be used as a raw material in production. The similarity: Both reusing/repurposing and recycling aim to extend the life of the product, or its components, before it is finally disposed of. Of course, not all products can be, nor should be, reused and recycled, as some could be harmful both to humans and the environment. Disclaimer: We have listed some recycling centres here merely for your convenience. We do not endorse them in any way or form. Contact them at your own expense and risk. The list is not exhaustive, so if you have something to add, please let us know via email. What not to throw in your household bin According to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, these items are not suitable for general garbage collection: Paint and paint-related products (thinners, strippers, varnishes etc) Household chemicals (solvents, cleaners, turpentine, methylated spirits) Cooking oils, motor oils, fuels, degreasers Batteries and car batteries Pesticides, herbicides and poisons (fungicides, baits, poisons, wood preservatives) Pool chemicals Acids and alkalis Fluorescent globes and tubes Hobby chemicals Gas bottles and fire extinguishers Electronic waste (old computers, DVDs, televisions and cables) Asbestos and fibro sheeting With that out of the way, here’s how you can properly recycle and dispose of industrial products that you likely have at home. How to recycle adhesive packaging Loctite glue may be one of the most common industrial household products out there, but the proper disposal method of its packaging may not be common knowledge. Henkel, the global manufacturer of Loctite, has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a solution to recycle adhesive packaging. Through the LOCTITE® Anaerobic Adhesive Recycling Program, you can buy a postage-paid recycling box that you can fill with empty anaerobic Loctite adhesive containers. Then, you can send it to TerraCycle for processing. They will thermally treat the containers and turn them into new plastic products. Where to take your old Loctite containers: LOCTITE® Adhesive Recycling Program How to recycle aerosol cans Aerosol cans are mostly made of aluminium and steel, both of which are recyclable metals. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation estimates that only around 56% of post-consumer metal packaging (including aerosols) was recovered in 2019 and 2020. The rest went into landfill. We can do better. After all, the opportunities and channels for recycling empty aerosol cans are virtually everywhere. This applies to any aerosol can, whether the chemical it contained was meant for hygiene (eg deodorant sprays), household (eg disinfectant sprays) or commercial use. (More info here courtesy of Planet Ark.) Important: Make sure the can is empty. Do not force-empty to the point where you unnecessarily release its contents and residue into the air. Do not crush, flatten, pierce or puncture the can, as it may explode and injure you. Remove the plastic cap and recycle it separately. Where to take your old aerosol cans: Planet Ark Recycling Near You >> Aerosols Call the Recycling Hotline on 1300 733 712. How to recycle batteries Ideally, you are using rechargeable batteries when you can, so you don’t contribute as much to disposable battery waste. Fortunately, most batteries are recyclable, although different types of batteries call for different recycling methods. (More info here courtesy of the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative.) Batteries you can recycle: Disposable alkaline batteries (those in your toys, remote controls and small devices) Rechargeable nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries (those in your smartphone, laptop and camera) Car batteries Important: Batteries may contain harmful substances such as cadmium, lead, mercury and nickel, so handle them with care. Car batteries contain lead acids, so don’t ever try to open them. Where to take your old batteries and battery packs: Community Recycling Centres / CleanOut events (NSW) Planet Ark Recycling Near You >> Batteries Century Yuasa Australia Battery World Collier Road Metal Recycling (Perth) CD Dodd (Perth) Mobile Muster (for phone batteries) Most auto parts retailers (for car batteries) How to recycle electric motors You’ll find electric motors in appliances such as fans, pumps, blowers and power tools. Once they stop working, you'll probably consult a technician first to see if the item can be repaired. When the damage is irreversible or it’s just too worn and torn to repair, don’t throw away the entire appliance or machine just yet. There’s a good chance you can just have the old motor replaced and take the old one to a recycling centre. Important: Don’t try to disassemble the motor to sell it part by part. Most recycling centres will take the entire unit as it is. Some recycling centres that buy old electric motors and scrap metal: Sydney Smithfield Copper Recycling Interco Metal Men Recycling (Melbourne) Best Way Scrap Metal (Melbourne) Collier Road Metal Recycling (Perth) CD Dodd (Perth) How to recycle power tools Tools used to end up in landfill, but not anymore. Now, they fall under the “e-waste” category so, you can recycle them. Important: Don’t try to disassemble them, as they may contain components with hazardous materials such as lead, arsenic and mercury. They typically contain aluminium, copper and hard plastics, so make sure they end up in a proper recycling facility. Different recycling processes may apply to those with built-in batteries (specifically nickel, cadmium and lithium). Where to take your old power tools: Ecocycle How to dispose of blades, knives and cutting tools Before throwing out dull knives and blades, check if you can still have them sharpened so they can be used again. If you decide to dispose of them or sell them as scrap metal, do so responsibly and without compromising the safety of the collector. Important: If you discard them in the trash bin, make sure they are not left sticking out. Wrap the blade in multiple layers of covering. You don't want them to cause serious cuts to garbage handlers and sanitation workers. Cover them with bubble wrap, then add a layer of cardboard, before finally placing them in a box. Seal the box with duct tape and properly mark it. How to dispose of garden hoses An interesting tip courtesy of itsallyou.org: Do not send garden hoses off for recycling. This is because garden hoses, along with ropes, chains and cords, are what recycling facilities refer to as "tanglers", meaning they are known to tangle up equipment, causing machine breakdowns and safety concerns for workers. If you think your hose is on its way out, think of ways to repurpose them first. Here are some good ideas from One Good Thing: Turn it into a soaker hose by puncturing holes in it. Slide it over chains and handles for easier grip. Splice a section of the hose and slit it down the sharp edge of blades and cutting tools to give you additional protection (from inflicting cuts). How to dispose of household chemicals, leftover paints and oils This applies to cleaning chemicals, leftover paints, oils and filters, and their packaging. As they could contain solvents and metals that could contaminate groundwater and clog water treatment facilities, make sure to discard them properly and away from the drain. Important: Make sure the containers are empty before throwing them out. Don’t flush powders, oils, hand wipes, or towelettes down the drain. Don’t mix products (eg liquids and gels) upon disposal. Don’t reuse contaminated oil. Not all liquids are safe to flush down the drain. Read the label for directions on proper disposal. Where to take your household chemicals and leftover paints: Cleanaway.com Paintback CleanOut Events (Various locations in NSW) CleanOut accepts up to 20L, or 20kg, of a singular item of: Solvents and household cleaners Ammonia-based cleaners Floor care products Paint and paint-related products (thinners, strippers, varnishes) Pesticides, herbicides and poisons (fungicides, baits/poisons, wood preservatives) Pool cleaners Hobby chemicals Acids and alkalis Motor oils, fuels and fluids They also accept: Fluorescent globes and tubes Gas bottles and canisters Fire extinguishers Batteries and car batteries How to dispose of screws and other fasteners Your first choice should always be to recycle nails, screws, nuts, bolts, washers and other scrap metals. Gather all your spare fasteners and keep them in a container. If they are too rusty to be reused, then you may need to just throw them away. Be careful not to put them in your household trash bin, as it will take years for these items to rust away in a landfill. Where to take your fasteners and other metal waste: Your neighborhood scrap metal yard Sims Metal What about other materials not mentioned here? We will update this article regularly to cover more disposal and recycling information about industrial materials that you might be using at home. For now, keep in mind that not all items can be recycled or easily disposed of. If in doubt, read the label! There's usually sufficient information in there to guide you through responsible waste disposal or recycling of the material. For an extensive list of guidance on how to dispose or recycle materials, check out these websites: Business Recycling Century Yuasa Australia Ecocycle NSW EPA Planet Ark Recycling Near You Suez TerraCycle There’s also a good chance your local council is regularly coordinating recycling and proper waste disposal activities. Here’s a comprehensive list of council contact information compiled by Planet Ark. AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories. Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions). Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments. Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate. Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary. Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues. Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects. Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items. Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable). *Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au. This blog's sub-topics

Cold Weather

Why Thermal Protective Work Gloves Are Crucial For Safe Handling

May 16, 2024 admin

Combating the cold winter months and handling cold and wet materials can test any worker. Worker performance within cold environments requires high quality PPE solutions and at Beaver Brands, safety is their number one concern.