Tuesday, August 31, 2010
View Great Architecture - in LEGO Form | NBC Washington
Great Architecture - made from Lego's. Click here to check it out.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Game: Jr. Architect
For all those budding architects out there. This game gives kids (ages 3-9) a fun way to experience being an architect. The object is for the kids to build homes for animals and fairy tale characters.
Jr. Architect - Download Jr. Architect Shareware by Curiosoft Kids Games - Games Software, Educational Games Software
Jr. Architect - Download Jr. Architect Shareware by Curiosoft Kids Games - Games Software, Educational Games Software
Friday, August 20, 2010
World Architecture Screensaver - Download World Architecture Screensaver Shareware by Altix Soft - Desktop Software, Screen Savers Software
If you enjoy architecture and want to keep it close to your heart and your desktop then check out the World Architecture Screensaver.
World Architecture Screensaver - Download World Architecture Screensaver Shareware by Altix Soft - Desktop Software, Screen Savers Software
World Architecture Screensaver - Download World Architecture Screensaver Shareware by Altix Soft - Desktop Software, Screen Savers Software
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Pedestrian and Public Safety at Construction Sites
Guest Post by Rosemary Grace Brooks
Construction sites require a rigorous amount of care and vigilance from workers in terms of health and safety. Many accidents and even some fatalities happen to workers each year which could have been avoided through proper application and awareness of on-site safety procedures.
Pedestrian and public safety is just as vital. Many construction sites are within close proximity to areas where the public operate, requiring rules and safety procedures which are equally as vital as for the construction workers on site.
Some of the hazardous elements for pedestrians on construction sites are construction cranes carrying heavy loads, uneven surfaces, falling objects, collapses, heavy machinery and hazardous substances. Every piece of machinery and equipment used on a construction site has specific instructions regarding set up and maintenance, not only for the safety of the people working on the construction site but also the public. When equipment is used and maintained properly, workers and the public will benefit from greater safety.
Public awareness
Pedestrians should always exercise caution when in the vicinity of construction sites; however the first step towards construction safety of pedestrians should be making the public aware of danger.
All sites should display clear signs which are visible to pedestrians, indicating that construction is in progress along the perimeter of the site and at any entrance to the site. At entrances to sites, a sign should also be displayed indicating that the area after the entrance is a hard hat area, requiring the use of a safety construction hat at all times.
Common sense can save lives and if pedestrians are aware of danger, common sense will generally keep most of the public out of harms way.
Fencing off the perimeter
Fencing off a construction site is vital to public safety, and keeping all work inside the perimeter is equally as important.
If hazards are kept inside a fenced location, pedestrians should remain safe. When cranes are lifting heavy materials to deposit on the site, the cranes should not move the material over any space that is not cordoned off. If a crane needs to move a load out of the site regularly, the areas directly below where the crane will be moving its load should be blocked to the public in case anything falls from the crane.
Falling Objects
An object as small as a billiard ball can kill a person instantly when dropped from the immense height of a crane. The same applies for objects falling from the sides of buildings or any type of scaffolding. Whilst the public should be reasonably far from any high scaffolding and danger areas due to those areas being blocked off, construction workers are still required to keep tools on their belts and refrain from leaving any objects close to the edges of buildings or lying on scaffolding walkways.
Public convenience and safety
There are instances when carrying out construction work in very public areas cannot be avoided. Some areas cannot be cordoned off, such as freeways.
In such instances, it is usual practice for the construction company working on the site in question to contact the local council to organise a closure of the busy area at a time when the number of pedestrians and members of the public is less. For example, work carried out on closed train tracks and freeways during the night allows for heavy duty construction to take place without worry of hazard to the public and will not cause problems with traffic congestion and train schedules.
Uneven surfaces
Another element hazardous to members of the public from construction work is uneven and dangerous surfaces and terrain. When work is carried out on the ground, the safety of the public is threatened by the uneven and collapsible terrain. To avoid pedestrians being unable to access the areas needed and causing inconvenience, and to provide safe passage through the dangerous situations on the ground, scaffolding should be erected over the ground for the public to walk on.
Access scaffolding will allow the public to walk across areas which have very uneven surfaces and holes without the risk of injury or death through falling.
Construction safety is crucial in completing a successful project and should always take the safety of the public into account as much as the safety of construction workers by using strict rules and enforcing compliance from construction workers and the public, injuries and fatalities can be avoided to a great extent. Construction work is an incredibly important part of the evolution of the world and its infrastructure, yet is a very dangerous enterprise, making public and pedestrian safety in and around construction sites extremely important at all times.
About the Author:
Cape Formwork Contractors (CFC) are a scaffolding and formwork company in Cape Town who use workers fully trained in construction safety, making use of safety features such as access scaffolding, adhering strictly to the OHS Act & SANS 10085 and are fully invested in keeping the public safe from harm during construction operations.
Construction sites require a rigorous amount of care and vigilance from workers in terms of health and safety. Many accidents and even some fatalities happen to workers each year which could have been avoided through proper application and awareness of on-site safety procedures.
Pedestrian and public safety is just as vital. Many construction sites are within close proximity to areas where the public operate, requiring rules and safety procedures which are equally as vital as for the construction workers on site.
Some of the hazardous elements for pedestrians on construction sites are construction cranes carrying heavy loads, uneven surfaces, falling objects, collapses, heavy machinery and hazardous substances. Every piece of machinery and equipment used on a construction site has specific instructions regarding set up and maintenance, not only for the safety of the people working on the construction site but also the public. When equipment is used and maintained properly, workers and the public will benefit from greater safety.
Public awareness
Pedestrians should always exercise caution when in the vicinity of construction sites; however the first step towards construction safety of pedestrians should be making the public aware of danger.
All sites should display clear signs which are visible to pedestrians, indicating that construction is in progress along the perimeter of the site and at any entrance to the site. At entrances to sites, a sign should also be displayed indicating that the area after the entrance is a hard hat area, requiring the use of a safety construction hat at all times.
Common sense can save lives and if pedestrians are aware of danger, common sense will generally keep most of the public out of harms way.
Fencing off the perimeter
Fencing off a construction site is vital to public safety, and keeping all work inside the perimeter is equally as important.
If hazards are kept inside a fenced location, pedestrians should remain safe. When cranes are lifting heavy materials to deposit on the site, the cranes should not move the material over any space that is not cordoned off. If a crane needs to move a load out of the site regularly, the areas directly below where the crane will be moving its load should be blocked to the public in case anything falls from the crane.
Falling Objects
An object as small as a billiard ball can kill a person instantly when dropped from the immense height of a crane. The same applies for objects falling from the sides of buildings or any type of scaffolding. Whilst the public should be reasonably far from any high scaffolding and danger areas due to those areas being blocked off, construction workers are still required to keep tools on their belts and refrain from leaving any objects close to the edges of buildings or lying on scaffolding walkways.
Public convenience and safety
There are instances when carrying out construction work in very public areas cannot be avoided. Some areas cannot be cordoned off, such as freeways.
In such instances, it is usual practice for the construction company working on the site in question to contact the local council to organise a closure of the busy area at a time when the number of pedestrians and members of the public is less. For example, work carried out on closed train tracks and freeways during the night allows for heavy duty construction to take place without worry of hazard to the public and will not cause problems with traffic congestion and train schedules.
Uneven surfaces
Another element hazardous to members of the public from construction work is uneven and dangerous surfaces and terrain. When work is carried out on the ground, the safety of the public is threatened by the uneven and collapsible terrain. To avoid pedestrians being unable to access the areas needed and causing inconvenience, and to provide safe passage through the dangerous situations on the ground, scaffolding should be erected over the ground for the public to walk on.
Access scaffolding will allow the public to walk across areas which have very uneven surfaces and holes without the risk of injury or death through falling.
Construction safety is crucial in completing a successful project and should always take the safety of the public into account as much as the safety of construction workers by using strict rules and enforcing compliance from construction workers and the public, injuries and fatalities can be avoided to a great extent. Construction work is an incredibly important part of the evolution of the world and its infrastructure, yet is a very dangerous enterprise, making public and pedestrian safety in and around construction sites extremely important at all times.
About the Author:
Cape Formwork Contractors (CFC) are a scaffolding and formwork company in Cape Town who use workers fully trained in construction safety, making use of safety features such as access scaffolding, adhering strictly to the OHS Act & SANS 10085 and are fully invested in keeping the public safe from harm during construction operations.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_810852_15.html
Friday, August 6, 2010
Osha Safety Training For The Construction Industry
Guest Post from: Andrew Peters
Foremen, construction workers, miners, job supervisors, contractors, operating engineers, equipment operators and all others associated with the construction industry are recommended to undertake the Construction Safety Training courses to minimize the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and deaths related to the construction industry. The leading hazards in the construction industry are related to falls, scaffolding, electrical, trenching and excavation, and those involving working in and around ladders and stairways and operation of motor vehicles. The Directorate of Construction, OSHA Training Institute, ensures the maintenance of safe working conditions by providing safety laws and standards, and also enforces their implementation.
29 CFR, 1926 provides the safety and health standards for construction. Its general safety and health provisions include recording and reporting of injuries, first aid, fall and fire protection and prevention, housekeeping, illumination, sanitation, personal protective equipment, etc. OSHA Construction Industry Standards also include details regarding signs, signals and barricades for prevention of accidents, management, stockpiling, use and disposal of materials, welding and cutting. Electrical requirements include wiring design and protection, wiring methods, components and equipments, classification of hazardous locations, lockout and tagging of circuits, maintenance of equipment etc. It also provides various specifications for the use of scaffolds. Other specifications cover cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors, motor vehicles, excavations, concrete and masonry construction, steel erection, underground construction, demolition, blasting and use of explosives, power transmission and distribution, rollover protective structures, ladders and toxic and hazardous substances.
OSHA 10 hour Training for Construction Industry orients those involved in the construction industry in the maintenance of safety and health of workers and is covered by the OSHA 29, CFR 1926. However, depending on the requirements and hazards entailed by the job, workers should receive additional training. This course states the purpose of the OSH Act and the functions and inspection priorities of OSHA. It aims to describe the inspection process, rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, requirements for proper aisle and passageway maintenance, guidelines for identification and protection of floor openings, and the importance of effective egress fire protection program.
OSHA 30 hour Training for Construction Industry aims to identify specific OSHA standards pertaining to hazardous conditions, identify aspects of 1926 Subpart C, enforce measures to prevent accidents in the workplace, describe the types of personal protective equipment, understand the requirements for fire and fall protection, types of rigging equipment for the protection of employees, critical health and safety standards of welding and cutting, common electrical hazards, importance of scaffolding etc. Apart from the above mentioned ones, it also involves listing and describing the hazards prevalent in confined spaces.
If you want to become an instructor and teach both the 10 and 30 hour Training courses, enroll yourself in the OSHA 500 Trainer course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry. It provides valuable information in the technique of implementing the provisions of the OSH Act and covers rights and responsibilities, the appeals process and recordkeeping. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to issue course completion cards as well!
However, OSHA 510 is a sine qua non for the OSHA 500. It includes OSHA principles, policies and standards relating to safety and health for the construction industry. It helps in selecting appropriate OSHA standards that apply to a hazard as well as elements of effective construction safety program, and aids efficient recordkeeping.
Hence, Safety Training is indispensable for the efficiency and success of the Construction Industry.
OSHA Institute of America provides cost-effective
construction safety training courses. Construction safety training program is recognized by US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for online delivery.
29 CFR, 1926 provides the safety and health standards for construction. Its general safety and health provisions include recording and reporting of injuries, first aid, fall and fire protection and prevention, housekeeping, illumination, sanitation, personal protective equipment, etc. OSHA Construction Industry Standards also include details regarding signs, signals and barricades for prevention of accidents, management, stockpiling, use and disposal of materials, welding and cutting. Electrical requirements include wiring design and protection, wiring methods, components and equipments, classification of hazardous locations, lockout and tagging of circuits, maintenance of equipment etc. It also provides various specifications for the use of scaffolds. Other specifications cover cranes, derricks, hoists, elevators, and conveyors, motor vehicles, excavations, concrete and masonry construction, steel erection, underground construction, demolition, blasting and use of explosives, power transmission and distribution, rollover protective structures, ladders and toxic and hazardous substances.
OSHA 10 hour Training for Construction Industry orients those involved in the construction industry in the maintenance of safety and health of workers and is covered by the OSHA 29, CFR 1926. However, depending on the requirements and hazards entailed by the job, workers should receive additional training. This course states the purpose of the OSH Act and the functions and inspection priorities of OSHA. It aims to describe the inspection process, rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, requirements for proper aisle and passageway maintenance, guidelines for identification and protection of floor openings, and the importance of effective egress fire protection program.
OSHA 30 hour Training for Construction Industry aims to identify specific OSHA standards pertaining to hazardous conditions, identify aspects of 1926 Subpart C, enforce measures to prevent accidents in the workplace, describe the types of personal protective equipment, understand the requirements for fire and fall protection, types of rigging equipment for the protection of employees, critical health and safety standards of welding and cutting, common electrical hazards, importance of scaffolding etc. Apart from the above mentioned ones, it also involves listing and describing the hazards prevalent in confined spaces.
If you want to become an instructor and teach both the 10 and 30 hour Training courses, enroll yourself in the OSHA 500 Trainer course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry. It provides valuable information in the technique of implementing the provisions of the OSH Act and covers rights and responsibilities, the appeals process and recordkeeping. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to issue course completion cards as well!
However, OSHA 510 is a sine qua non for the OSHA 500. It includes OSHA principles, policies and standards relating to safety and health for the construction industry. It helps in selecting appropriate OSHA standards that apply to a hazard as well as elements of effective construction safety program, and aids efficient recordkeeping.
Hence, Safety Training is indispensable for the efficiency and success of the Construction Industry.
OSHA Institute of America provides cost-effective
construction safety training courses. Construction safety training program is recognized by US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for online delivery.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1091529_15.html
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
An Architect – for peace of mind
Guest Post by: Gayle
Plan on building a new home? Want to improve the home you’ve been living in your whole life? Putting up apartments, offices or a commercial building? There are different requirements needed for different kinds of structures that are constructed. Paperwork is different, taxes are different, permits and plans are different, but one thing they all have in common is the need of an Architect.
Some may argue that you don’t have to hire an architect that you can do it with an engineer alone or by yourself and they are right. You don’t have to hire an architect, but you will need to. Understand that the work of an Architect does not stop at design; Architects are there through the whole construction process. From planning & designing to buying materials to over-seeing the construction they are there.
Architects are also being noted for their skills, knowledge and participation in green building. So when you’re going to hire an architect for their professional and specialist knowledge, how do you start looking? What do you look for and how do you find the right architect for your construction job?
Always view and architectural firms portfolio which should give you a good feel of who they are, what they have done and their level of professionalism and skills. Some firms prefer to stay with certain types of construction, others have wider portfolio, different styles. So their portfolio is a great place to start if you have an idea of what you are looking for.
However, if you don’t know the direction you want to go in, the portfolio can be a good source of inspiration.
Steps to follow when looking to hire an architect:
1.Decide on what kind of an architect you’re looking for – Are you looking for an expert in home restoration, a green architect or an architect who specializes in contemporary homes?
2.Look for a professional architect – professional means all the papers are in order and they are licensed.
3.Start with a list of potential architects you could work with, and then check out their portfolios.
4.Contact the architects on the list to see if they’re available to work with you and if you can have an initial meeting.
5.Ask for references and look into information about them over the net.
6.When you meet tell them what you want and make sure they understand your needs and are willing to do the work.
7.Make sure you discuss all costs and the planning stages. An Architect can help you cut cost by ensuring that your project keeps to time.
The environments frailty and depletion of natural resources dictate that projects must strictly adhere to eco friendly and smart design construction. This includes but is not limited to giving back, and/or supporting the surrounding environment, or at the very least not a major drain or harmful to the environment.
Remember that it’s the architect’s job to follow your design, know the rules and to save you money and it is what they are good at.
Understanding the need to hire an architect is the first part, but getting the right fit for you is the hardest part. So contact Aggi and Hazel, AGGI Designs (www.aggidesigns.com) they will be only too happy to discuss your needs and requirements. Skilled, and experienced they will help you in all areas of your project. They can be reached on 0414959170 or email aggi@aggidesigns.com for peace of mind.
Plan on building a new home? Want to improve the home you’ve been living in your whole life? Putting up apartments, offices or a commercial building? There are different requirements needed for different kinds of structures that are constructed. Paperwork is different, taxes are different, permits and plans are different, but one thing they all have in common is the need of an Architect.
Some may argue that you don’t have to hire an architect that you can do it with an engineer alone or by yourself and they are right. You don’t have to hire an architect, but you will need to. Understand that the work of an Architect does not stop at design; Architects are there through the whole construction process. From planning & designing to buying materials to over-seeing the construction they are there.
Architects are also being noted for their skills, knowledge and participation in green building. So when you’re going to hire an architect for their professional and specialist knowledge, how do you start looking? What do you look for and how do you find the right architect for your construction job?
Always view and architectural firms portfolio which should give you a good feel of who they are, what they have done and their level of professionalism and skills. Some firms prefer to stay with certain types of construction, others have wider portfolio, different styles. So their portfolio is a great place to start if you have an idea of what you are looking for.
However, if you don’t know the direction you want to go in, the portfolio can be a good source of inspiration.
Steps to follow when looking to hire an architect:
1.Decide on what kind of an architect you’re looking for – Are you looking for an expert in home restoration, a green architect or an architect who specializes in contemporary homes?
2.Look for a professional architect – professional means all the papers are in order and they are licensed.
3.Start with a list of potential architects you could work with, and then check out their portfolios.
4.Contact the architects on the list to see if they’re available to work with you and if you can have an initial meeting.
5.Ask for references and look into information about them over the net.
6.When you meet tell them what you want and make sure they understand your needs and are willing to do the work.
7.Make sure you discuss all costs and the planning stages. An Architect can help you cut cost by ensuring that your project keeps to time.
The environments frailty and depletion of natural resources dictate that projects must strictly adhere to eco friendly and smart design construction. This includes but is not limited to giving back, and/or supporting the surrounding environment, or at the very least not a major drain or harmful to the environment.
Remember that it’s the architect’s job to follow your design, know the rules and to save you money and it is what they are good at.
Understanding the need to hire an architect is the first part, but getting the right fit for you is the hardest part. So contact Aggi and Hazel, AGGI Designs (www.aggidesigns.com) they will be only too happy to discuss your needs and requirements. Skilled, and experienced they will help you in all areas of your project. They can be reached on 0414959170 or email aggi@aggidesigns.com for peace of mind.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1650866_36.html
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