As everyone knows the economy is at one of its lowest points in history, but living in the Nations Capital has helped to insulate us but not without some degree of exposure. The effect may be in the form of lost value in real estate, the ability to get bank loans, higher interest rates etc. I am happy to announce BMSIs revenue is up again this year-to-date and our credit is strong. BMSIs revenue has increased each and every year since we opened our doors back in the 90s. As a company we would not be able to say this if it not for the dedicated and hard working individuals who form BMSI. As long as we provide services that help our clients reduce costs, increase asset life and value through aggressive maintenance and preventative maintenance in a professional, high quality manner, we will all thrive and succeed. I would like to encourage everyone to KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
On a personal note - everyone have a happy and safe Halloween. Try not to eat too much candy.
Sincerely,
Education
At BMSI, we encourage all of
our employees to take trade-related courses to sharpen their
service skills. In fact, to keep up with changes in technology
that affect our engineering trade, continuing education is a
must.
If you are looking for time to further enhance your
education, now is the time! The ultimate goal for educational
advancement is to obtain a Masters HVACR license for Maryland,
Virginia, and/or the District of Columbia. At a minimum, Chief
Engineers in Maryland should have a MD 1st class
license. In the District of Columbia, the DC 3rd
class license.
For those of you who are interested, we have included some
useful information to get you started:
NAPE- Educational
Development Interested in signing up for
classes? Go to where the opportunities for education is endless!
Listed below are additional links that can lead you in the
right direction for educational progress:
Industry News
HAND TOOL SAFETY
Hammers, wrenches, chisels, pliers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools are often underrated as sources of potential danger. Hand tools may look harmless; but, they are the cause of many injuries. In fact, an estimated 8 percent of all workplace compensable injuries are caused by incidents associated with hand tools. These injuries can be serious, including loss of fingers or eyesight.
Hand tools can cause many types of injuries:
Cuts, abrasions, amputations, and punctures. If hand tools are designed to cut or move metal and wood, remember what a single slip can do to fragile human flesh.
Repetitive motion injuries. Using the same tool in the same way all day long, day after day, can stress human muscles and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome (inflammation of the nerve sheath in the wrist) and injuries to muscles, joints and ligaments are increasingly common if the wrong tool is used, or the right tool is used improperly. Injury from continuous vibration can also cause numbness or poor circulation in hands and arms.
Eye injuries. Flying chips of wood or metal are a common hazard, often causing needless and permanent blindness.
Broken bones and bruises. Tools can slip, fall from heights, or even be thrown by careless employees, causing severe injuries. A hammer that falls from a ladder is a lethal weapon.
To avoid such injuries, remember the following safety procedures:
Use the right tool for the job. Don't use your wrench as a hammer. Don't use a screwdriver as a chisel, etc. Go back to the tool house and get the right tool in the right size for the job.
Don't use broken or damaged tools, dull cutting tools, or screwdrivers with worn tips.
Cut in a direction away from your body.
Make sure your grip and footing are secure when using large tools.
Carry tools securely in a tool belt or box. Don't carry tools up ladders. Use a hoist or rope.
Keep close track of tools when working at heights. A falling tool can kill a co-worker.
Hand a tool to another person by the handle; never toss it to them.
Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job. Follow company instructions for selecting and using safety eye wear, steel toed shoes, gloves, hard hats, etc.
Never carry sharp or pointed tools such as a screwdriver in your pocket.
Select ergonomic tools for your work task when movements are repetitive and forceful.
Be on the lookout for signs of repetitive stress. Early detection might prevent a serious injury.
Always keep your tools in top condition. A dull blade or blunt point can lead to injury.
Store tools properly when you stop work.
By following these precautions, you can help prevent injuries and provide a better workplace for everyone. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Health & Safety
AVOIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCKS
Electrical hazards can be found in all industries. Avoiding electrical shocks both at home and at work requires awareness of the hazards and a respect for this "Silent Killer." The human body has a low resistance to electricity, making it a good conductor, like most metals. Unlike metals however, the human body does not respond well when electricity passes through it. Physical results include thermal burns, disruption of normal heart activity, severe muscle contractions, and even death.
The most common and serious electrical injuries occur when electrical current flows between the hands and feet. This happens when a person touches an energized line. The electrical energy is looking for the shortest path to the ground, and it will pass through the body to the feet to reach it. When this occurs, a person's heart and lungs are frequently damaged by the electrical energy.
Placing an insulator between the energy and the point of physical contact is one method of protection. Porcelain, rubber, pottery and dry wood offer substantial resistance to the flow of electricity, and are therefore good insulators. These materials can often protect a person from electrical shock.
Precautions for avoiding electrical shocks include, but are not limited to, the following:
Always make sure electric tools are properly grounded or double insulated. The double insulated tool must have an undamaged outer case and be clearly labeled as "double insulated" by the manufacturer.
Always check to be sure the grounding system is complete. Unless they are designated as double insulated, grounded power tools must be attached to a grounded service circuit. If there is any doubt about the grounding, test it! (Ground testers are inexpensive.)
Use heavy duty grounded extension cords. These cords have two layers of insulation, with reinforcement between the layers. They are less susceptible to damage than household type cords. To check if the cord is heavy duty, check its shape. Most flat cords are not heavy duty. Heavy duty cords will have a marking on the insulation such as: "S", "SJ", "SJO", etc.
Avoid mixing water and electricity! Not only keep cords, tools and working/walking surfaces dry, keep your hands and feet dry as well. The electrical resistance of wet skin is at least 100 times less than dry skin. Wet skin greatly increases the likelihood of severe shock if a person comes in contact with a live circuit. If you must work around water, connect to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to automatically shut off the current if there is an abnormal current flow.
Never work on or around a live electrical circuit. Lock Out the power so that only you have control over energizing the machine or equipment. Don't take chances.
Remember, electricity strikes without warning-so always play it safe!
Did you know?
What is the importance of a professional appearance?
Your professional appearance and attire positively impacts the perception of BUILDING MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS, INC. by our clients, visitors and business guests. An image of professionalism assures those who have business dealings with the Company that they are associating with a reputable organization. As representatives of BUILDING MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS, INC., all employees have the responsibility of dressing in a manner that presents an image appropriate to the work situation.
Inappropriate clothing includes the following:
Jeans
Shorts
Warm-up suits
Sweatshirts and T-shirts
Sandals or other beachwear
Athletic footwear
Visual piercing on males includes but is not limited to, ears, nose, eyes, lips, neck, etc.
Please remember that "business casual day" is a privilege, not an entitlement. At times, business needs may dictate that certain employees or departments forgo participation in the casual day program.
If you would like to read more about the importance of a professional appearance, continue to read the article provided.
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Willie Anderson 10/11
William Velazquez 10/19
Andrew Glynn 10/25
Alan Williams 10/29
Louis Bose Jr. 10/1/02
Henry Choate 10/2/06
Jerry Lee 10/9/06
Events
Monthly Inspiration
Nick and Mark attended the IFMA World Workplace Conference in Dallas Texas on October 15-17, 2008. The annual conference and exposition of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), World Workplace encompasses the vast educational and networking opportunities available through the Association year-round. IFMA's knowledge and resources are consolidated into a three-day, world-class gathering of facility professionals, educators, students and companies for the continued advancement of the profession.
IFMA designed World Workplace as a collaborative forum for facility managers and those in related fields to discuss, evaluate, share and grow, both personally and professionally. The World Workplace experience includes a conference focused entirely on education and a unique tradeshow that incorporates product demonstration and instruction.
"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."
