CMAA 78 has been published to recognize overhead traveling crane service and the service of associated hoisting equipment as an "industry" worthy of having guidelines and standards for providing high-quality, professional services performed by safety-minded, manufacturer-trained and certified technicians. With the introduction of Specification 78, CMAA intends to set higher performance standards and raise customer expectations related to the service of overhead traveling cranes and associated hoisting equipment.Secure PDF This standard is distributed as an encrypted PDF with a license for up to 2 separate devices. You will receive one email for registering a device and another email with the standard attached. You will need administrative privileges in order to install the FileOpen plug-in for Adobe Acrobat/Reader. Administrative privileges may also be necessary to disable protected mode in Adobe Acrobat/Reader when printing to network printers. FileOpen Plug-In FAQ http://plugin.fileopen.com/faq.aspx FileOpen Troubleshooting FAQ http://www.fileopen.com/products/troubleshooting-faq

CMAA 78 has been developed to recognize overhead traveling crane service and the service of associated hoisting equipment as an "industry" worthy of having guidelines and standards for providing high-quality, professional services performed by safety-minded, manufacturer-trained and certified technicians. With the introduction of Specification 78, CMAA intends to set higher performance standards and raise customer expectations related to the service of overhead traveling cranes and associated hoisting equipment.

(Atlanta, Georgia, May 2st, 2024) - Telgian Engineering & Consulting, LLC (TEC) recently announced the addition of Jim Burian as Regional Practice Leader, Fire Protection Engineering. In this position, Burian will be responsible for the implementation of fire protection solutions and strategies serving TEC clients. Burian is a proven leader with over 13 years of experience and excels in key account management within the public safety and Testing, Inspection, Certification (TIC) industry. Known for his adept leadership and creative problem-solving, his expertise includes engineering, project management and compliance management. “We couldn’t be more excited to add Jim to our team,” says TEC Vice President – East, Keith Butler. “His ability to relate his experience in operational leadership to evaluation of the built environment adds tremendous value to both our firm and our clients moving forward. This leadership is essential as he will oversee our rapidly growing fire protection engineering practice across the Midwest.” Previously an Engineering Leader for UL Solutions, Burian managed key accounts across all built environment industries, creating enduring client relationships. In addition to analyzing business data and market trends, he also identified areas for expansion of services, while working directly with customers to drive business growth. Burian also collaborated cross-functionally with multiple teams and leaders, such as fire suppression, roofing, containment, building products, fire alarm control panels, initiating and indicating devices, fire, and smoke to provide a seamless project execution. Burian earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), and the Chicago Chapter of SFPE. About Telgian Engineering & Consulting, LLC (TEC) Telgian Engineering & Consulting, LLC (TEC) is a full-service global engineering and risk mitigation consulting firm specializing in complex, multi-discipline public and private sector projects. TEC provides professional services related to the protection of people, property, information and organizational mission against preventable losses including full-scale fire testing, strategic/enterprise risk management, fire protection engineering, security, environmental health and safety, emergency management, operations continuity and construction administration services. Since 1985, TEC has worked hand-in-hand with clients such as architects, engineers, owners, developers, risk and facility management firms, construction teams and government agencies. TEC’s professionals are dedicated to delivering value through effective protection solutions that meet today’s risk challenges. In addition to a uniquely global perspective, the company also offers in-depth knowledge of local, state and federal compliance requirements.

Charlotte NC – February 23, 2024 – With a mission to inspire action among logistics professionals, the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) has released the full program of educational sessions and networking events for the WERC Annual Conference. The conference will take place at the Hilton, Anatole in Dallas, Texas on June 2-5.The conference’s educational sessions, which focus on the essential areas of people, processes, and technology, enable attendees to expand their operational knowledge and accelerate their professional development.“The WERC Annual Conference is a hub for learning and growth where professionals at any stage of their career can expand their logistics skillset,” stated Michael Mikitka, EVP for MHI Knowledge Center and WERC. “Our 2024 program has been crafted to deliver actionable intelligence to the industry’s most pressing challenges and to foster collaboration between attendees.”Below is a sample of a few sessions that will be offered at the 2024 WERC Annual Conference:What Younger Workers Look for in a Job: This session explores the latest research on those aged 18-34 without college degrees. Participants will gain a better understand of this job candidate demographic, which they can apply toward talent and retention tactics.Forecasting with AI and Machine Learning (ML):  For supply chain leaders, ML has the potential to drive business success when applied to forecasting. In plain English, this session will explain how and why ML applies to forecasting and how it compares to non-ML forecasting techniques.Case Study: Executing a Total Operational Network Transformation: This session details how the total transformation of an entire operational network resulted in inventory accuracy improving from 55% to 99.2%, late orders reduced by 95%, and cost-per-unit dropped by 20%. The presentation will also share how a multi-site digital implementation laid the groundwork for the organization's future.In addition to Thought Leader sessions listed above, WERC 2024 features the always popular Peer-to-Peer discussion sessions. These small-group gatherings provide attendees the opportunity to talk with peers about crucial issues and to share their insights and solutions. Beyond the comprehensive lineup of educational sessions, WERC 2024 will also host three inspiring keynotes.Attendees can also broaden their operational perspective by registering for a facility tour on June 5. Hosted by Edward Don & Company, Henry Schein, Inc., Lennox International, the Mariner, and Northern Tool Equipment, the tours will showcase cutting-edge distribution technology and processes.To attend this premier event for warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment professionals,  register now at werc.org/2024. Companies interested in hosting an informative conference session about their products and services are invited to learn more about the WERC 2024 sponsorship opportunities.About WERCWERC, a division of MHI, is the only professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. Through membership in WERC, seasoned professionals and those new to the industry master best practices and establish valuable relationships. Learn more about WERC at werc.org.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 900 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.

Attendees of WERC’s 46th Annual Conference explored how to seize growth opportunities amidst a period of rapid transformation in the warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment industry. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), a division of MHI, hosted this event at the Hilton Orlando in Florida from June 4-7, 2023. “It was wonderful to welcome so many first-time attendees to WERC 2023 who were eager to learn from leaders in our industry,” said Michael Mikita, EVP for MHI Knowledge Center and WERC. “Of course, we also saw a lot of returning attendees, demonstrating the strength of the conference’s practical and forward-looking educational sessions. We are grateful to our WERC 2023 sponsors for enabling our attendees to connect in Orlando and build a stronger professional network.” Industry-Led Educational Sessions “The conference delivered a rich agenda of industry-led educational sessions that were highly relevant to today’s warehousing and logistics professionals,” stated Chad Claude, director of operations, DHL Supply Chain, and WERC Advisory Council president. “With the immense competition for labor that companies currently face, the sessions geared toward recruiting and retaining talent provided valuable strategies for workforce development.” From automating the warehouse to adopting a transportation management system, other conference sessions focused on optimizing emerging technologies. “As the tools used in the industry quickly evolve, the conference gave professionals a chance to hear about the real solutions companies are implementing,” said Rick Gott, director of Global Logistics, W.L. Gore, and WERC 2023 conference chair. “This experience of learning best practices from our peers is instrumental to moving the entire industry forward.” New Benchmarking Report Released At a thought leader session on June 6, WERC released its 2023 DC Measures Annual Survey & Report, which helps distribution professionals measure and improve their operations. For the first time, this 2023 report addressed the role that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are playing in the industry. Women @WERC and Keynote Sessions Other highlights of the conference included a Women @WERC luncheon on June 6 that taught attendees the art of effective communication. Three keynotes, Jim Knight, Libby Gill, and Joe Theismann, addressed WERC 2023 with powerful speeches about channeling adversity into success on a company-wide, professional, and personal level. WERC 2024 The WERC Annual Conference will move to Dallas, Texas next year. The event will be held June 2-5, 2024. More details can be found at werc.org/2024. About WERC WERC, a division of MHI, is the only professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. Through membership in WERC, seasoned professionals and those new to the industry master best practices and establish valuable relationships. Learn more about WERC at werc.org. About MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 900 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. WERC is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehouse, distribution and logistics community. For more information, contact Krys Slovacek, WERC director of events and strategy, at kslovacek@werc.org.

To complement a new educational video, thought leaders representing the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), an MHI product group, discuss the importance of protecting personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities.ProGMA has recently launched the second in a series of videos about the importance of protective guarding products in the material handling industry. The video titled “Proper Safeguarding for Elevated Work Platforms” followed the inaugural, educational video titled, “Essential Safety Barriers for Automated / Robotic Workcells”. (http://www.mhi.org/progma/videos)Here, representatives of member companies expand on the themes explored within the latest video in the group’s first blog.Before we start, says Arlin Keck, corporate research and development engineer at Steel King (a manufacturer of pallet racks, mezzanines and guardrails), it’s important to clarify what we mean by “mezzanine” in this context. “The technical term for what my company and other members make is work platforms. Mezzanine was an old term for these systems; however, the word mezzanine had to be dropped because mezzanine, as defined in the building codes, refers to a specified type of floor within a building structure and carries with it added requirements for fire safety, egress, parking, and so on,” Keck explains.A typical work platform is design to support the site-specific load that will be placed on the floor, be it palletized loads, pallet jacks, foot traffic, work equipment, filing cabinets, racking or shelving units, to name just a few possibilities.Keck says that the main purpose of an elevated work platform is to add additional floor space into a building or room by taking advantage of surplus ceiling clearance that may exist in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Aaron Conway, president at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. (a manufacturer of safety gates to secure the ledges of pallet drop areas on mezzanines and rack picking systems), says, “A company that has utilized all of its ground space can build upward. An elevated platform allows one to use the space for workflow or to store product.”As Hue Schlegel, director of marketing at Wildeck Inc. (a manufacturer of mezzanines and work platforms), puts it, “Move up, not out.” He adds, “Depending on the available height in a building, platforms can be one, two, or three levels high, with the most common height being 10 ft. top-of-deck and supporting a floor load of 125 lbs. per square foot. Their length and width are only limited by facility size.” Importantly, he explains, they cannot occupy more than two thirds of a fire-rated area within a building.Keck says work platforms are also used to create catwalks between separated platforms, and to serve as sortation and conveyance areas for mechanized systems. Conway agrees, adding, “Companies that supply elevated work platforms can fabricate them in virtually any configuration. They can be designed to accommodate specific workflow operations or to fit with existing structures in the building.”Industrial buildings are getting bigger and elevated work platforms are scaling up with them. Say, 50 years ago, facilities were much smaller and ceilings lower so there were fewer requirements for elevated platforms. Further, the equipment to load at such heights didn’t exist. Now, the capability of equipment is greater and taller structures are being utilized as a result. Within them, work and storage takes place on multiple levels.These multi-level work platforms present a danger of personnel and objects falling from height.As the latest video warns, the pallet drop area of elevated work platforms can lead to accidents if the ledge is open without adequate guarding. Falls to lower levels cost employers $5 billion annually in compensation claims in the U.S. alone. OSHA reports that it costs on average 16 lost working days per injured employee.Conway says, “Falling from an elevated level, whether it be people or products, is a serious danger and both should be addressed proactively, securing the situation before an incident occurs.” Schlegel adds, “The worst case, of course, is death; while the best scenario is that a worker survives a fall from the typical mezzanine height of 10 ft. sustaining only broken bones, fractures, and other injuries from hitting the concrete floor below. It is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.”Traditional railing or guarding systems are effective at preventing falls from height as long as they include a kick plate that is installed in conjunction with ANSI MH 28.3-2009. Adding netting or expanded metal and safety products to traditional railing systems provides added protection by capturing small objects that might otherwise fall into the work area below.OSHA Standard 1926.502, meanwhile, requires paneling or screening where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a toe-board or kick plate. ProGMA members also manufacture both netting and wire mesh panels that comply with that standard.However, David Brentz, chairman of ProGMA and vice president of member company Industrial Netting (a manufacturer of plastic netting), says, “That’s only a minimum requirement; added protection is financially prudent. The cost to install netting or wire screens around the perimeter of an elevated work platform pales in comparison to the cost of a single lost time accident. ProGMA members offer several simple, cost effective solutions to protect employees below loose objects that may fall or be kicked off work platforms.”Conway says, “In the past, properly guarding a pallet drop area or installing netting or wire was something that would be retrofitted, either after an incident occurred or after someone pointed out the issue. Designing proper safety guarding for the structure at the time of purchase makes for a much better fit; when retrofitting, there is often insufficient room for proper guarding and concessions have to be made. But, it is important to note that even if proper guarding wasn’t designed with the structure, it still should be installed. There are companies in the ProGMA that can customize solutions to fit these areas.”He continues, “Don’t confuse luck with judgment. If I visit a facility that was built, say, 20 years ago, I’m sure to find open pallet drop areas or insufficient guardrails. Just because these areas have been around for a while isn’t a reason not to properly secure them. I’ve heard the line, ‘Well, we’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has gotten hurt’. To that I say, ‘You’ve been lucky!’”Schlegel says, “The biggest safety risk is when a forklift access gate on mezzanine is left open creating a fall hazard for someone off-loading a pallet at the upper level. There are many products, provided by ProGMA members, that prevent the gate from being left open or that keep the operator at a safe distance, which should always be installed.”ANSI says, “Any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift up, leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”Dual gate systems such as a rolling gate ensure that the operator is separated from the ledge as well as the load. A pivoting gate ensures the operator is never exposed to the ledge and does not require him or her to walk near an open ledge to operate the gate.Unfortunately, sometimes it can take an incident and a facility to be shut down during an investigation for companies to understand the serious financial consequences of a workplace injury. There are many other companies that understand the risks and proactively secure their work areas. These diligent companies end up ahead in the long run:1. They typically get better solutions because they had the time to design them correctly;2. They get a better price because they can take their time and research the solutions;3. Safety solutions are in place before they need them.Conway concludes, “The large majority of people don’t want to get hurt and are not acting recklessly on the job. Typically, they are performing a repetitive operation, and in their process miss a step or push something too far and someone gets hurt. Proper guarding should be in place to prevent injury if this happens.”About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at http://www.mhi.org/ProGMAAbout MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. http://www.mhi.orgContactAnupam Berry Boseabose@mhi.org704-676-1190