The real danger to the quality of the water is not industrial wastes but human created wastes that comes from residential neighborhoods. This pollution is called Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.
This type of pollution is caused by rainfall or melting snow that runs over cement and parking lots and carries insecticide, oil and gas, fertilizers and herbicides that are sprayed on gardens and grass directly to our waterways.
Other pollutants are the oil, grease or toxic chemicals that are produced as a result of urban sprawl. Many people ignore the warnings of our governmental agencies and continue to use poisonous substances on their lawns and in their day-to-day life.
These pollutants end up in our water resources. As a result, pollution from these sources are cited by many state agencies as “uncontrolled pollution” Stormwater runoff pollution impacts the quality of water and will eventually impact where and how humans can live.
If left unchecked, the water supply will not support life. While the EPA has created programs under the Clean Water Act to protect the quality of our water, the prevention of pollution is dependent on individuals learning to prevent pollution.
Most of the Pollution Prevention programs are managed by the state environmental agencies and the rules and regulations are created for larger business sectors. The exceptions to this rule are in the states of:
Massachusetts
New Mexico
Alaska
Idaho
New Hampshire
In these states, the EPA retains complete authority. According to the EPA, states are more concerned about nonpoint source pollution. States report that this pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems.
Phase I of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) requires all point sources discharging pollutants into waters of the United States to obtain a permit. This program was designed for cities with populations of more than 100,000. The NPDES also targeted large industrial and construction sites. The statues required that industries and construction sites begin treating storm water runoff from their locations.
These restrictions limited and reduced the pollution from these industrial sites. Site pollution control maintenance is a priority for most industries. Heavy fines and penalties are levied against those industries when they do not adhere to the EPA guidelines. However the pollution from the residential areas continue to increase. It is difficult to pinpoint residential hotspots.
Phase II of NPDES was announced in December 1999 and required that more than 5,000 municipalities and all new developments of one acre or larger implement Best Management Practices ’s (BMP's) for stormwater treatment to the maximum extent that was practical.
The compliance to these BMP's was also implemented. The data indicated that pollution was reduced and controlled from those municipalities that were regulated. But the reduced level of pollution from industrial and commercial sites was ineffective because the level of pollution from non-industrial locations continued to increase.
The effects of nonpoint source pollutants on specific waters vary within separate municipalities. Governmental agencies have released critical data that confirms that nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution. This type of pollution is difficult to control or to legislate because the source is so widespread and not easily contained. This type of pollution is created by the public at large.
The focus of state environmental agencies is to increase public awareness of this problem. Implementing programs at the community level will provide strategies to manage nonpoint source pollution.
These pollutants have harmful effects on drinking water, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. It is the responsibility of industry as well as individual citizens to work together to protect our water supply.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Industrial Safety Can Be Funny
Safety in the industrial environment is challenging.
How much money do you have to spend to purchase safety protective equipment to prevent accidents? Try asking yourself how much it will cost you whenever an accident happens - loss of life, loss of work and productivity, insurance claims, material damage, and not counting those extra hours writing reports...
Accidents are not cheap. In fact, they can be very, very expensive!
And ironically, most accidents are caused by people! And it is not easy to get people to follow what you want them to do. Everybody has a free will and they know it.
How useful are your protective equipment if your workers are not using them? How do you ensure that your workers remember safety guidelines and avoid dangerous practices? Or observe good safety practices when nobody supervises them?
Somehow, people need to get it into their subconscious mind to want to follow safety rules and regulations. If not it will be an uphill task for the safety practitioner. Do they have to wield the big stick like a policeman and play a cat-and-mouse game all the time?
Safety awareness is the key to controlling accidents. Safety awareness is critical in any construction site. So many dangerous activities are happening at the same time. It only takes one unsafe act to bring your safety record plunging down.
What is the best way to deliver your safety message?
Interestingly, researchers have found that people remember 50% more in what they see than in what they hear. Visuals get people's attention. Advertising people know about this. The many images on billboards, magazines, newspapers or even on the internet are testimonies that visuals do attract people and advertising using visuals are so effective.
Humor in posters brings good feelings and makes ideas more memorable and receptive. This again has a lot to do with the working of the mind. Pleasant thoughts generate more receptive learning. Have you ever tried studying for an exam when you have ugly thoughts disturbing your mind?
Humor effectively drives a point that is so easy to understand when done correctly. Accidents situations cannot be photographed. Only stuntmen are crazy enough to do things that can result in accidents. Cartoons can be effectively used to illustrate dangerous situations which might be impossible to capture on film in real life.
What do you mean by done correctly? Well, in any graphic design, there must be a certain composition that makes a picture stand out. It's what makes people stop and stare. It's the difference between a prize-winning visual and a mediocre one.
Composition is simply the arrangement of the subject matter within the confines of a picture space. It's not just a matter of putting the main focus in the center. The arrangement of other components of a picture will lead the eye of the beholder to the center of interest. Through composition, a picture is unified into a well-balanced and pleasing design.
There are many techniques for arranging subjects to create attractive graphics. Some of the well known ones are: the S-shape, L-shape, three spot composition, tunnel, silhouette, golden mean, radiating line and many others.
Another way to capture interest is by the use of colors or lack of it. Strong reds will stand out in a green background. Skilful matching of colors can enable pictures to stand out, and make people take notice.
In safety communication, the safety slogan must also be eye-catching. After all, that is the safety message that you want to deliver to people. To be successful, the words must stand out above the rest.
The successful safety poster first captures people's attention with the graphics and the color. Next, it lets them enjoy the images to relax their mood. Finally, it presents the safety slogan or message for the finale.
If done well, people will remember the messages in safety posters for a long, long time. And when a similar situation occurs during their work, the vivid graphic comes back to their minds, perhaps causing them to smile knowingly for what to avoid. They have seen the consequences and they will avoid putting themselves in that similar accident-prone situation.
Does it make sense then to use eye-catching cartoon graphics to influence safety behavior in people? I think it might work when we expose people sufficiently over a long period of time. The messages must sink into their subconscious mind so that it becomes second nature to them.
There had been a lot of propaganda graphics created during the world wars and also during political campaigns. Many of them used cartoons to influence the thinking of the masses. People in advertisement use a lot of graphics - all for one purpose - to influence people's impression or buying behavior.
Truly, cartoon posters with the proper messages can influence people's behavior. That should be good news to safety professionals. It's a tool with a lot of potential.
If you are involved with safety, where can you obtain suitable safety posters that are both cheap and good, where you can store in your computer, and print at any time you want?
How much money do you have to spend to purchase safety protective equipment to prevent accidents? Try asking yourself how much it will cost you whenever an accident happens - loss of life, loss of work and productivity, insurance claims, material damage, and not counting those extra hours writing reports...
Accidents are not cheap. In fact, they can be very, very expensive!
And ironically, most accidents are caused by people! And it is not easy to get people to follow what you want them to do. Everybody has a free will and they know it.
How useful are your protective equipment if your workers are not using them? How do you ensure that your workers remember safety guidelines and avoid dangerous practices? Or observe good safety practices when nobody supervises them?
Somehow, people need to get it into their subconscious mind to want to follow safety rules and regulations. If not it will be an uphill task for the safety practitioner. Do they have to wield the big stick like a policeman and play a cat-and-mouse game all the time?
Safety awareness is the key to controlling accidents. Safety awareness is critical in any construction site. So many dangerous activities are happening at the same time. It only takes one unsafe act to bring your safety record plunging down.
What is the best way to deliver your safety message?
Interestingly, researchers have found that people remember 50% more in what they see than in what they hear. Visuals get people's attention. Advertising people know about this. The many images on billboards, magazines, newspapers or even on the internet are testimonies that visuals do attract people and advertising using visuals are so effective.
Humor in posters brings good feelings and makes ideas more memorable and receptive. This again has a lot to do with the working of the mind. Pleasant thoughts generate more receptive learning. Have you ever tried studying for an exam when you have ugly thoughts disturbing your mind?
Humor effectively drives a point that is so easy to understand when done correctly. Accidents situations cannot be photographed. Only stuntmen are crazy enough to do things that can result in accidents. Cartoons can be effectively used to illustrate dangerous situations which might be impossible to capture on film in real life.
What do you mean by done correctly? Well, in any graphic design, there must be a certain composition that makes a picture stand out. It's what makes people stop and stare. It's the difference between a prize-winning visual and a mediocre one.
Composition is simply the arrangement of the subject matter within the confines of a picture space. It's not just a matter of putting the main focus in the center. The arrangement of other components of a picture will lead the eye of the beholder to the center of interest. Through composition, a picture is unified into a well-balanced and pleasing design.
There are many techniques for arranging subjects to create attractive graphics. Some of the well known ones are: the S-shape, L-shape, three spot composition, tunnel, silhouette, golden mean, radiating line and many others.
Another way to capture interest is by the use of colors or lack of it. Strong reds will stand out in a green background. Skilful matching of colors can enable pictures to stand out, and make people take notice.
In safety communication, the safety slogan must also be eye-catching. After all, that is the safety message that you want to deliver to people. To be successful, the words must stand out above the rest.
The successful safety poster first captures people's attention with the graphics and the color. Next, it lets them enjoy the images to relax their mood. Finally, it presents the safety slogan or message for the finale.
If done well, people will remember the messages in safety posters for a long, long time. And when a similar situation occurs during their work, the vivid graphic comes back to their minds, perhaps causing them to smile knowingly for what to avoid. They have seen the consequences and they will avoid putting themselves in that similar accident-prone situation.
Does it make sense then to use eye-catching cartoon graphics to influence safety behavior in people? I think it might work when we expose people sufficiently over a long period of time. The messages must sink into their subconscious mind so that it becomes second nature to them.
There had been a lot of propaganda graphics created during the world wars and also during political campaigns. Many of them used cartoons to influence the thinking of the masses. People in advertisement use a lot of graphics - all for one purpose - to influence people's impression or buying behavior.
Truly, cartoon posters with the proper messages can influence people's behavior. That should be good news to safety professionals. It's a tool with a lot of potential.
If you are involved with safety, where can you obtain suitable safety posters that are both cheap and good, where you can store in your computer, and print at any time you want?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Silk City
Silk City
The city of Paterson in New Jersey was important in the growth of the industrial revolution in the late 19th century. Its major manufacturing concern at this time was the production of silk and this is reflected in the city's nickname of Silk City. Other industries included firearms manufacture started by Samuel Colt, railway locomotive manufacture and there were numerous mills involved in the textile industry. This burst of activity was largely caused by the presence of the Great Falls of the Passaic River, which supplied the necessary power. These 77 foot high falls are the second largest in volume throughout the Eastern seaboard and are a big tourist attraction.
This pioneering city of the modern age was also involved in the testing of early submarines. The Paterson Museum displays two models that took part in local trials. Industrial relations did not always run smoothly in Silk City. In 1913, silk workers went on strike in protest against their long hours and poor working conditions. The city was an important production center during World War II for aircraft engines.
The economic boom times came to an end in the 1970s and the area underwent a depression. In common with many other cities with traditional industries, manufacture went into decline and unemployment rose dramatically. Silk City managed to re-invent itself however and has a thriving economy today, based on successful small businesses, many of which are owned by immigrants. Migrants to the city have always had an economic impact, from the Irish, Dutch, Germans and Jews who arrived first to the Latin Americans and Mexicans coming today. The diverse mix in the population has resulted in a cosmopolitan variety of shops and restaurants.
There are many buildings from the Victorian and Georgian era and several of Italian or Dutch design. Some of this architecture is of historical importance. One of the more unusual buildings was commissioned by a wealthy silk mill owner in 1893 and the style was based on a British castle. After the building was sold to the city, it was converted to a museum and is known as Lambert Castle Museum. It contains artwork, artifacts and a public access research library.
The city is immortalized in the work of celebrated poet, William Carlos Williams. He wrote a tribute to Silk City, his hometown, in his poem, Paterson, which came out in parts and then was published as a whole in 1963.
The city of Paterson in New Jersey was important in the growth of the industrial revolution in the late 19th century. Its major manufacturing concern at this time was the production of silk and this is reflected in the city's nickname of Silk City. Other industries included firearms manufacture started by Samuel Colt, railway locomotive manufacture and there were numerous mills involved in the textile industry. This burst of activity was largely caused by the presence of the Great Falls of the Passaic River, which supplied the necessary power. These 77 foot high falls are the second largest in volume throughout the Eastern seaboard and are a big tourist attraction.
This pioneering city of the modern age was also involved in the testing of early submarines. The Paterson Museum displays two models that took part in local trials. Industrial relations did not always run smoothly in Silk City. In 1913, silk workers went on strike in protest against their long hours and poor working conditions. The city was an important production center during World War II for aircraft engines.
The economic boom times came to an end in the 1970s and the area underwent a depression. In common with many other cities with traditional industries, manufacture went into decline and unemployment rose dramatically. Silk City managed to re-invent itself however and has a thriving economy today, based on successful small businesses, many of which are owned by immigrants. Migrants to the city have always had an economic impact, from the Irish, Dutch, Germans and Jews who arrived first to the Latin Americans and Mexicans coming today. The diverse mix in the population has resulted in a cosmopolitan variety of shops and restaurants.
There are many buildings from the Victorian and Georgian era and several of Italian or Dutch design. Some of this architecture is of historical importance. One of the more unusual buildings was commissioned by a wealthy silk mill owner in 1893 and the style was based on a British castle. After the building was sold to the city, it was converted to a museum and is known as Lambert Castle Museum. It contains artwork, artifacts and a public access research library.
The city is immortalized in the work of celebrated poet, William Carlos Williams. He wrote a tribute to Silk City, his hometown, in his poem, Paterson, which came out in parts and then was published as a whole in 1963.
Screen printing equipment
I'd been thinking about starting my own business for several years, but never really knew what I wanted to do until just recently. After a lot of careful consideration, I decided to sell t-shirts on eBay and from my own website. I've always had a knack for coming up with funny slogans and cool graphics, and just figured that this kind of thing would be right up my alley. Handling the online portion of the business was easy, but finding affordable screen printing equipment turned out to be more of a challenge.
Most of the screen printing equipment I looked at was simply too big and too expensive for my purposes. I wanted something that I could set up in my garage and that would be able to handle a reasonable number of shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets per month. If my business did well, I would definitely think about upgrading my screen printing equipment. But I didn't want to spend too much on a machine in case sales turned out to be much slower than anticipated.
The first decision I had to make was whether I wanted to go with new screen printing equipment or if used stuff would suit my purposes. Then, I had to decide which accessories I wanted and how I was going to get my screen printing equipment delivered and set up. Once I determined the answers to these questions, I started calling industrial suppliers in my area to see if anyone had the kind of screen printing equipment I wanted. Since I live in a rather remote place and wanted a small, used machine, I didn't have any luck with suppliers in my area. I was forced to try calling some suppliers in neighboring states and finally got a promising lead.
Before closing on the deal, I checked online to see what the average price of similar screen printing equipment was at different stores around the country. I didn't plan on spending more than I wanted to just because there was only one dealer to buy from. When I was online, I found many screen printing equipment catalogs and resources that helped me determine how much the machine was worth. Once I was satisfied that I was getting a fair deal, I went ahead with the purchase.
I'm happy to say that my screen printing equipment is already set up and cranking out great t-shirts and other apparel. My sales figures are just about where I hoped they'd be at this point, and it looks like I'll be able to make a real go of my business thanks in large part to starting off with the right screen printing equipment.
Most of the screen printing equipment I looked at was simply too big and too expensive for my purposes. I wanted something that I could set up in my garage and that would be able to handle a reasonable number of shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets per month. If my business did well, I would definitely think about upgrading my screen printing equipment. But I didn't want to spend too much on a machine in case sales turned out to be much slower than anticipated.
The first decision I had to make was whether I wanted to go with new screen printing equipment or if used stuff would suit my purposes. Then, I had to decide which accessories I wanted and how I was going to get my screen printing equipment delivered and set up. Once I determined the answers to these questions, I started calling industrial suppliers in my area to see if anyone had the kind of screen printing equipment I wanted. Since I live in a rather remote place and wanted a small, used machine, I didn't have any luck with suppliers in my area. I was forced to try calling some suppliers in neighboring states and finally got a promising lead.
Before closing on the deal, I checked online to see what the average price of similar screen printing equipment was at different stores around the country. I didn't plan on spending more than I wanted to just because there was only one dealer to buy from. When I was online, I found many screen printing equipment catalogs and resources that helped me determine how much the machine was worth. Once I was satisfied that I was getting a fair deal, I went ahead with the purchase.
I'm happy to say that my screen printing equipment is already set up and cranking out great t-shirts and other apparel. My sales figures are just about where I hoped they'd be at this point, and it looks like I'll be able to make a real go of my business thanks in large part to starting off with the right screen printing equipment.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Revolutionary Growth Of Textile Industries
Technology has completely revolutionized the textile industry. Not so long ago it was considered a cottage industry which had very little returns; but now textile industry is the backbone of many countries across the world especially the south-east Asian countries. The textile industry serves as much as 32% of the GDP in many cases and these numbers are constantly increasing.
Clothing is the one of the most basic requirements of a human being and it is so readily available that it can be taken for granted but you will be advised against doing that. The clothes that we eventually wear, reach us after going through different phases of the textile industry.
Textile industry has certainly come a very long way from its modest cottage beginnings. Before the industrial revolution began, the textiles were made in home in through interweaving different fibers such as wool, cotton and linen. Cotton was known as the imported fiber in Northern Europe in the late medieval period and it was preposterously believed that the cotton was obtained through tiny lambs that grew on special trees that allowed the lambs to eat the food by lowering themselves to the ground. With its modest beginnings, it has now reached a point where it is considered the most contributing factor to the GDP of certain countries. The textile sector is the largest employer of people in many countries. This sector is fuelling the economy of various developing countries. There was a time when the textile sector was the main contributing sector to even the United Kingdom's economy. Do not be surprised, because that was back in the beginning of the 18th century. Textile was formed by using the wool that was obtained by the large areas where cotton was cultivated especially in the Midlands.
Textile industry eventually grew from an exceptional industrial revolution in the 18th century into its large industrial base, which it boasts now. There was a time when a single worker could only work on one loom but with the industrial automation trends setting in and an increase in the sophisticated machinery a single worker can operate up to 50 looms at a time, thus decreasing the cost of doing business and in the process increasing the profitability of the textile industry.
The process of making a cloth requires three steps; the preparation of fibers, spinning and weaving. The preparation of fibers is not a homogeneous and uniform task, it involves different task for different fibers, and for example, wool's preparation of fibers involves the processes of carding and washing. Spinning initially comprised of spinning fibers into a single thread at home and then it transformed into a much-mechanized activity that was done through a spinning wheel. The weaving involves the inter twining of different fibers into a cloth.
Whatever the fate of human beings is, one thing is for sure, wherever they go and whatever they do, they will have to eat food and dress up in some sort of textiles so the textile industry will continues to grow unabatedly.
Clothing is the one of the most basic requirements of a human being and it is so readily available that it can be taken for granted but you will be advised against doing that. The clothes that we eventually wear, reach us after going through different phases of the textile industry.
Textile industry has certainly come a very long way from its modest cottage beginnings. Before the industrial revolution began, the textiles were made in home in through interweaving different fibers such as wool, cotton and linen. Cotton was known as the imported fiber in Northern Europe in the late medieval period and it was preposterously believed that the cotton was obtained through tiny lambs that grew on special trees that allowed the lambs to eat the food by lowering themselves to the ground. With its modest beginnings, it has now reached a point where it is considered the most contributing factor to the GDP of certain countries. The textile sector is the largest employer of people in many countries. This sector is fuelling the economy of various developing countries. There was a time when the textile sector was the main contributing sector to even the United Kingdom's economy. Do not be surprised, because that was back in the beginning of the 18th century. Textile was formed by using the wool that was obtained by the large areas where cotton was cultivated especially in the Midlands.
Textile industry eventually grew from an exceptional industrial revolution in the 18th century into its large industrial base, which it boasts now. There was a time when a single worker could only work on one loom but with the industrial automation trends setting in and an increase in the sophisticated machinery a single worker can operate up to 50 looms at a time, thus decreasing the cost of doing business and in the process increasing the profitability of the textile industry.
The process of making a cloth requires three steps; the preparation of fibers, spinning and weaving. The preparation of fibers is not a homogeneous and uniform task, it involves different task for different fibers, and for example, wool's preparation of fibers involves the processes of carding and washing. Spinning initially comprised of spinning fibers into a single thread at home and then it transformed into a much-mechanized activity that was done through a spinning wheel. The weaving involves the inter twining of different fibers into a cloth.
Whatever the fate of human beings is, one thing is for sure, wherever they go and whatever they do, they will have to eat food and dress up in some sort of textiles so the textile industry will continues to grow unabatedly.
Being Competitive In The Industrial Security Arena
So, you want to take the next step to being competitive in the security arena. You know others who have successfully earned their ISP and you want to join the ranks of the very few professionals with ISP after their name. Great, I hope this article motivates you. So keep reading and enjoy some background information and keep posted on a proven method of studying for and passing the exam.
The Society of Industrial Security Professionals identified with the acronym NCMS is the primary professional organization for Department of Defense contractor security professionals. This organization is unique and has a different clientele than other security professional organizations such as ASIS International. The NCMS is dedicated to equipping, training and providing this unique group of professionals and their support of the National Industrial Security Program.
The NCMS currently has 2,000 members which are made up of those working with Department of Defense, Department of Energy, contractors, members in NATO countries and many others. The business challenges are unique and this organization helps to meet them by providing training in Operation Security, Information Security, document classification, personnel and facility security clearances and much more.
Much of the training is conducted through the network of professionals as well as in annual training events and seminars. These annual events provide opportunities for hands on demonstrations, latest in industry news and award ceremonies. The newest addition to the annual seminar is the Industrial Security Professional Certification test.
Out of the 2,000 members only 6% who hold the ISP certification. In July 2005 there were only 75 ISPs and as of October 2006 the number has increased to 117. The test is challenging and the pass rate is 80%. However, this pass rate is expected to improve as a result of the mentor programs developing within the organization as well as time saving techniques offered with the on-line testing.
As with most professional organizations, the ISP is recognized as a prestigious title. As mentioned earlier, there are only 117 people carrying their business cards to job interviews and hanging certificates on the wall. The ISP does indeed distinguish the bearer from others and as a result there is currently a drive to have all leaders in the organization certified.
The ISP demonstrates a high level of knowledge for the holder. It is based strictly on the NISPOM that the government governs compliance with. It also covers electives dealing with communications security, Operations Security, and others specific to the industry. Because of the intense study involved it demonstrates willingness for self-improvement and dedication to the profession. This tells upper management that you are committed to the business, the industry and the protection of national interests. It puts the company in a stronger negotiation position while bidding on contracts and lends credibility to relationships with the oversight agency the Defense Security Services (DSS). Most of all, it gives the recipient confidence in knowledge base and the ability to apply the knowledge to make vital decisions.
As this certification program evolves, more and more employers will recognize the bearer during job interviews. According to the book, "Now, Discover Your Strengths", the difference between mediocrity and excellence is a small margin. For example, a horse wins a race by fractions of a second and employees excel faster by completing only one more small action a day. The ISP is the difference between which applicant gets the Facility Security Officer job offer or which security administrator gets the extra one percent raise.
This isn't to say that this is an easy certification. This just demonstrates that a little discipline; 20 to 30 minutes a day, can make a huge difference. In my case, I studied for approximately 20 minutes per day during the work week for five months. Since I don't like to cram, I take it slow. Some people have different philosophies and take a more intense approach. Through out this book, I will give you hints and techniques that other people have used to give you the skills necessary to couple with your knowledge to help you pass the certification.
More and more chapters of the national program are electing officers with the ISP after their name. The national board of the chapter is challenging all present officers to get the certification to set the example for all the other professionals and pretty soon it may be difficult to serve as a chair without the certification.
The Society of Industrial Security Professionals identified with the acronym NCMS is the primary professional organization for Department of Defense contractor security professionals. This organization is unique and has a different clientele than other security professional organizations such as ASIS International. The NCMS is dedicated to equipping, training and providing this unique group of professionals and their support of the National Industrial Security Program.
The NCMS currently has 2,000 members which are made up of those working with Department of Defense, Department of Energy, contractors, members in NATO countries and many others. The business challenges are unique and this organization helps to meet them by providing training in Operation Security, Information Security, document classification, personnel and facility security clearances and much more.
Much of the training is conducted through the network of professionals as well as in annual training events and seminars. These annual events provide opportunities for hands on demonstrations, latest in industry news and award ceremonies. The newest addition to the annual seminar is the Industrial Security Professional Certification test.
Out of the 2,000 members only 6% who hold the ISP certification. In July 2005 there were only 75 ISPs and as of October 2006 the number has increased to 117. The test is challenging and the pass rate is 80%. However, this pass rate is expected to improve as a result of the mentor programs developing within the organization as well as time saving techniques offered with the on-line testing.
As with most professional organizations, the ISP is recognized as a prestigious title. As mentioned earlier, there are only 117 people carrying their business cards to job interviews and hanging certificates on the wall. The ISP does indeed distinguish the bearer from others and as a result there is currently a drive to have all leaders in the organization certified.
The ISP demonstrates a high level of knowledge for the holder. It is based strictly on the NISPOM that the government governs compliance with. It also covers electives dealing with communications security, Operations Security, and others specific to the industry. Because of the intense study involved it demonstrates willingness for self-improvement and dedication to the profession. This tells upper management that you are committed to the business, the industry and the protection of national interests. It puts the company in a stronger negotiation position while bidding on contracts and lends credibility to relationships with the oversight agency the Defense Security Services (DSS). Most of all, it gives the recipient confidence in knowledge base and the ability to apply the knowledge to make vital decisions.
As this certification program evolves, more and more employers will recognize the bearer during job interviews. According to the book, "Now, Discover Your Strengths", the difference between mediocrity and excellence is a small margin. For example, a horse wins a race by fractions of a second and employees excel faster by completing only one more small action a day. The ISP is the difference between which applicant gets the Facility Security Officer job offer or which security administrator gets the extra one percent raise.
This isn't to say that this is an easy certification. This just demonstrates that a little discipline; 20 to 30 minutes a day, can make a huge difference. In my case, I studied for approximately 20 minutes per day during the work week for five months. Since I don't like to cram, I take it slow. Some people have different philosophies and take a more intense approach. Through out this book, I will give you hints and techniques that other people have used to give you the skills necessary to couple with your knowledge to help you pass the certification.
More and more chapters of the national program are electing officers with the ISP after their name. The national board of the chapter is challenging all present officers to get the certification to set the example for all the other professionals and pretty soon it may be difficult to serve as a chair without the certification.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Industrial Advertising - Its A Numbers Game
When you want your advertisements to spread like virus, use flyer printing. These small prints are easy to distribute, carry around, and can be printed fast in several thousand pieces. It really sounds like virus, and when used properly can be contagious.
Here are a few ways to get your flyers to take root:
1. Its strength lies in the numbers.
Advertising is a numbers game. When you are dealing with probabilities and chance, your best bet is to print in large quantities to get the returns you're looking for. Getting your prints in the right hands mean you should have more than enough prints going around. The more bets you make, the more chances of winning. Fortunately, unlike gambling, you can change the variable to make the odds work for you.
2. Work with location.
Unless you're selling the cure for cancer, you can expect your customers to be those people who live conveniently near your store. Take your geographic location in mind when choosing a strategic area. The proximity depends on area to area, groceries for instance is often chosen for convenience, while women on the other hand will be willing to drive miles to visit their hairdresser.
3. Ask Favors.
Use your network. Call friends, neighbors, colleagues, relatives, family, and ask them to give away your flyers to their own network of friends, colleagues, relatives, and family. It may be an unorthodox way of doing business, but most small businesses prosper because of the support of other people.
Flyers are a great way for established businesses to boost their sales, but it is also a great way for starting entrepreneurs to market their way to stability. Here are a few businesses that can use flyers:
1. Cottage Industries.
Cottage industries are home based manufacturers typically working part-time and often involving crafts and special skills, like pastry making, bead crafts, embroidery, etc. When you want to get a bigger market, you can use flyers to show your product list and prices. This way, they can simply order your products through phone.
2. Multi-Level Marketing
This is a decentralized way of selling where individuals, instead of stores retail products. You can use your flyers as an avenue to sell your products, and include pictures, product lists, prices, and give a brief background about the unique benefits of your products. Simply include your contact information so your prospect can call you up for orders.
3. Service Providers
Whether you are a self-employed professional working from home or a college student with a part-time job, flyers is a great way to establish your credibility or inform clients about your service. Unlike those people who can choose commercial areas to attract people to their offices, you can only use word-of-mouth and referrals. You often rely for word-of-mouth or referrals.
Speed up the process and advertise yourself with flyer printing. This is ideal for a wide range of services like babysitting, web development, tutorials, graphic design, give manicures, etc.
Here are a few ways to get your flyers to take root:
1. Its strength lies in the numbers.
Advertising is a numbers game. When you are dealing with probabilities and chance, your best bet is to print in large quantities to get the returns you're looking for. Getting your prints in the right hands mean you should have more than enough prints going around. The more bets you make, the more chances of winning. Fortunately, unlike gambling, you can change the variable to make the odds work for you.
2. Work with location.
Unless you're selling the cure for cancer, you can expect your customers to be those people who live conveniently near your store. Take your geographic location in mind when choosing a strategic area. The proximity depends on area to area, groceries for instance is often chosen for convenience, while women on the other hand will be willing to drive miles to visit their hairdresser.
3. Ask Favors.
Use your network. Call friends, neighbors, colleagues, relatives, family, and ask them to give away your flyers to their own network of friends, colleagues, relatives, and family. It may be an unorthodox way of doing business, but most small businesses prosper because of the support of other people.
Flyers are a great way for established businesses to boost their sales, but it is also a great way for starting entrepreneurs to market their way to stability. Here are a few businesses that can use flyers:
1. Cottage Industries.
Cottage industries are home based manufacturers typically working part-time and often involving crafts and special skills, like pastry making, bead crafts, embroidery, etc. When you want to get a bigger market, you can use flyers to show your product list and prices. This way, they can simply order your products through phone.
2. Multi-Level Marketing
This is a decentralized way of selling where individuals, instead of stores retail products. You can use your flyers as an avenue to sell your products, and include pictures, product lists, prices, and give a brief background about the unique benefits of your products. Simply include your contact information so your prospect can call you up for orders.
3. Service Providers
Whether you are a self-employed professional working from home or a college student with a part-time job, flyers is a great way to establish your credibility or inform clients about your service. Unlike those people who can choose commercial areas to attract people to their offices, you can only use word-of-mouth and referrals. You often rely for word-of-mouth or referrals.
Speed up the process and advertise yourself with flyer printing. This is ideal for a wide range of services like babysitting, web development, tutorials, graphic design, give manicures, etc.
Best Natural Industrial Solutions
Asbestos is a wonder mineral that is fibrous by nature. It is fire resistant, chemical resistant and very strong. It can be easily woven into cloth to make fireproof clothing. Despite being such a wonderful substance, it is very hazardous to the employees and laborers, who work with it. It leads to various diseases like asbestosis, fibrosis, asbestos warts and even, cancer. Mesothelioma, a killer disease, is the most terrible of all the diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. Due to this, asbestos use, mining and manufacture were banned in many countries a few decades ago. But, there are still many countries like India and china, which have not imposed a complete ban on asbestos. Even those developed countries, which have banned asbestos, are still reaping the troubles of asbestos exposure. This is because the diseases caused due to asbestos exposure have a long latency period. For instance, mesothelioma may take even 40 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
One problem with asbestos is what when it is mined and manufactured a lot of asbestos dust and asbestos fibers are released into the atmosphere. Since these are light and invisible, the laborers easily inhale them. The trouble starts after this, as these fibers are very harmful when inhaled. For instance, when the asbestos fibers come in contact with the mesothelium lining, they react adversely with the cells leading to tumors. The tumors may appear in body parts like lungs, hearts and abdomen. This disease is called as mesothelioma. These tumors may also spread throughout the body, finally leading to dearth.
The following industries have high risk for exposure to asbestos:
Contractors or construction workers:
Since asbestos is very strong, flexible and fireproof, it is a highly preferred material in all types of construction work. In some way or in some form, asbestos is present in paints, cement, tubes, pipes, and sheets and so on. Not only the laborers but also residents, school children in schools, officers in offices and all others face a risk of asbestos exposure.
Firefighters:
In yester years, firefighters wore clothing woven with asbestos. This fireproof clothing gave rise to various health hazards due to asbestos exposure. Even now when old buildings collapse due to fire, firefighters become exposed to asbestos.
Power plants:
The boilers and generators of power plants are mostly lined with asbestos. This is done to protect it from intense heat and sudden fires.
Automotive mechanics:
Mechanics work with brakes and clutch linings, which contain asbestos. Thus, they get exposed to asbestos. Even though asbestos is banned now, the old vehicles still contain such asbestos parts.
Miners:
Minerals like vermiculite and talc contain asbestos. Thus, not only the asbestos miners but miners of these minerals too will suffer from asbestos exposure.
Shipyards:
Most of the components in ships like hot water pipes, incinerators insulation, boilers and steam pipes contain asbestos. Since asbestos is fire proof, chemical proof, strong and flexible, it is popularly used in ship components. Therefore, shipyard workers have high risk of developing asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma. During the Second World War, there was widespread use of asbestos and in US alone, more than 4 million people worked in shipyards. Overhauling and destruction of old ships also releases a lot of asbestos dust and is thus, very hazardous.
Railroads:
Just like automotives and ships, railroads also made use of asbestos in steam pipes, boilers, gaskets, brakes and clutches.
Steel Mills:
Asbestos is expected to be present in the thermal Insulation Substances used in steel mills.
Oil refineries:
It is expected that many parts in the oil refineries also contain asbestos, as the rate of mesothelioma is very high among the refinery workers.
While this gives us an in-depth knowledge about how asbestos affects the various areas of workplace, this is not conclusive. It is important to take proper care and be vigilant to prevent asbestos exposure.
One problem with asbestos is what when it is mined and manufactured a lot of asbestos dust and asbestos fibers are released into the atmosphere. Since these are light and invisible, the laborers easily inhale them. The trouble starts after this, as these fibers are very harmful when inhaled. For instance, when the asbestos fibers come in contact with the mesothelium lining, they react adversely with the cells leading to tumors. The tumors may appear in body parts like lungs, hearts and abdomen. This disease is called as mesothelioma. These tumors may also spread throughout the body, finally leading to dearth.
The following industries have high risk for exposure to asbestos:
Contractors or construction workers:
Since asbestos is very strong, flexible and fireproof, it is a highly preferred material in all types of construction work. In some way or in some form, asbestos is present in paints, cement, tubes, pipes, and sheets and so on. Not only the laborers but also residents, school children in schools, officers in offices and all others face a risk of asbestos exposure.
Firefighters:
In yester years, firefighters wore clothing woven with asbestos. This fireproof clothing gave rise to various health hazards due to asbestos exposure. Even now when old buildings collapse due to fire, firefighters become exposed to asbestos.
Power plants:
The boilers and generators of power plants are mostly lined with asbestos. This is done to protect it from intense heat and sudden fires.
Automotive mechanics:
Mechanics work with brakes and clutch linings, which contain asbestos. Thus, they get exposed to asbestos. Even though asbestos is banned now, the old vehicles still contain such asbestos parts.
Miners:
Minerals like vermiculite and talc contain asbestos. Thus, not only the asbestos miners but miners of these minerals too will suffer from asbestos exposure.
Shipyards:
Most of the components in ships like hot water pipes, incinerators insulation, boilers and steam pipes contain asbestos. Since asbestos is fire proof, chemical proof, strong and flexible, it is popularly used in ship components. Therefore, shipyard workers have high risk of developing asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma. During the Second World War, there was widespread use of asbestos and in US alone, more than 4 million people worked in shipyards. Overhauling and destruction of old ships also releases a lot of asbestos dust and is thus, very hazardous.
Railroads:
Just like automotives and ships, railroads also made use of asbestos in steam pipes, boilers, gaskets, brakes and clutches.
Steel Mills:
Asbestos is expected to be present in the thermal Insulation Substances used in steel mills.
Oil refineries:
It is expected that many parts in the oil refineries also contain asbestos, as the rate of mesothelioma is very high among the refinery workers.
While this gives us an in-depth knowledge about how asbestos affects the various areas of workplace, this is not conclusive. It is important to take proper care and be vigilant to prevent asbestos exposure.
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