BBE Achieves COR Standard
March, 2010
BBE took its next step in occupational health and safety, earning its Certificate of Recognition (COR).
Through the Northern Construction Safety Association, BBE undertook the training required to achieve this national standard, and scored 95 percent in the process.
“Clearly, there was a substantial investment in time and effort to achieve the COR standard,” said Gary Reid, President of BBE. “That effort from our staff is very much appreciated, not only because we share a commitment to the principles behind COR compliance, but also because our clients can be assured the work we do on their behalf is done safely. COR is very important to our clients, so it’s very important to us.”
The move to become COR registered is not BBE’s first initiative to bring a systems management approach to its safety-related training.
In 2009, BBE introduced an online training system for employees, an important step considering the geographic diversity of its operations.
Having an online training system helps BBE deliver on its promise of keeping employees abreast of the latest in safety training principles and procedures while keeping costs manageable, ultimately a benefit for BBE clients.
The next step was joining ISNetworld, a global resource for connecting corporations with safe, reliable vendors from capital-intensive industries. This network allows BBE to share its safety record with more than 300 companies.
“These three initiatives are taking BBE from the manual to the automated process. We have the certification, we have the procedures and we have the tool to market our safety initiatives,” said Dennis Gould, Director of Operations with BBE.
Its part of BBE’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe workplace — one that benefits its employees and clients alike.
Chris Johnston, Executive Director of the NWT Construction Safety Association (second from right), presents Gary Reid, President of BBE, with a Certificate of Recognition, the highest safety standard in the country. Along with Gary are Ryan Heslep, Health, Safety and Logistics (left), and Rodney Noseworthy, Operations Manager, Yellowknife (right).
No Project Too Big
March, 2010
Late in 2009, one of our dealers came to Weldco-Beales (Edmonton) with a requirement for two very large excavator buckets destined for use in Alberta’s oil sands. The dealer called for a bucket with a capacity of 15.3 yrds, height of close to 10 ft., base edge width of 115 inches, and weight of approximately 32,000lbs. True heavyweights, these buckets would become the largest excavator buckets ever manufactured by Weldco-Beales.
Once the size parameters were confirmed, design work began. The use of 3D solid modelling supported the exact positioning of virtual components so clearances and fitments could be corrected before any plate was processed. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed to check component sizes and ensure stresses were within limits.
With design of the bucket completed, the production processes began. Fitting and assembly commenced once all steel components were burned and forme. For the final welding stage, a fixture was designed and fabricated for use with our weld positioner. When placed in the stands, 360 degree rotation provided optimal positioning and ease of access to all areas of the bucket. Once welding was completed and GET fitted, the finished bucket was painted and prepared for shipping.
This project was full of challenges for all involved. The ultimate success of the collaborative approach used shows there really is no job too big for Weldco-Beales!
Fitting of components (left) Bucket is placed on weld positioner (center) Finished product for transport (right)
NTCL Cargo Service for Western Arctic Communities
March, 2010
For the second consecutive year, Northern Transportation Company Limited is offering its new freight service to Western Arctic Communities, which is in addition to their traditional tug and barge service from Hay River. Freight will be loaded from Delta, B.C., near Vancouver, shipped north along the West Coast of Canada and around Point Barrow, Alaska and then east into the Canadian Arctic serving the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and then the Kitikmeot.
NTCL will use a large, ocean capable tug and a 12,000 ton barge for this service.
NTCL is working with Braden-Burry Expediting, a NorTerra company with offices in Inuvik, Yellowknife, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa. BBE will manage the Richmond loading terminal. BBE has more than three decades of experience moving cargo from all over the world to the North and is ready to handle northbound cargo from Delta, BC terminal for NTCL.
To book freight, get quotes, or ask questions contact the Customer Services Desk on 1 866 935 6825 or e-mail customerservicedesk@ntcl.com. Lines are open 8.00am to 5.00pm MST.
Cut-off dates are viewable at www.ntcl.com.
High Capacity Industrial Spray Booth
March, 2010
During the design phase of Weldco Heavy Industries, one of the mandates was to ensure compliance with associated environmental legislation and regulations. As a demonstration of our diligence, Weldco Heavy Industries constructed one of the largest self contained, heated, cross-draft paint booths. Constructed by Clark Builders and supplied by Booth Brothers out of Calgary, this paint booth is the largest of its kind in the region.
At 3,500 sq. ft., the booth has proved to be a valuable asset in the Fort McMurray market. The custom built size readily handles the oversized equipment that services the oil sands, from heavy hauler truck bodies to 60 yard dipper buckets.
Equipment weighing up to 120,000 pounds is brought into the paint booth on a dedicated trailer that is pulled by a modified Volvo A30 truck. The booth is 70ft. long, 26 ft. high and 48 ft. wide. Pre and post heat is computer controlled allowing precise temperatures to be set, ranging between 40oF and 150oF. Although most jobs call for enamel paint, special coatings can also be applied upon customer request.
As the typical final stage of completion for the many projects that come through the Weldco Heavy Industries shop, the dedicated spray booth offers customers a professionally finished product.
