Category Archives: Enviroment

Safety bollard come in different shapes and sizes. However the amount of choice that you have it is easy to get bogged down. In order to understand what you are looking for it would be easier if you know about the types of bollards that you can buy.

Types of safety bollards

• Safety bollard can be split into two groups. This can be either high security or domestic security. High security ones are usually used in government buildings or airports to prevent any kind of vehicle attacks. These are impact tested and a definitely not the sort of thing you would want around your driveway.
• The domestic security bollards are not tested but are designed in a way to offer complete protection to your driveway. You can choose to go for fixed bollards. As the name suggests these are fixed in a single place. However these or not suitable for driveways because these are fixed and do not allow vehicles access. If you are looking to add some permanent stoppage to certain areas of your property then these would be a good choice.
• Telescopic bollards can be lowered into the ground manually and can help you protect your driveway by preventing vehicular access when not in use and allowing access whenever you like. 
• Removable bollards are a better option where there is a problem of a high water table. It is also suitable for areas which might have pipes avoiding under driveway limiting the excavation.
• Then come the automatic ones. These can be used with the help of a remote control and are lowered using a hydraulic pump system. However these are considered as high security and are quite expensive as well.

Installation

It is important that you call in a professional to install the bollard. They would ensure that the measure the drive way end use dimensions to create the right amount of space for your security. They would also know how many bollards would be needed once they take a look at the size of the driveway

You might even need to hire skip especially when you want the rubble and spoil to be taken away once the excavation work is done. For those who want to install automatic bollards, it is important that you hire a professional to handle the installation process.

Maintenance and upkeep of safety bollards

Once you have installed security bollards for safety, it is also important that you take care about the maintenance and upkeep. This would ensure the longevity of use. It is recommended to have at least one service a year so that you can be assured about its safety. It is also important that you purchase the bollards from a trusted supplier. Not everyone is going to offer you a good price and good quality products. Also make sure that you have a detailed talk with professional to get an idea about the budget and the installation process. This would help make things easier and also allow you to make the right decisions when it comes to maintaining the security of your outdoor space.

Marine life such as coral worms, algae, and barnacles can quickly grow on the hull of a boat that has stayed afloat for a long time. The boat’s fuel efficiency and overall performance are affected by the buildup of marine life in the hull.

A layer of protective paint known as antifouling offers the best solution to discourage marine growth as the boat moves or stays afloat on the water. Antifouling paint is not comparable to any type of standard paint.

The chemicals and anti-bacterial properties incorporated in antifouling paints are specifically geared to stop marine life growth on boats. However, picking an antifouling paint randomly off the shelf is the right way to do it.

For one thing, the materials of your boat’s hull and the type of water your boat travels on are important factors to consider in the choice of antifouling paint.

Antifouling the boat also depends on the storage and usage. Having the boat checked, cleaned, and reapplied with antifouling is recommended annually when it stays afloat throughout the year.

Important reasons for Antifouling a Boat

• Applying antifouling paint to the hull of a boat slows the growth of marine life that can affect its durability and performance.
• Other than preventing marine growth, antifouling paint can also protect the boat’s hull from corrosion.
• The design of antifouling paint is such that it is gradually removed by the flow of water. The slow erosion rate of the antifouling paint as a boat moves in the water provides a fresh biocide layer to the surface. This biocide layer has proven toxic to marine growth, thus preventing them from sticking to the surface of the boat’s hull.
• The correct type of antifouling paint to use on the boat enables the paint to be eroded at the right rate. This means that a higher-speed boat requires a harder antifouling paint compound.
• A thicker application of antifouling paint on the hull of a dry-docked boat every two years helps to protect the structure of the hull.
• Antifouling paints help in maintaining the structural integrity of ships that are always on the water. The prolonged flow of seawater on a boat’s hull can cause corrosion of the metal. A thicker application of antifouling paint protects from rust.
• The fuel efficiency of a boat devoid of antifouling paint is compromised. The marine growth on the hull produces frictional resistance that increases the load on the engine. The engine consumes more fuel when it needs to overcome the resistance brought on by marine growth.

Kinds of Antifouling Paints

Hard antifouling

Hard antifouling paints are hard coating paints that have a base of tough polymers or epoxy. Best used for large vessels that constantly stay on the water, the antifouling paint constantly releases biocide to prevent any form of marine life from leeching to the hull of the ship.

Ablative antifouling

Boats that frequently stay on the water will do well with the use of ablative antifouling. Functioning like a bar of soap, the ablative antifouling wears gradually away any marine growth on the hull. The slick texture of the paint makes it tough for marine life to find a firm hold on the hull.

Doing the right thing to protect the boat’s hull from rust and marine growth is sensible.

Sunshine Coast Surveyors offer varied surveying services for residential, developers, and builders.

Surveying for Builders

Building Set-out Survey

An accurate new building survey provides builders the confidence to incorporate their designs into their projects. Hiring a local surveying firm in the Sunshine Coast earns the added benefit of getting all the required certification for the planned building project.

Identification Survey

Easement boundaries need to be established in the site before construction could begin. The Identification Survey is the best way to mark the easement boundaries of the property.

Boundaries

The building should only commence when a builder has a completed Identification Survey. Costly mistakes can be avoided when encroachments are identified and boundaries are located.

Set-out Survey

A Set-out Survey makes the planning, design, and construction of the building seamless and trouble-free.

Contour & Detail Survey

Knowing the lay of the land is crucial for the planning and design of buildings. A Contour & Detail Survey of the potential site is the smartest way to avoid costly construction mistakes.

Developer Surveys

Identification Survey

The easement boundaries of the site are accurately marked by the Identification Survey. Having this type of survey also conforms to land and building laws and regulations.

Land Subdivision Plans

Marking out a subdivision’s easements and new lots need a Land Subdivision Plans. The Plans need to be lodged and approved by the Government and Council before any lots or buildings can be sold or constructed.

Boundaries

Costly construction mistakes can be avoided with the accurate boundary mapping provided by the Identification Survey. Encroachments, if any, are identified as well as boundary locations are established with the Identification Survey.

Building Set-out Survey

Positioning the project’s various aspects becomes efficient and accurate when the site is subjected to a Building Set-out Survey.

Residential Land Surveys

Boundary Realignment Survey

There could be valid reasons for you to move your property’s boundaries. Whatever the reason, a Boundary Realignment Survey is the first step towards achieving this goal. The plans will then have to be lodged with the Council and Government for approval.

Building Location Survey

Extending your home needs two types of surveys. The accurate position of your home’s existing structure related to the boundaries of the property needs a Building Location Survey. The Contour & Detail Survey is the other survey you need to enable you to position, plan, and design your home’s new extension.

Boundaries

An Identification Survey can help to let you know the exact boundaries of your property. Property boundary disputes and misunderstandings with your immediate neighbours are avoided by subjecting your property to an Identification Survey.

Land Subdivision Survey

Sub-dividing your property into new lots can be marked accurately by having a Land Subdivision Survey done on it. The Plans will need to be submitted to the Council & Government for approval before your property can be subdivided into two or more new lots.

Building a Fence

Expensive encroachments and potential misunderstanding with the neighbourhood can be avoided with an Identification Survey to establish the accurate position of your new wall or fence.

Land surveyors perform a myriad of services other than the common sight of them measuring roads. Organise Sunshine Coast surveyors to ensure the technical aspects of your project. Hiring their services makes any type of construction cost-effective and trouble-free.

Picking the right recovery equipment for your 4WD is crucial. You need to be sure where and when you would be travelling in your vehicle and then choosing the most suitable equipment for your trips.

The number one reason people invest in a 4WD power winch is because they actually look good on the vehicle. Secondly they are one of the fastest and easiest method of getting unstuck when required. However, buying a winch might not be the only solution, there are other factors which must be considered as well. You never know where and when you might end up getting stuck. Keep in mind though that it’s going to be the most inconvenient and unexpected places. Even if you do find an anchor in the form of a tree it might just be a bit out of reach of your winch wire.

Therefore it is necessary that when you purchase a winch you also get the following gear to make the most of it.

4WD winch kit

A winch kit is one of the most essential equipment which all 4WD owners should have. It compromises of the following:

• It comes with a tree strap which not only help protect the tree but will help protect the wires of the winch as well.
• A pulley block which in turn increases the pulling power and also helps reduce the load on the winch.
• A pair of gloves which can help protect your hands
• A pair of shackles to help secure everything in place
• It I also compromises of a finger saver. As the name suggests it’s a small bent rod which allows you to put the wire into the spool without damaging your fingers.

Other pieces of equipment to buy along with the 4WD winch

• Besides the usual 4×4 winch, you also need to make use of a dampener or a blanket to put over the wire while it’s in use. In case the wire tends to break down, its in emergency situation. However, the heavy blanket would dampen down the wire and prevent it from flailing about and causing more serious damage.
• You also need to invest in a dual battery system. The winch might make use of a great deal of power. It needs to have enough power to pull three to four tones of weight with ease. If you just make use of a single battery you would be stuck deeper than you can imagine. You need to have battery backup which ensures that the winch works in perfect condition.
• You would need a winch bumper to house the expensive 4 WD winch which you have purchased.
• Plus an upgraded suspension would be needed immediately to help balance all the extra weight in front of the vehicle due to the presence of a winch.

Winches are necessary for people who work in critical environments where there is extra risk of getting stuck, a 4WD winch becomes a necessity.

The fact that you are actually searching for white smoke coming from the exhaust means that you could already be facing this problem with your automobile. Even if your car is not flashing any warning signals, smoke coming from the exhaust is itself a sign that your vehicle is in distress and there could be something definitely wrong with it. Choosing to ignore any such signs would only lead to more costly repairs for your car in the future. Be vigilant and keep an eye out for all of the following problems.

The white smoke could be coming off from the engine for any of the following reasons:

• If the white smoke is thin and vapour like in consistency, you dot have to worry a great deal about it. It’s just probably a result of condensation and can happen a great deal especially when the weather tends to turn cooler.
• However, if the smoke has a thicker consistency, it could be due to the engine burning down some amount of coolant. This is indeed a cause of alarm and one which should be looked into immediately. A small leak in the coolant can cause copious amounts of smoke rising from the engine. It is something which should be ignored because it might lead to several critical issues with your vehicle.
• If your car runs on diesel you might have to consider the kind of smoke coming from the exhaust. If any time you start the engine and white smoke starts coming out it means that the fuel pumping engine timing is not working properly. As a lay person you won’t be able to handle checking the engine on your own. For that you need to call in help from professionals.
• Keep in mind that if the smoke is due to a leaking coolants it wouldn’t start coming off as soon as you start the car. It would only start once the car is on a steady run. This might also be an indication that your car is low on coolant and is burning up the gas in the exhaust which is somehow released while the car is running. Making the car run when it’s low on coolant could result in dire consequences for your engine.
• White smoke could also be an indication that something is wrong with the cylinder head or the gasket head of the car. Most people tend to ignore these warning signs. Choosing to ignore these warning signs can lead to a great deal of problems.
• Any leak or rust in the gasket can cause the smoke to come from the exhaust. It’s something which you could check on your own but repairing it should only be left to a professional auto mechanic.
• It is crucial that you find the right auto mechanic to deal with any problems in your vehicles. Find someone who is within your locality so you can access them with ease.
• For more information please check: costeffective.com.au/2017/03/05/diesel-smoke-tells-you-a-story/ for the most up to date information.

The sound from exhausts can be significant, this can result in sound pollution emanating from machinery and engines. In order to combat this deafening sound, industrial silencers are used to prevent the noise from travelling to other parts of the industry.

The silencers in an exhaust system absorb the heat and require some form of insulation. Insulation blankets for exhausts can help lower the temperature of the silencers thus leading to lower temperature in the surroundings. These blankets are essential for the physical well-being of everyone who works in the factories. These help create a safe working environment in the presence of high heat and high decibel equipment.

• A variety of exhaust insulation blankets are available for specific applications. Insulation blankets are used for machinery made up of different style and models. The measurement and design patterns of insulation blankets is available for a variety of exhaust systems.
• For industrial exhausts a typical design compromises of one piece or two piece body insulation blankets with circular end caps.

Why use customised exhaust insulation blankets

The insulation blankets are often required to fit exhaust systems of different shapes and sizes. This is why customised insulation blankets are often the best solutions for exhausts of different types and sizes. In case of customised exhaust insulation blankets there is an option of custom built cut outs which support brackets and other protrusions ensuring a snug and proper fit.

Customers are provided with a drawing form where they are supposed to mention the presence of brackets and protrusions so the blankets can be designed according to the specific design and shape of the exhaust system.

Exhaust insulation blankets can be used for all of the following exhaust systems

• Gas and diesel exhaust systems
• Portable generators
• Vehicle exhaust systems
• Hot oil and steam piping exhaust systems

Features of exhaust insulation blankets

An exhaust insulation blanket has all of the following features which include;

• All insulation blankets have a stainless steel mesh exterior
• The exterior is coated with Teflon
• The system is designed for complete enclosure while allowing space for anchor and wires
• Resistant to corrosive material
• Equipped with sound dampening features
• Are designed according to the safety ratings

The best art about insulation blankets for exhaust systems are that each of these blankets are high temperature resistant. These offer a weather resistant insulation blanket for exhaust systems on the go especially those of industrial vehicles. Also insulation blankets are removable and reusable. These are UV stable and also weather and water resistant.

When selecting exhaust insulation blankets for your machinery make sure you choose one which has been designed by a reliable manufacturer. Instead of choosing one with the lowest price go for insulation blankets which combine quality with affordability.

The major benefits of insulation blankets for exhaust systems is that these help prevent the loss of heat and thereby help prevent the utility bills from going sky high. Also it can help create a much cooler temperature around the settings. Plus offer the necessary protection for the employees as well.

Doing your bit for the environment

For most people the best part of the day is their daily cup of morning coffee. It’s almost as if you look forward to the fresh aroma and the delicious flavour. However, with the rise of coffee drinkers and the various little coffee shops around every corner, it’s no wonder that you would see the streets littered with take away coffee cup. Have you ever thought the amount of waste produced each year by just coffee cups only? Well if you are on a guilt trip and thinking about being mindful of the environment then it’s high time you start recycling those take away coffee cups.

You can use paper cups for a variety of projects and each of them are interesting enough to keep adults and children engaged for hours. If you have children, its one way of creating some peace at home during the holidays. Children love to create things and what better way than to allow them to use that stash of take away coffee cups. The following are some interesting projects which would put the take away coffee cups to good use.

Using the take away coffee cups as planters

These paper cups make great seedling starters. All you have got to do is get your hands on a few seeds, just about any would do. If you would like to start a small project like having your own vegetable garden in the backyard, these can come in pretty handy. Just plant a few tomatoes, asparagus and whatever other vegetable you can think of. Once the seed have sprouted, just transfer those planters along with the cups and all into the soil. Once that’s done just wait and see the fruits of your labor. It would bring you a great sense of pride and achievement and if you have kids involve them in the project as well. It’s a great way of teaching them to be mindful of their environment.

Arts and crafts activities

With holidays around you must be wondering how you are going to keep your kid busy. Sending them to camp sounds like a good idea but not everyone can afford those expensive camp. You could in fact keep your little ones at home and ensure they have a great time as well. How? Simple, just let them get away with being creative. Children are energetic and they have a natural desire to make things with their own hands. Those take away coffee cups can be a real blessing. Just give your children loads of old newspapers, some acrylics and arts and crafts material, a small space and there you can have them being busy for an hour or so. Whatever mess is created can easily be put away by making it a combined winding up effort.

There are several ways you can recycle those take away coffee cups. Just scour the internet and you would be presented with loads of ideas which are easy yet fun.