Month: August 2018

GAWDA distributor and supplier members generally know their stuff. They know their customers, they’re aware of the newest models of goods on the market and they understand the ins and outs and operational necessities of the gases and welding distribution business. Because they’re so involved with the day-to-day, though, they may not be as up-to-date as they’d like on the myriad issues that envelope the industry. Still, there are legal, safety and regulatory requirements and demands that are integral to their business functions and are an essential part of their operations. Those matters frequently change or have updates. That’s where…

Congress and the Department of Transportation are working to provide companies operating truck fleets some additional flexibility in complying with the driver hours of service regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued guidance that liberalizes the rules for using a commercial motor vehicle as a “personal conveyance.”  The new guidance allows a driver to record time operating a CMV for personal conveyance (i.e., for personal use or reasons) as off-duty when the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work by the motor carrier, even when the CMV is laden.  The FMCSA added that motor…

Special Permits There are two kinds of DOT special permits: permits for manufacturing packages that are different from approved specifications, and permits that let you do things differently than what is found in the published regulations. A special permit is an alternative method of complying with the Hazardous Materials Regulations. It will cover a new process, product or materials that are not specifically referenced in the regulations. You need to apply and obtain authority from DOT to hold a special permit. This is known as “party to” status. On File at Each Location If you have a package that has a special…

Effectively training your employees can accomplish several important goals: regulatory compliance, standardization, employee performance improvement, loss reduction and profit improvement. GAWDA members have access to a variety of training resources and training formats. Select the format that best meets your business requirements. GAWDA University GAWDA U Online is an employee training curriculum and management tracking protocol that addresses many of your training needs in the areas of compliance with safety practices and government regulations, which are impacting your core business. GAWDA University is facilitated by Norco, a GAWDA member. To sign up for the program, send an email to Michelle…

Have you downloaded the very useful GAWDA Event App yet? If not, you’ll want to do that before you arrive at the Annual Convention. The special events GAWDA app is designed to help members track events, communicate and share information while they attend the association’s national meetings. This year, the App will be used to scan your entry into the Contact Booth Program, notes John Ospina, GAWDA executive director. So make sure you have it on your phone when you attend that event.  Here is a video showing how to download the app. 11 Function Buttons The app currently features…

Cryovation Offering Three New Products Cryovation is expanding its product line with three new offerings: a moisture detection system, a cryogenic pump and an argon purifier system. CryoVation’s MasterSense System is designed to detect residual moisture in carbon dioxide cylinders. This unit was developed primarily for the beverage industry but is applicable to all CO2 cylinder re-filling. It features a 15-second detection process, with a single or dual cylinder option. The CryoVation CV40 Cryogenic Pump is designed to increase speed and reduce both maintenance and downtime. It delivers up to 4.0 GPM (15 LPM) and up to 4,000 PSI…