Questions and Answers
Many areas in the United States and around the world are experiencing the lift of lockdowns, which were ordered to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. While people are relieved as they return to work, leave their houses, and travel locally again, it’s important to keep in mind that the danger is not over yet. … Read more
According to what is known about the transmission of COVID-19, limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of the virus. As businesses begin returning to operations, it’s important for businesses to understand how they can practice social distancing. Assembly lines are one area in manufacturing facilities where it can … Read more
In the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, criteria are posed that states should meet—a downward trajectory of documented cases being one of them—before proceeding to Phase One. For states and regions that satisfy that gating criteria for Phase One, the White House has outlined guidance for employers: Encourage telework whenever feasible. Return to work … Read more
Under the Guidelines for Opening America Again, states and regions who meet a specific criterion: Symptoms: Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period and downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period. Cases: Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or downward trajectory of positive tests as … Read more
HAZWOPER is an acronym that stands for OSHA’s hazardous waste operations and emergency response standard. This standard, 1910.120, establishes safe practices for handling hazardous waste and preparing for situations in which a toxic chemical or other substance is accidentally released. These events are extremely dangerous for workers and may have a serious impact on both … Read more
PEL stands for “Permissible Exposure Limit.” These limits are established by OSHA to protect employees who work in environments that may be hazardous—for example, environments that include loud noises, chemical substances, or physical agents. PELs establish a certain threshold for exposure to these factors to help ensure safety. Once a worker’s exposure surpasses that threshold, … Read more
Cleanrooms are controlled environments that aim to have as low a level of pollutants as possible. They have parameters in place that control the amount of contamination from chemical vapors, aerosol particles, airborne microbes, and dust, and are used in any industry where small particles have an adverse impact on the manufacturing process. While they … Read more
DFMEA is an acronym for Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, a Six Sigma tool that helps to determine potential failure in a system, product, or process. It also identifies the underlying cause behind these failures, and what the consequences may be when they occur. When it’s used correctly, DFMEA can protect a business’s reputation, … Read more
SIPOC stands for “Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers.” SIPOC is represented in a straightforward diagram that’s a useful process improvement tool in Lean manufacturing. These diagrams are often used in the Six Sigma methodology to help reduce defects and make a process more efficient. A SIPOC table uses five columns and represents a manufacturing … Read more
OEE is an essential aspect to total productive maintenance (TPM), as well as Lean manufacturing. The acronym OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a best practice that evaluates how productive a facility is each day. It analyzes production rates and attempts to determine areas that can be improved; on large production lines, it can be … Read more