Education

10:40 a.m.–11:10 a.m.

Waterblasting Safety Devices and Use (Jeff Hensley, StoneAge, Inc.)

Learning objectives:

• Identify Methods of Backout Prevention for Various Applications and Industries
• Proper Whip Check Installation and Use
• Tool Backout Prevention & Safety
• Automated Equipment Backout Prevention & Safety

Description:

Safety is of the highest priority in the waterblasting industry. However, waterblasting safety devices vary greatly by application, tool / automated equipment, and sometimes specific industrial requirements. This presentation is intended to identify some of the various waterblast safety devices available on the market for various styles of equipment and applications. Additionally, we will discuss the proper installation and use whip checks in waterblasting hose applications.

Bio:

Jeff Hensley came to StoneAge Waterblast tools in 1995 and has since worked in all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, assembly, quality control, repairs, sales and customer support. In his current position as Technical Solutions Manager, Jeff provides training across all product divisions and safety procedures for StoneAge. As “hands free” automated equipment grows more sophisticated, Jeff has developed a leading role in training others to safely set up, operate and maintain these powerful tools.

11:20 a.m.–11:50 a.m.

New Developments in Foot Protection (R. Scott Edwards, Alliance Mercantile, Inc.)

Bio:

Scott Edwards is the National Sales Manager for Alliance Mercantile, USA. As one of the leading manufacturers of industrial safety footwear and an expert in metatarsal protection, Scott believes that workers/consumers have an unalienable right to safety, quality and innovation. He has been working in the industrial distributor market space for the past six years, and during that time has develop and built innovative solutions and products to meet the “NEEDS” of workers/consumers, with his eye on exceeding global safety and quality standards. Scott is passionate about how YOU “Brave the Elements®”.

12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.

Productivity of Tube Bundle Cleaning through Automation (Terry Gromes Jr. and Kristen Gromes, Terydon, Inc.)

Description:

This boot camp will focus on the comparison and contrast of three different methods of tube bundle cleaning: hands-on cleaning, hands-free cleaning, and hands-free cleaning with automated hole location. This will include the analysis of, but not limited to, human fatigue, human error in performance, and convenience vs production.

Bio:

Kristen Gromes has been a full-time employee at Terydon Inc. for over two years. Before her time with Terydon, she was employed at Mac Trailer (Alliance, Ohio) where she aided in the development and design of new tractor trailer components. She was involved in extensive Research and Development in the Aerodynamics field, analyzing and improving the efficiency and environmental impacts of tractor trailer fairings. Her team designed and produced scaled down 3D models and performed relative tests in a wind tunnel as well as theoretical tests and analysis in ANSYS and SolidWorks software programs.

After her time at Mac Trailer, Kristen assisted Republic Steel (Canton, Ohio) in the setup and installation of a Preventative Maintenance system. The system pinpointed plant safety and the reduction of unexpected shutdowns due to mechanical failure.

Upon joining Terydon Inc. (Navarre, Ohio), she has become actively involved in Research and Development and initial design. She has worked on improving existing tools regarding safety and efficiency. She has assisted in designing new tools and machinery, specifically for confined-entry and surface-prep cleaning. Kristen has Co-signed a Patented and two Patent-Pending tools in the waterjetting industry and has also taken part in development of the Smart Indexing Technology.

Terry Gromes Jr. has worked in the family business since the age of nine. He has acquired advanced machinist and design skills and has assisted in the manufacturing and development of waterjetting products. With an educated background in media production, he has been focusing on recent advancements from other technical fields and applying them to enhance productivity as well as safety within the waterjetting industry. Terry has combined his creativity and intense mechanical background to morph the finesse characteristics of electric mechanical solutions to the challenging environments of waterjetting.

12:40 p.m.–1:10 p.m.

Electronic Driver Log Requirements (Jonathan Weiner, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] Louisiana Division)

Description:

This session will review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) final rule requiring the use of electronic logging devices (ELD) that automatically record driving time, monitors engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven and location information.

Bio:

Jonathan Weiner State Program Specialist for FMCSA’s Louisiana Division. Jonathan has been with FMCSA for 15 years and has worked in the field previously as a Safety Investigator and Federal Program Manager. Additionally, he previously worked for FMCSA in their Headquarters in Washington DC as a Transportation Specialist.

1:20 p.m.–1:50 p.m.

Hydroblast Training and Best Practices (speaker to be announced)

2:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.

Panel Discussion: The Future of Our Industry

Panelists

• Kerry Siggins, StoneAge, Inc. (Moderator)
• Jim Ashmead, DuPont
• Bradley Coble, PSC
• Andrew DeBusk, DeBusk Services Group
• Terry Gromes, Terydon, Inc.
• Mitch Cox, Turnbridge Capital
• Liam Kearney, J. Hvidtved Larsen
• Gary Noto, HydroChem
• Doug Wright, StoneAge, Inc.

Major topics of discussion include:

• Advancements in Plant Protocol
• Special Applications: Refractory Removal
• Advancements in Technology
• Water Recycling
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Workforce Issues

So much has changed in the hydroblasting and municipal cleaning industry in the past few years. The automation movement has inspired technology development. A laser like focus on safety has instigated updates in plant and contractor safety practices and programs. Manufacturers are continuing to create solutions to address tough application and environmental challenges. And industry leaders grapple with change due to consolidation within the industry and a shrinking workforce pool. Our panelists will explore these issues and their potential impacts on the future of our industry.

10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

New Requirements for Vacuum Trucks: Verified Ground (Richard Puig, Newson Gale, Inc.)

Description:

More customers and end users are requiring something better than a simple mechanical clamp and cable for grounding. Equipment options exist with the ability to detect a valid earth ground connection in a mobile scenario. Monitors the bond and ensures the operator is doing the right thing by incorporating process control with interlocks to truck.

Bio:

Richard Puig is regional manager for Newson Gale Inc with responsibility for the Gulf Coast and Latin America. Richard has been involved in Fire and Explosion protection for over 18 years. NICET Level III certified in Special Hazard Suppression Systems and a Technical committee member of NFPA 77 – Recommended Practice for Static Electricity. Also a member of WJTA’s Safety Committee for Industrial Vacuum Equipment. Richard is a graduate of Texas Tech University with an MBA from the University of Missouri.

Controlling Ignition Sources from Diesel Engines (Jace Rowland, AMOT)

Learning Objectives:

• Identify Sources of Ignition on Diesel Engines
• Define Diesel Engine Runaway
• Review recent incidents/case studies
• Discuss best practices from the industry

Bio:

Jace Rowland is Sales Director for AMOT Controls, a leading manufacturer of custom engineered valves and controls for diesel engines. Jace received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. He has 8 years of experience in new product development, technical sales and management.

11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m.

Pressure Loss/Pressure Drop (Jim Van Dam, NLB Corp.)

12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

2017: Trends in Hydro Excavation (Neil McLean, Hydro Excavation Consulting)

Learning Objectives:

• Solutions to weight issues becoming prominent in the industry
• Safety concerns and compliance for workers
• Public Perception: Things you can do to improve your image when working in public

Description:

The hydro excavation market is growing at a rapid pace and the trends and regulations are constantly changing. Obstacles companies are facing include public perception, safety, weight issues and company compliance. Solutions to these obstacles will be discussed to help your company succeed in the hydro excavation marketplace.

Bio:

Neil McLean has worked in the hydro excavation industry for over 20 years. He has used his personal experience and expertise to become one of the top hydro excavation trainers in North America.

Neil started in the hydro excavation industry as partner of a hydro excavation company in Canada. After selling his share of the company, Neil moved to the United States in 2000 to help Vactor develop their hydro excavator and promote hydro excavation through education and training. Over the years, he has worked with many manufacturers to develop their truck design and sales training. He has helped companies all over the world develop policies and procedures to make sure their employees are properly trained. Neil’s main goal is education. He loves to be out in the field helping companies find solutions to growing issues including soil conditions, safety regulations, and compliance issues.

Neil has seen hydro excavation grow and develop over the last 20 years. His business relationships with industry leaders help him stay updated on industry trends and developments. Neil’s ability to help hydro excavation companies succeed has made him one of the most sought-after trainers in the hydro excavation industry.