CES

Soot & Soot Losses

By: Fredric M. Blum Combustion of any kind produces soot.  Soot is carbon in the form of tiny particles a fraction of the size of human hair. Any hydrocarbon fuel — wood, oil, natural gas, propane, paraffin, plastic, rubber, etc. — consists of hydrogen and carbon.  Both will burn.  Hydrogen burns to H2O, which is […]

Video Evidence: Why Your Expert Needs the Original

When performing accident reconstruction, it is always helpful for the expert to collect post-accident scene data as soon as possible before conditions change or before data is lost due to the environment.  Video from fixed security cameras is collected, but what about cellphone video? Cameras are everywhere.  This includes security cameras, traffic cameras, dashcams, police […]

Spray Foam Insulation: Advantages, Properties, and Issues

David M. Kenney, AIA, NCARB

Building exterior envelopes (foundations, exterior walls, and roofs) separate the building’s interior heated and cooled environment from the exterior weather conditions.  Recent changes in building energy codes require more robust building exterior thermal envelopes, to more efficiently cope with changes between a building interior and the exterior weather conditions.  This is in response to the […]

The Role of Sight Distance in Parking Lot Safety

It is an intent for the civil engineering design of parking lots to include reasonable safety for the combined use by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.  In commercial centers, residential complexes, or public areas, an appropriately designed parking lot enables efficient vehicle storage and also considers safety in the design, construction, and maintenance to minimize risks […]

Artificial Intelligence is Coming to Construction Site Safety

OK, we are not quite there yet; however, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming. These days are long gone: Reference Google Images. Managing a construction work site encompasses a variety of project areas.  Various construction trades/specialties are working individually and together during the course of a construction project.  The architect and/or engineer defines the specifics of […]

Understanding Industrial Hygiene

The field of industrial hygiene is an age-old discipline.  As a practicing industrial hygienist, I am frequently asked satirically if I clean teeth in industry, since the term hygiene is normally associated with dental hygiene.  The term hygiene, as defined by Meriam-Webster, is, “a science of the establishment and maintenance of health,” and/or “conditions or […]

Biomechanics & Recreational Safety

The mission of the National Safety Council (NSC) is “to educate and influence society to adopt safety, health, and environmental policies, practices, and procedures that prevent and mitigate human suffering and economic losses arising from preventable causes.”  The NSC Accident Prevention Manual for Business & Industry explained, “Designing for safety can be defined as the […]

Civil Engineers: Who They Are & What They Know

Harry J. Dales

Looking for a civil engineering expert?  Make sure the engineer you engage has the background and experience that you need.  Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems.  Civil engineering is likely the oldest engineering discipline dealing with the built environment.  These engineers are trained to solve the design, construction, and maintenance concerns […]

Crashes & Distracted Driving

According to the Center for Public Safety at Northwestern University, 90% of vehicle accidents aren’t accidents at all.  They are crashes.  The word accident implies that they are unavoidable acts of fate. According to Northwestern, most crashes are avoidable, and some form of driver error may be a factor in these crashes.  One of the […]

CESI to give CLE

On October 11th CESI will be giving a CLE in Pittsburgh, PA on “A Look Into Premises Liability, Industrial Hygiene & Safety.” Contact atyson@ces-experts.com for more information.

Storms, Wind, Precipitation, and Drainage

The engineering design of roadways, parking lots, and property development for stormwater drainage has traditionally been based upon historic weather data and thereby developing expectations of future weather events.  However, globally we have experienced weather conditions in more recent years of high winds, flooding, wildfires, or heatwaves.  Certain storms have become more intense, which means […]

Personal Protective Equipment – Who is Responsible?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a broad term used to describe worn personal protection that includes gloves, eyewear protection and hearing protection, as well as masks, respirators, chemical resistant suits, and medical gowns.  PPE is essential for preventing hearing loss and other injuries and illnesses in construction, industrial settings, factories, and healthcare.  PPE is even […]