Industry Continues to Respond to After Effects of Hurricane Katrina

September 22, 2005 — Billed as the worst natural disaster in the United States' history, Hurricane Katrina's devastating aftermath to the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida still require assistance from the federal government as well as public and private organizations. In the construction equipment industry, many companies and associations have donated their time, money, and equipment to the cause. Below is a list of companies and associations that should be recognized for their efforts.

 

• The American Rental Association reports that 55 rental equipment stores and equipment manufacturers were located in the Gulf Coast region, and the full extent of the damage done to these operations cannot yet be determined. The ARA put out a call to action to its members and established the ARA Foundation Rental Industry Relief Fund, which started with $50,000 — $25,000 from ARA and $25,000 from ARA Insurance Services. Since it launched, it has received donations of $25,725 from individuals and state and local associations and has been matched dollar-for-dollar by the ARA, putting the funds at $101,500 as of September 16. Donations can be made at https://www.ararental.org/ReliefFund.

 

• The Specialized Carriers & Riggers Association encourages member companies interested in meeting the need for Hurricane Katrina recovery and clean-up efforts to sign up on the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR), which allows the Department of Homeland Security to collect and store information on motor carriers and available resources for relief efforts and share this information with relevant government agencies. To register, visit www.swern.gov.

 

• SC&RA also reminds members that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is contracting for emergency debris clearance to enable personnel and equipment movement; temporary construction of access routes, including roads, bridges, waterways, and airfield; emergency restoration of public service facilities, particularly water supplies; and emergency demolition or stabilization of damaged structures. Find more information at http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/DisasterEquip/.
  
  
  
  • Dakota AG Innovations, the makers of Dakota Shine™ paint-reviving products, is offering free of charge a disinfectant product to its customers affected by Hurricane Katrina. For more information, see this report.

 

• The Willis Construction Safety Network has been issuing Responder Guides for contractors considering responding to the area. Some of the tips referring to mobile equipment provided by WCSN are listed below.
  • For mobile equipment operations, contractor equipment can expect to be inspected for safety compliance. Typical items that agency inspectors will look for include but are not limited to glass, lights, horn, back-up alarms, seat belts, service brakes, parking brakes, fenders, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, doors, turn signals, fire extinguishers, fluid leaks, etc. Try to obtain a copy of the agency equipment safety inspection form.
  • Some federal agencies may require rolling brake tests for off-highway equipment and may require timed observations of air brake system recovery intervals with application of the service brake and emergency stopping system.
  • Cranes of all descriptions usually generate a lot of agency attention, and cranes that appear to be marginally cared for are often subject to high rates of safety inspection failure. Be prepared to have all crane-related paperwork in order, including annual certifications, certificates of insurance (if required), periodic written inspections, repair records, and operator's manuals.
  • Most federal agencies will require proof load testing of cranes prior to giving permission for the crane to work in the recovery area. Recovery area conditions may not be the ideal setting in which to perform such tests due to the presence of debris, unsafe structures, and displaced power lines. Consider offering to perform proof load testing at an off-site location or yard.
  • Some agencies are requiring evidence of operator training consistent with standards set by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or similar accredited organizations. Some agencies are considering such requirements but have not yet acted. Check with the controlling agency to determine requirements.

 

• OSHA has deployed safety and health professionals to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to provide technical assistance to recovery workers in the ongoing clean-up efforts. OSHA has been contacting major power companies in the affected areas to provide safety briefings to employees at power restoration staging areas. Public service announcements have also been released to inform workers about hazards related to restoration and cleanup. In addition, OSHA has identified home supply and construction stores in the affected areas in order to distribute safety and health fact sheets and materials to these locations. The agency continues to contact Alliance and other cooperative program partners to identify opportunities for training, outreach and assistance. Information can be found at www.osha.gov.

 

• Longview Advantage, Calgary, Alberta, announced it will wave monthly service fees for its GPS tracking systems to customers in the devastated regions until these areas are well on their way to recovery. “We realized that most of our customers in those states will be using their construction and service equipment and vehicles to assist in the clean up of Katrina's devastation,” said Don Douglas, president and CEO of Longview Advantage. “The rebuilding challenge is a daunting task, and we wanted to pitch in.”

 

• Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., has delivered light towers and generators to aid in the early stages of the relief effort, and the company has adjusted production schedules in its factories to concentrate on products that are immediately needed in the Gulf Coast states. Terex said customers have aided in this effort by being flexible in their delivery times. The company also has assigned a senior executive to the region to coordinate Terex activities in the Gulf Coast states and to provide relief workers and contractors access to the equipment they require. Coordinating with local employment agencies, Terex is filling job vacancies when possible with victims of the hurricane. Information on job opportunities, updates, and other pertinent information is accessible at www.terex.com.

 

• ITT Industries, White Plains, N.Y., has pledged $250,00 to the Red Cross for hurricane relief funds and has made fluid technology equipment including dewatering pumps and reverse osmosis systems available for delivery to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Over the years, ITT has installed more than 70 large turbine pumps in New Orleans as part of the city's flood control system, which are capable of pumping up to 2 billion gallons an hour. To supplement these in the hurricane's aftermath, ITT has prepared a fleet of more than 100 large submersible pumps to help remove flood waters. Additionally, ITT has prepared chlorination and UV disinfection equipment to help provide up to 250,000 gallons of clean water to victims.
  
  

  For an update on organizations offering recovery volunteer and donation opportunities for contractors, rental companies, and equipment operators, view the following resource list.