New revisions include easier to navigate drop-down menus, more extensive customer options, including enhanced site search and location search capabilities, and customer feedback sections that allow the company to provide information more quickly to customers.

“The new Web site allows us to focus our efforts on the customer, by enhancing communications and ultimately ensuring that information and resources are more readily available to our growing customer base,” said Bill Thompson, president of Thompson Pump.

Silica exposure guidance document

The new 72-page guidance document, Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction, provides information on controlling silica exposure using various engineering control approaches and tools for several kinds of construction operations and equipment, as well as recommendations for work practices. The guide covers case studies and engineering control/worker recommendations on vehicle-mounted rock drilling rigs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Tire care training

A new Tire Care Computer-Based Training Program helps operators of off-road heavy equipment understand how they can help extend tire life. The self-study or instructor-led program offers easily understood explanations of operating conditions that affect tire life, as well as graphics and visuals to support the narrated message. As each lesson is completed, “Check Your Knowledge” questions review the information presented. Vista Training, Inc.

Training videos online

Schenck Process updated its Web site to offer online support for its customers with training tools for proper equipment maintenance, installation techniques, and operational procedures. Two featured videos on the site include the proper installation of flexible couplings and connections, as well as installing and calibrating belt scales. The Web site can be found at www.schenckamericas.com. Schenck Process.

Earthmover tire training

Michelin’s earthmover tires service training program recently earned the endorsement of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). Michelin’s existing service course was modified to integrate the new TIA Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Program. The three-day course includes 15 modules covering a range of subjects from service vehicle and crane operation to the servicing of one-, three-, and five-piece rims on simulated machine and loose applications. Technicians completing the course will be eligible to earn TIA’s ETS Certificate of Completion. Michelin North America.

Conveyor animation and videos

Van der Graaf Inc.’s new, free CD features animation of its patent-pending Cross Drive technology and showcases the inner workings of its units compared to conventional drives. Drum motor animation shows parts and assembly of units, including power connections, motor cover, and end-cap attachment. One video illustrates the 10-step assembly process, while another highlights drum motors in action in the aggregate industry. Van der Graaf Inc.

Age awareness training

A new publication, Age Awareness Training for Miners, takes a comprehensive approach to health and safety training on the issues of aging workers and gives instructors information on how to provide age awareness training to all workers. The presentation and materials include easy-to-understand presentations and handouts on topics such as hearing, work capacity and endurance, and slips/trips/falls. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Motor grader video series

A series of DVDs devoted to safe and efficient motor grader operation is now available. Each video begins with a brief machine introduction, practical view of the pre-use inspection, and the motor grader’s many unique features. DVD titles include: New Construction, Road Maintenance, Operating Tips, and Snow Plowing. Vista Training, Inc.

Electrical hazards curriculum

The new Contren Learning Series Managing Electrical Hazards module introduces trainees and their supervisors to electrical hazards in the workplace and how to avoid them. Topics also include how to select specialized personal protection equipment for electrical work, how to analyze and document shock and arc flash hazards, and how to plan and conduct work around them. National Center for Construction Education and Research.

Preventive maintenance textbook

The recently released Modern Diesel Technology: Preventive Maintenance and Inspection textbook by John Dixon details procedures for maintenance and inspection of medium and heavy trucks. The 386-page book features 17 chapters, each broken into specific areas for easy reference. Included are sections such as Inspection Procedure, Federal Inspection Regulations, Record Keeping Requirements, and PM Software. Delmar Cengage.

Tips to thrive in this economy

A free booklet, 10 Strategies to Help You Thrive in the Economic Downturn, offers advice on how to cut material handling costs and expenses. Topics include parts replacement and maintenance, exploring financing options, and the advantages of fleet management. Hyster Co.

Infrastructure spending analysis

Infrastructure 2009: Pivot Point analyzes infrastructure spending and needs in the United States and overseas. It explores the shortcomings of underinvestment and the long-term competitive advantages offered by thoughtful investment. This year’s report looks at the Obama administration’s focus on infrastructure spending as an economic stimulus. Urban Land Institute, Ernst and Young.

Environmental management system

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Environmental Management System (EMS) template was created to provide producer members with a written framework to help develop a voluntary EMS program for their operations. The template contains separate modules that producer members can choose from to best fit their company’s needs and environmental goals and principles. NSSGA.

Climate change book

Cemex added a new book to its Conservation Book Series. A Climate for Life: Meeting the Global Challenge examines the impact of climate change on biodiversity and focuses on the most important challenges currently facing life on our planet — stress on flora and fauna, the implications of polar meltdown, and the effects of rising temperatures on land as well as in the oceans. The book also examines potential and practical solutions and devotes a number of chapters to exploring existing answers, some of which come from nature itself. Cemex.