SKOLNIK'S WINE CUSTOMERS REQUEST NEW FITTING LOCATION

In response to our recent marketing activities and participation at last months Wine Symposium in Sacramento, we have received quite a few requests concerning the placement of our 2" Tri-Clover fittings. Currently, our manufacturing process is designed to offer the welded 2" Tri-Clover fitting at points along the side of the drum body. However, there is an interest from winemakers in also having the option of the Tri-Clovers welded into the top of the drum. As a result of this interest, we are actively investigating a manufacturing process enhancement that will allow for both the body and top Tri-Clover fitting options. Of course, this is in addition to our current ability to offer the stamped 3/4" and/or 2" Tri-Sure flanges and plugs in the top. We expect the top Tri-Clovers to be available at some point this year. We listen to, and appreciate, your suggestions for product improvements.

— Jason Snow and Howard Skolnik

A DOT INSPECTION CAN BE A DREAM...OR A NIGHTMARE

Now that DOT has increased its presence in the field they will be showing up at companies that manufacture, package, transport or use dangerous goods. In addition, DOT also visits companies with related products that are regulated. Having a plan in place to welcome the inspector into your facility can greatly affect the outcome of the visit. Knowing some inside information in preparation for this visit can help your company prepare for these inspections and appear knowledgeable and informed. As a guide to helping you be prepared, COSTHA (Conference on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles) is now offering "What To Do When The DOT Hazardous Materials Inspector Calls" as a handbook detailing how to be ready to receive the DOT. Written by Lawrence (Larry) Bierlein, Esg., the book is filled with pointers for consideration. Copies are available for $19.00 + shipping, from COSTHA at 703.451.4031 or at mail@costha.com. On-line copies are available free to COSTHA members

— Howard Skolnik

HAZMAT TRAINING NOW REQUIRED PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT AT SKOLNIK

DOT HazMat and Security Training requirements have changed so that employees are trained prior to commencement of employment. Specifically, in the July 2007 session of the UN Sub-Committee, they voted to mandate that hazmat/dangerous goods employees “shall have received” training prior to employment. The new language as modified states that “persons engaged in the transport of dangerous goods shall be trained. Employees shall be trained in accordance with 1.3.2 (of the UN Recommendations) before assuming responsibilities and shall only perform functions, for which required training has not yet been provided, under the direct supervision of a trained person.” This applies to all persons working within a company that is considered an adjunct to the Hazardous Materials industry including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.

— Howard Skolnik

SEE WHY HOWARD SKOLNIK's HAIR TURNED WHITE AT 35!

In the nearly 30 years that I have lived-worked-loved the "drum community," the history of Skolnik was being filed into steel drawers and aging computer files. Knowing that we rarely discuss the events from which our company evolved, I enlisted the help of our retired colleague, Sandy Jacobsen, and together we created a history timeline of the Skolnik story. From vendors of wooden barrels to our current status as a "boutique" manufacturer, the story includes the people, places, promotional materials and challenges that have made Skolnik the most unique packaging manufacturer - in the world! We invite you to take 5-10 minutes and click your way through 93 years of Skolnik history. Simply click on this link http://www.skolnik.com/history.shtml or go to: (www.skolnik.com > ABOUT US > OUR HISTORY). I would love to hear your comments or questions.
- Howard Skolnik

SKOLNIK STAINLESS STEEL WINE DRUMS AND KEGS DRAW A CROWD

We’re just back from another great showing for SKOLNIK at The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento. Our experience indicates that we continue to revolutionize the wine drum and keg industry by providing winemakers with a new realm of options and versatility. A notable concern that was frequently brought to our attention is the current shortage of 15-gallon beer kegs. In response, we are going to restructure the cost of our 16-gallon stainless steel wine drum and create options that are much more affordable and more in-line with the keg features and costs. The 16-gallon drum we had at our booth brought about a tremendous amount of interest because it was seen as an available alternative to the 15-gallon keg. In line with our corporate goals, we continue to expand into the keg market by offering a reliable product that is a good value, readily available – and usually ships within 5-10 days! It looks like another busy year ahead for the wine makers and we welcome requests for our standard products as well as those with special needs. Contact me directly at 773-362-1913, or jason@skolnik.com.
- Jason Snow

DOT ADDS NEWLY TRAINED FIELD INSPECTORS NATIONWIDE ( Skolnik Newsletter)

Of 1,200 applicants, the DOT recently graduated 12 new hazardous materials investigators from their new training academy at the Transportation Safety Institute in Oklahoma City. The hazmat investigator recruits were put through an initial training curriculum which included regulatory interpretation, enforcement and legal proceedings and policies, report and investigation writing, interview and evidence gathering techniques, photography and general safety training. In the months ahead, the recruits will also be receiving training on the manufacture, testing and requalification of hazardous materials packaging, materials classification, and accident investigation with root cause analysis. Located remotely in their respective regions, the new recruits reside from Florida to Minnesota, California to Maine. Therefore, now is the time to review your hazards materials packaging purchases, procedures, training and documentation (especially employee HazMat and Security Training and packaging Closure Instructions). If a DOT inspector does come to your door, be ready to comply with their requests and demonstrate that you are a compliant shipper.
- Howard Skolnik

A STORY ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT AND ALL THE ‘STUFF’ IN OUR LIVES

We all know that consumerism in the US is epic, but are you aware of the lifecycle of the “stuff” that we buy? During this past Holiday, my daughter Caroline, introduced me to The Story of Stuff. (www.storyofstuff.com) It’s a 20-minute video that, in a very clever format, offers an explanation of the global impact of our “shop till you drop” culture. Now that the Holiday events of shopping and eating are over, many of us are surrounded by boxes of “new stuff.” I hope you will find this video to be thought provoking. Though I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statistics presented, I can say that the message is right on target! To watch the video, go to: (www.storyofstuff.com).
— Howard Skolnik

LITHIUM BATTERY LIMITS IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE EFFECTIVE NOW

In recent Newsletters, I have addressed some concerns regarding lithium batteries aboard passenger aircraft. Responding quickly to these incidents, DOT has issued a new safety rule effective January 1st, 2008, in which passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags. Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment in carry-on baggage. Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Howard Skolnik

START THE YEAR UNDERSTANDING UN CERTIFICATION

Nearly all the drum types manufactured by SKOLNIK are tested and certified to the UN Recommendations and the US-DOT regulations (CFR49) for transport of hazardous materials. For manufacturer’s within the United States, self-certification of the drum types is allowed, but annual retesting and re-certification is also required. When buying a UN specification drum, the entire design of the drum and all its components (heads, ring, gasket, bolt, nut, plugs) is defined by the test samples. With all of these elements being incorporated into a drum type that must meet a test standard, users cannot alter or exchange any of these components as it might impact the ability for the drum to perform as certified. If, for example, a shipper changes the ring from a nut and bolt style to a Leverlock, or even changes the style of gasket, this will void the UN certification. If replacement parts are needed, fillers must make sure that they get original parts from the manufacturer that meet the test criteria of that specific drum. Once a drum is filled, compliance with the UN certification for transport is the responsibility of the shipper.Howard Skolnik