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