When an agency inspector comes to inspect your hazardous waste storage area, he looks for things like waste manifests, reports, labels, and plans. Why? Because it is easy to find violations in these areas – either you have filled them out properly or you have not. It is straightforward.

The video below is from an inspector at the California Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC). Listen to what the DTSC inspector has to say about what he looks for in your hazardous waste labels.

Here is a short video from California’s DTSC on the training requirements for hazardous waste generators:

One of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste is “reactivity”. The other three are ignitability, toxicity and corrosivity and these three characteristics are pretty easy to define by measuring the flash point, concentration and pH respectively. Reactivity is a bit harder (less objective) to determine.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has a short video clip on how to determine reactivity. In general, if something is going to go “boom”, it is likely to be reactive. Or if the MSDS states that a material is reactive with water or unstable, the waste that is derived from that material is likely to be a reactive waste. Enjoy the video.

1.
Choose lean protein choices, such as eggs, egg substitutes, lean beef, turkey, chicken, fish, “tofu for vegetarian." Only broil, bake, boil or poach. Only olive oil or PAM.

2.
Minimize consumption of high glycemic carbohydrates (carbs that make your blood sugar spike) such as white rice, sugar, certain pastas and potatoes. Certain cereals are ok. (Use a low glycemic list for good body choices).

3.
When eating carbs, eat them with proteins and keep portion size small.

4.
Eat high fiber foods or add fiber to your diet.

5.
Water, Water, WATER. Drink lots of water daily. Drink it before a meal to help get you fuller quicker.

6.
Try to keep your daily food intake at 40% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 20% fat which is normally found in the foods that you eat.

7.
Eat 4-6 small meals a day. Eat fewer meals if you use a high protein shake or bar for one of the meals.

8.
Portion sizes of everything should be the size of your fist. Protein can be more if you are exercising.

9.
When eating out remember to have your food cooked the right way. You are paying. Limit condiments on food and you will actually begin to notice the quality of food.

10.
Exercise: Cardio exercise at least 20-30 minutes 3 times a week and resistance exercise with weights or machines 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes using mostly large muscle groups to increase your metabolism.

Pat Wardwell, COO of the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership suggests ten New Year’s resolutions for Lean leaders. These are great suggestions and most I have been doing regularly.

The summary:
1. Set aside time each week to actively and openly nurture the Lean journey in your organization;
2. Get out of your office and walk the value stream at least once per week;
3. Resolve to use your eyes and ears more than your vocal chords when on the shop floor;
4. Ask 5 different people who work for you "what can be improved" at least once a week;
5. Participate in an improvement project team meeting, training session or kaizen event at least once per month;
6. Ask to be shown an implemented improvement idea from all areas reporting to you at least once per month;
7. Read at least one new Lean article or book a month;
8. Attend a conference, plant tour or participate in a webinar or podcast on Lean topics once per quarter;
9. Vow to visit at least one external customer or supplier each quarter;
10. Develop your own "Manager’s Standardized Work."

Sometimes you are not in a position to give your employees more in terms of tangible rewards. Increases in pay or benefits, for example, may not be possible. But there is no limit to the intangible rewards you can give them. These "psychological paychecks" require little effort and cost the company nothing. They represent an excellent way for you to compensate your people during times of transition and change.

Don’t underestimate the value employees place on simple things such as a word of encouragement or a compliment from you. Give them a listening ear and show empathy. Ask their opinions about things. Call them by name, ask about their family, say thank you when they have the right attitude and effort. Write a short note to the employee expressing appreciation for quality work, initiative, etc. When you hold staff meetings, single out individuals and give them a word of praise or commendation for good job performance.

If you take the time to be nicer, you will energize, and encourage your staff. This has many far reaching benefits, particularly during periods of organizational change. There is a real payoff for you, the employee, and your company.

Winston Churchill said,

"To every man there comes
in his lifetime that special moment when he is
figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered a
chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and
fitted to his talents. What a tragedy if that moment
finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which
would be his finest hour.”

Don’t expect luck to present you with your finest
hour. Remember, luck is when preparation meets
opportunity. What three things are you doing right
now to prepare for greater opportunity this year –
and to perhaps experience your "finest hour?" The
best person to predict your future is you.

Portrait artist James Whistler decided to paint his
mother when the person who had scheduled an
appointment with him failed to show up. (Don’t wait
on perfect conditions for success to happen; just go
ahead and do something.)

This should help those who get confused…

Finish = what we put on the floor.

Waxing = the verb used to describe the application of said finish.

Wax = What you apply to a car’s paint. Also  used to make candles.

Film = What movies were on before DVD’s.

We wax a coat of finish, that when dry leaves a coat of film on the tile. Now you know.

Finish is too Sticky or Tacky

Cause

Solution

Not enough drying time between coats.
Under normal conditions, finishes dry in 20-30 minutes. High humidity extends drying time.

Restorer not properly diluted or applied too frequently.
Follow label instructions. Overuse can leave a sticky residue.

Restorer/maintainer not burnished soon enough after application.
When dry, restorer/maintainer will continue to soften finish if not burnished

Floor not properly rinsed before application of finish.
Thoroughly rinse and neutralize floor after stripping. Use neutral cleaner in proper dilution.

Improper use of disinfectants.
Measure carefully and follow label directions.

Separation of finish.
Finish may have been exposed to prolonged heat or cold. Shake or stir before using.

Alkaline or detergent contaminated tile.
Make sure to rinse floor until pick-up water remains clear. When recoating, make sure no cleaner residue remains on floor – rinse with clean water to prevent problem.

Finish is applied too thick.
Apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat.