SkolnikNews

Skolnik Introduces Closure Instruction Video

Howard Skolnik — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:23:18 +0000

In our February 2010 Newsletter, we reported that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is amending packaging requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations to enhance compliance flexibility, improve clarity, and reduce regulatory burdens.

By far, one of the most controversial issues with packaging instruction is the manufacturer’s specific Closure Instruction for a hazardous material container. Required per CFR 178.2(c), Skolnik has created the first video explanation of how to properly close a Skolnik open head or closed head steel drum. Click here to view the video. Please note that this video, like all Closure Instructions, is manufacturer specific. In other words, this video only applies to steel drums manufactured and certified by Skolnik Industries Inc.

Europe Responds “No” to 100% In-bound Container Scanning

Howard Skolnik — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:56:09 +0000

Since its adoption in 2007, the United States legislation mandating the scanning at foreign ports of all US bound maritime containers has triggered an international debate and drawn strong reservations from the business community, national governments and security specialists worldwide. In order to contribute further to the debate the European Commission has carried out an assessment of the potential impact of the 100% scanning requirement on European trade, transport and customs security. Implementing 100% scanning would require sizable investments, increase transport costs significantly and entail massive operational losses. More importantly, such burdens to port authorities, companies and ultimately consumers worldwide would be for no proven security benefit. The European Commission will be implementing a coherent security policy based on multi-layered risk management that allows for legitimate international trade to flow smoothly. They will bring together numerous domestic measures to assess and defuse risks; and will seek to strengthen the capacity to deter attacks by coupling domestic action with enhanced international cooperation. The promotion of world-wide security standards, information exchange and mutual recognition of reliable traders are at the core of international cooperation. Read the full response from the European Commission.

Chilean Wine Industry Rocked By Earthquake

Jason Snow — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:35:55 +0000

As most of us slept peacefully last Saturday night (February 27th, 2010), one of the worst earthquakes in history, reaching a magnitude of 8.8, toppled much of the central region of Chile. Proving to be devastating to property and life, the quake could not have come at a worse time for winemakers. As a leader in the global winemaking community, Chile was about to begin the annual harvest. Historically, Chile is prone to quakes, and since the 1960’s structures have been subject to strict construction requirements to minimize earthquake damage. Last week’s earthquake was the largest in since 1960, when the country suffered a 9.5 magnitude quake. The majority of the damage centered in the central to southern part of Chile and in the second largest city, Concepcion. Northern areas suffered significant damage as well. With little or no electrical power at numerous facilities, difficulties with travel and processing grapes, the bottling and shipping of this year’s crop will be far from easy. While the primary rescue focus is concentrating on displaced families and reinforcing damaged structures, we wish to express our sadness to our Chilean customers and friends during this difficult time. Winemaking is a leading industry in Chile, and ultimately a rather critical component to the area’s long term economic recovery.

Closure Instruction Requirements Amended by PHMSA

Howard Skolnik — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:14:50 +0000

A long time moving target of compliance, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is amending packaging requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations to enhance compliance flexibility, improve clarity, and reduce regulatory burdens. Specifically, they are revising several packaging related definitions; adding provisions to allow more flexibility when preparing and transmitting closure instructions, including conditions under which closure instructions may be transmitted electronically; adding a requirement for shippers to retain packaging closure instructions; incorporating new language that will allow for a practicable means of stenciling the “UN” symbol on packagings; and clarifying a requirement to document the methodology used when determining whether a change in packaging configuration requires retesting as a new design or may be considered a variation of a previously tested design. This final rule also incorporates requirements for construction, maintenance, and use of Large Packagings. See the rule in its entirety at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-1615.htm

HazMat Fines Increase

Howard Skolnik — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:13:38 +0000

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule in the federal register, 74FR68701 (Docket No. PHMSA-2009-0411) in the December 29th Federal Register adjusting the fines for civil violations of the hazardous materials regulations (HMR). The minimum and maximum fines were increased by 10% based on increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) between 2005 and 2008. The final rule became effective on December 31st and will apply to violations that take place on or after January 1st, 2010. The new minimum fine for most HMR civil violations will be $275 (up from $250). The minimum fines for training related violations will be $495 (up from $450). The maximum fine for most HMR civil violations will be $55,000 (up from $50,000). Those violations that result in serious illness or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property will have a new maximum fine of $110,000 (up from $100,000). PHMSA notes that there is no economic impact on any person who complies with Federal hazardous material transportation law and the regulations, orders, special permits, and approvals issued under that law.

Skolnik Wine Drums Go Across The Pond

Jason Snow — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:11:48 +0000

The Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, held in Sacramento CA, was another very successful exhibition for the Skolnik Stainless Steel Wine Barrels. Once again, our booth generated a tremendous amount of excitement and inquiries. It was also a pleasure it was to talk to all of customers and hear the positive feedback about the usage of our barrels. A special gift that we received at the Symposium was this beautiful bottle of Pinot Noir, from Joe Miller at Hillcrest Terrace Winery. After having a chance to sample the wine, I can fully understand why Joe has had so much success. Thanks, Joe, for sharing your wine and letting us know that our Stainless Wine Drums are a part of your positive achievements.

With so much affirmative feedback, the stainless wine drums are taking flight as we have chosen to further expand into the global market. Our first participation in a European Wine Exhibition will be next month, March 24-28th, at Intervitis Interfructa in Stuttgart, Germany. Our booth number will be 5F70, and needless to say, we’re very excited to see how our drums “rack up.” We will be looking to secure a distributors who can help us service our international interests. Stop in and see us in Stuttgart, Booth #: 5F70. Guten tag!

Looking Back to Our Future — 2009 Improvements Substantial

Howard Skolnik — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:55:04 +0000

As an independent company we can be responsive to sudden changes in the economy. In 2009, we proceeded cautiously to find new markets and we pursued them with high quality and a welcoming spirit. A New Years tradition at Skolnik, last week our staff gathered to toast a farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010. We looked back at the achievements accomplished in the past 12 months — and even we were impressed with the changes.

We started the year by electing to completely rewrite our Quality Assurance Program (NQA-1) and expand the reach of QA throughout the company. Within manufacturing, we are nearing completion of an MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) implementation which will allow us to track incoming orders, inventory, scheduling and shipping. Like on-line ordering, we will have 5-point order tracking to give customers accurate delivery status information.

Mechanically, we installed new interior lining equipment to further improve our application process, we began the installation of a new paint booth, installed new ovens for curing our interior linings, fabricated new “360 Degree” testers for our leakproofness testing and expanded the tool capacities for all our machines. We rethought our web site ( www.skolnik.com) and rolled out a new format that easily leads visitors to buy our products, or research packaging information. Our web site continues to be the #1 industry resource for steel drum packaging. The new web site lead to an increase in special requests and services which translated into new and varied products.

Customer audits were plentiful, all with positive outcomes. As a corporation, I am very grateful for the integrity that we share with our employees. We continue to creatively seek out new opportunities, develop new products, new processes, and focus on customer retention through improved quality and accuracy. As we begin 2010, you can bet that we already have a list of projects to keep the energy “glowing.”

Gasket Integrity Critical to Proper Closing of Open Heads

Howard Skolnik — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:54:01 +0000

One of the most critical components of proper drum closure is the cover gasket. Since the adoption of Performance Oriented Packaging (POPS), new gasket styles, materials and profiles are used to increase drum integrity and performance. Steel drum manufacturers and reconditioners are free to use any gasket they choose when creating a drum to be compliant with the UN and DOT test requirements. Therefore, drum fillers and shippers must be aware that in accordance with a specific manufacturers, or reconditioners, closure instructions, all gaskets need to be inspected prior to sealing or closing a drum.

Whether it‘s the first time closed, or a repeated closure, check the gasket for any irregularities including, but not limited to: crumbling, cracking, slicing, tearing, and most importantly, that it is properly seated into the cover groove. In some cases the gasket fits on top of the bead, and in this case, be sure to verify that the bond to the metal is intact. Also, as a result of long term compression, gaskets will exhibit memory and should be replaced if they do not appear capable of a secure seal. In the event that a user should believe the gasket to be in need of replacement, or is questionable, the original equipment manufacturer should be contacted in order to purchase a replacement. It is critical that a replacement gasket be the same as the original gasket with which the drums were tested. A substitution gasket will invalidate the UN/DOT certification

Red Wines in The Winter Served Best from Skolnik Drums

Jason Snow — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:52:22 +0000

There are many things that are wonderful about wintertime. Fresh snow, warm comfort food, and roaring fireplaces are just a few. Another one of the best things about the weather in the winter months is the opportunity to “switch up” your wine routine and move to wines that savor the season. Arguably the best wines for these winter days are red, full bodied, and spicy. Shiraz and Syrah of course, immediately come to mind. Both wines arrive from the same grapes, with Shiraz originating in Australia and South Africa, and Syrah hailing from France. Fortunately neither of these two fine wines has to cost a fortune. There are plenty of top rated, high-end Shiraz and Syrah labels, but many can be found for about $25.00 and under.

These wines are a few of the reds that are being aged in our stainless steel drums. Later this month, we will be demonstrating the unique properties and benefits of Skolnik stainless steel drums at the Wine Symposium at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento, CA. The exhibition dates are Jan 26 to 29, 2010. Come see the very drums in which quite a few reds are aged. Our booth is #341, and we have free entry vouchers. Please contact me if you’re interested in attending and would like a free pass.

Skolnik Closure Instructions Get a Clean Up

Matthew Dick — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:59:04 +0000

Effective November 13th, 2009, we updated our Closing Instructions from Revision B to Revision C. There were no major changes, everything was clerical and does not affect the actual closing of the product (as stated in Important Notes 1). The following is a list of changes / corrections: 1) making all Closure Instruction formats (printed and web) identical; 2) printing to a landscape format so that the weather resistant closing instructions are identical; 3) one version of Rev. B was called QAP / PQ 080 another was QEP / PQ 080. QAP and QEP have been removed; 4) one version of Rev. B had the word “CAUTION” another had “IMPORTANT” in a box that was located to the right of the table for the fitting torques. This box has now been removed and the information within it has been placed into important note #2; 5) one version of Rev. B said “Ring ends must not touch” another had “Max. Gap” in figure #6. Rev. C now has the correct verbiage of “Ring ends must not touch”; and 6) The formatting of Figure #7 and #8 was not identical in all versions of Rev. B. All of the refinements noted in Rev. C are valid to close all product manufactured under Rev. B. Once again, the revisions are clerical and do not affect the closing of the product. Also, Rev. C is available in English and Spanish. It is critical that you retain Closure Instructions that were in effect when a product was purchased.