Daily Archives: 4/11/2011

Wheels of Industry

Here We Go Again

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Meetings: What we do instead of REAL work. This time we’re reviewing our safety procedures for electrical work, trying to reconcile them with the National Electrical Code, which is in turn referenced to OSHA regulation, and we’re fast approaching the point where you won’t be able to leave your house without being swaddled in layers of eco-friendly bubble wrap.

As I once famously told a guy who was protesting yet another company’s onerous knee-jerk approach to OSHA requirements, “Buck up, buddy! Just remember, this is about safety. There’s no requirement in THESE rules that you actually get any work done.”

At the discussion: Whether to spend a million bucks company-wide to analyze our facilities as to the levels of arc-flash hazard under NFPA 70E. You electrical guys will cringe when you read this. It is indeed cringe-worthy. You non-electrical types, Googling arc-flash and NFPA 70E will take you an a chase after myriad wild geese, complete with glowing balls of fire and horror stories of the same magnitude that banishes Happy Meals and requires little Suzy to wear a helmet while riding her little pink bicycle with the basket and Hello Kitty decals.

But that’s just my personal opinion. We as a company are trying to take the most effective, measured and 100% compliant approach possible. Really.

History

Today in History – April 11

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1814 – The Treaty of Fontainebleau ends the War of the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon Bonaparte, and forces him to abdicate unconditionally for the first time. What the H-ll. There he was all dressed up and everything, and the opposing armies were in Paris, his capital. This was upsetting even to Frenchmen, although in the ensuing years they’ve had ample opportunity to get used to it. Fear not, though, the French will follow Napoleon when he makes a come-back tour… Treaty? Not worth the paper it’s signed on, something our president should note…

1865 – President Abraham Lincoln makes his last public speech. Wife says, “Ya done good, Hon! Let’s plan on catching us a play.”

1900 – US Navy’s first submarine made its debut. What goes up must come down. The reverse is not necessarily true. That’s why I wasn’t a submariner.

1921 – Iowa becomes the first U.S. state to impose a cigarette tax. This is called “the camel’s nose”. (I slay me!)

1951 – Korean War: President Harry Truman relieves General Douglas MacArthur of overall command in Korea. General MacArthur, with a lifetime of military service, wants to nuke the Chicoms. Harry Truman, a politician, thinks otherwise. In retrospect, who is right?

1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing and insuring that dimmocrats have a wrap on the black vote until hell freezes over.

1970 – Apollo 13 is launched, doesn’t make the moon landing, but makes an epic story of American “can-do” to return home.

1976 – The Apple I is created. Those silly hobbyists and their toys. Those things will never have any real function.