Design Build and Design Assist Bring Comprehensive Mechanical Solutions Full Circle

Posted on by TP Mechanical

At TP Mechanical, we understand that mechanical systems can be the cause of costly ongoing building operation expenditures if they’re not well-planned and properly configured.

As a customer-driven, solutions-oriented organization, our experienced team of mechanical designers and engineers are committed to more than just fulfilling the specifications and requirements of your project. We provide comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for you, from pre-construction expertise through contracting and fabrication to the service and maintenance of your mechanical systems.

The Design Build and Design Assist difference

When you choose to use our Design Build approach, TP Mechanical handles the mechanical engineering – HVAC, fire protection and plumbing – from start to finish. We provide budgeting, cost-estimating and proposal services, system design and expert construction. Combined with our state-of-the-art fabrication process and efficient installation services, we ensure that your project will be cost-effective and on-time.

If you’re already working with outside engineering and architecture firms, you can still get the TP Mechanical advantage by utilizing our Design Assist program. We provide services in both system designs and constructability by applying our experience and expertise in construction. The result: A completed project with a reduced budget and streamlined timeline.

Using Design Build and Design Assist means:

  • Faster delivery to market
  • Reduced costs via system design and constructability
  • Enhanced coordination of integrated teams of experienced mechanical system experts
  • Minimized project risk
  • More efficient installs with state-of-the-art fabrication capabilities
  • Energy-efficient systems incorporated into designs

Innovation, expertise and excellence

Our Design Build and Design Assist teams are comprised of engineers skilled at applying speed-to-market and cost-effective mechanical engineering principles to create custom, innovative project plans that protect your interests, optimize your budget, streamline your timeline, and overcome your challenges and obstacles to meet your specific business needs. Our engineers can also apply Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles to improve the energy efficiency of the project.

“We deliver the whole package when we pair our Design Build and Design Assist services with state-of-the-art fabrication capabilities,” said Matt Anderson, business development leader for TP Mechanical. “The end result is that our clients have a building that delivers outstanding performance through the entire construction process and in day-to- day operations.”

To learn more about our Design Build and Design Assist Services visit:

http://www.tpmechanical.com/groups/designbuild/

Key Safety Guidelines to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Posted on by TP Mechanical

“Safety First, Always First.”

With winter’s colder temperatures and heating systems running around the clock, it is important to be aware of the heightened risk and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that is produced when incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials (i.e., natural gas) occurs. Because it’s odorless and colorless, CO often goes undetected. With many facilities and homes utilizing natural gas furnaces and water heaters, winter weather puts everyone at an increased risk of CO poisoning.

“Risks for CO poisoning are higher than many realize, especially because the causes are often overlooked in our day-to-day lives,” says Jamie Absher, Safety Specialist at TP Mechanical. “It could be something as simple as a faulty gas line or an improperly vented furnace – which are preventable with proper maintenance.”

According to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), here are some ways to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector. These devices work similarly to a smoke detector, only they measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.
  • Have appliances that use natural gas inspected by a qualified repair person once a year.
  • Inspect the vents, flues and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces to ensure proper ventilation of exhaust.
  • Never use an oven to heat rooms. This can damage the oven and cause carbon monoxide to be released into the building.
  • Never heat a room with a gas or kerosene space heater that does not have proper venting.

Why is monitoring CO levels and preventing CO poisoning so critical? Because the effects can be permanent or fatal, as CO exposure hampers our blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues and vital organs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypoxia (severe oxygen deficiency) due to acute CO poisoning may result in long-term or irreversible brain or heart damage.

Some common symptoms of CO exposure include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rapid breathing
  • Weakness
  • Exhaustion
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

“If your CO alarm goes off or you experience any CO exposure symptoms, do not hesitate to act,” says Jamie. “Immediately move to fresh air and contact the local emergency services or call 911.”

To learn more about our commitment to workplace health and safety, visit http://www.tpmechanical.com/about-tp/safety/.

People Behind TP Mechanical Introduces Ali Jansen

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Ali started with TP Mechanical over a year ago as our Customer Relationship Manager in the Columbus region. Ali’s primary responsibility is to build stronger relationships with our customers.

Through our Voice of the Customer program, Ali coordinates meetings with customers and our sales representatives and managers to discuss their current relationship with TP Mechanical. These meetings provide us with valuable insight and allow us to be proactive in our partnerships. As the voice of our customers, Ali helps us discover how we can better meet their needs.

“TP Mechanical truly cares about their customers and employees,” says Ali. “Everyone here is like family looking out for each other, and we do the same for our customers.”

One of the ways Ali looks out for our customers is by tracking their future preventative maintenance needs based on ASHRAE equipment life expectancies. This allows us to work proactively with our customers, so they can avoid costly downtime and repairs at their facilities.

In one of her additional roles, Ali works closely with Matt Anderson, our Commercial Business Development Leader, and our commercial operations managers to help manage our relationships with general contractors. This helps us continually improve upon our current business partnerships, as well as our processes for the future.

Ali stands out to customers and coworkers because of her diligence, honesty and caring nature.

Have a Responsible Summer

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

This August 18 to September 4, law enforcement will be stepping up their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This means police officers will be focused on spotting impaired drivers and pulling them over.

There were nearly 10,000 people killed in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes in 2014, according to the CDC. This accounts for nearly 33 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Keep this sobering statistic in mind when attending gatherings with alcohol, like barbecues, beach parties or work events.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a smartphone app to help drivers who cannot safely drive home. The app can help tell you where you are, help you call a taxi or help you call a friend. Other useful apps include Uber and Lyft, as both can get you home if it’s not safe for you to drive.

For more information on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the NHTSA website.

Prevent Heat Illness

Posted on by TP Mechanical
Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

There were 7,415 heat-related deaths in the United States from 1999 to 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These preventable deaths illustrate how important preparation is during extreme temperatures. Whether you are swimming at the beach or lounging in the park, you should be prepared for extreme heat conditions.

Stay Prepared

The CDC provides three easy steps to prevent heat-related illnesses: stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed. This summer, make sure you have shade wherever you are going and have attire, like a sun hat or a thin, long-sleeved shirt, to avoid direct contact with the sun. Be sure to drink lots of water—more than you usually do. Your body quickly loses fluids in the summer more quickly, which can lead to illness. Finally, stay informed by monitoring the local weather forecast and prepare accordingly for outdoor activities.

Know the Signs

The two most dangerous heat-related illnesses, besides dehydration, are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is exhibited through cold, clammy skin, heavy sweating and nausea. If you or someone shows these symptoms, move to a cooler location and sip water. If you or someone has a rapid pulse, hot and red skin, and loses consciousness, this could mean heat stroke, and you should call 911 immediately. In this latter scenario, do not give fluids to the person showing the symptoms. Do, however, move them to a cooler location and lower their temperature with cool cloths.

Do You Know Seizure First Aid?

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Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 people may have a seizure in their lifetime. A seizure is a change in the brain’s electrical activity that can cause a variety of symptoms, including violent shaking, falling and losing bodily control. However, because there are different types of seizures, symptoms can vary.

Knowing proper seizure first aid is important so that you can help keep a person who is having a seizure safe and prevent further injury. General seizure first aid includes the following:

  • Clear the area immediately to prevent possible injury.
  • If the person is standing, gently guide them to the floor. Roll them on their side and cushion their head.
  • Time the seizure. If the person has epilepsy and the seizure lasts longer than three minutes, call 911.
  • Call 911 if any of the following apply:
    • The person is pregnant.
    • The person has never had a seizure before.
    • The person does not regain consciousness after the seizure.
    • The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
  • Do not attempt to hold the person down or put anything in their mouth while they are seizing. Doing so could cause injury.

For other seizure first-aid tips, please visit the CDC’s webpage.

Tick and Tick-borne Disease Season is Here

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Provided by HORAN | Presented by TP Mechanical

Experts are warning that this year’s tick season could be worse and more widespread than ever due to milder winters, booming mice and deer populations, and the 2015 abundant acorn crop. Unfortunately, with the projected increase of ticks, the threat of tick-borne disease, including the most common, Lyme disease, also increases.

The best way to avoid contracting a tick-borne disease is to practice proper preventive measures, which include the following:

  • Wear light-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants when in wooded areas, and tuck pant legs into socks or boots. Keep long hair tied back.
  • Wash your body and clothing after all outdoor activities.
  • Look periodically for ticks if you have been outdoors, especially if you have been in wooded areas or gardens.
  • Remove ticks within 24 hours to greatly reduce the risk of contracting disease.
  • Talk with your veterinarian about tick repellent for your pet.
  • Check your pet’s coat if it has been in a possible tick-infested area.

For more information on ticks and tick-borne disease, click here.

National Fireworks Safety Month: June 1 to July 4

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Provided by HORAN | Presented by TP Mechanical

Fireworks are a staple at festivities for many Americans during the summer months. Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be—which is a primary reason that injuries occur.

In honor of National Fireworks Safety Month, which occurs from June 1 to July 4, take some time to familiarize yourself with the following safety suggestions to avoid accidents when using fireworks.

  • Do not shoot fireworks off if you are under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
  • Keep spectators a safe distance away.
  • Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do.
  • Never try to relight a firework that didn’t properly ignite.
  • Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

Find Training and Opportunity at TP Mechanical

Posted on by TP Mechanical

At TP Mechanical, we want the success of our employees to go hand in hand with the success of the company. That’s why we offer a variety of four-year apprenticeship opportunities that blend in-class instruction and on-site job training.

All our apprentices receive 8,000 on-the-job training hours and 576 hours of classroom learning from experienced instructors in areas such as plumbing, pipefitting, fire protection and welding.

Our team is looking for apprenticeship candidates who have a strong work ethic, a great attitude and a willingness to learn. Many apprentices stay for long careers, due in part to our commitment of promoting from within our workforce.

“Our goal is for you to be a vital asset to TP Mechanical at the end of your four-year course,” says Chief Operating Officer Tim Hoover. “We want you to continue down a path of learning and experience to become a leader for us.”

How to apply
TP Mechanical is accepting applications for two weeks only: Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 28, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in our Columbus, Cincinnati and Lexington offices. Bring a copy of your high school diploma, your GED or a letter from your school with your expected graduation date.

We are excited to provide the following apprenticeship programs:

Cincinnati and Columbus           Lexington
Plumbing/Pipefitting                 Plumbing/Pipefitting (Auditors)
Fire Protection
Sheet Metal

We look forward to meeting you and starting the application process – click on the links above for our office addresses.

For more information
Visit the TP Mechanical apprenticeship program page on our website or call our Training Manager Tracy Urti with any questions at 513-851-8881.

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion

Posted on by TP Mechanical

Temperatures have skyrocketed into sometimes dangerous ranges this summer. Excessive heat can lead to sunburns, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion, a condition which results in the body overheating, is one of the most dangerous heat-related syndromes.

At TP Mechanical we understand that sometimes you have no choice but to face the heat, so we want you to know ways to keep yourself safe from heat exhaustion this summer.

The Symptoms

According to the American Red Cross, there are two types of heat exhaustion: water depletion and salt depletion. If you experience any of these symptoms, you could have heat exhaustion:

  • Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Exhaustion

What to Do

If you or anyone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. You can also follow one of these safety suggestions:

  • Remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin.
  • Fan the person.
  • If conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly.
  • Watch for any changes in condition.
  • If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

Remember, the risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it’s important – especially during heat waves – to pay attention to the reported heat index. Read more from the American Red Cross about how to keep you and your family safe from the heat.