Safety – Riggs Machine and Fabricating, Inc.

Aluminum vs. Polyethylene Pump Guards

08/21/2020RMF

We have been recently changing out a lot of pump guards that did not hold up to the harsh factory environments that they were expected handle. These plastic guards are being exchanged for more durable aluminum guards.

Here’s what they found:

The plastic can’t take the heat of the high temperature pumps. The guards get soft and warp.

The aluminum guards will not rust, are highly resistant to weathering and are corrosion resistant to many acids.

Aluminum can be easier modified and repaired than plastic.

The plastic guards can only be removed a few times. After that, they become warped and difficult to fit back around the pump and often need to be replaced.

When supplied with a clear section for inspection, these areas quickly become clouded and useless. They have to be removed to inspect the unit opening a gap to a running pump.

Our upper ventilation slots also act as inspection ports so you can easily monitor the pump without touching the unit or removing a clouded cover.

We’ve also added lower inspection holes to check the base of the pump for leaks, fallen items and belt issues.

They have no ventilation or limited ventilation! Our aluminum guards have superior ventilation, increasing the lifespan of your high-temp pumps.

Many of these plastic guards come as kits. Your employees could spend may hours cutting and modifying one to get it to fit correctly. Our guards come custom built ready to install on your pump!

Your people stay in the field = more dollars in your pocket.

Contact Riggs Machine about our durable, long lasting, custom aluminum pump guards.

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Essential Business Status

03/24/2020RMF

On March 23 Gov. Andy Beshear ordered all nonessential retail businesses to be closed. Some critical businesses are exempt from these guidelines.

Riggs Machine is considered an Essential Business aligned with the Critical Manufacturing Sector servicing many industries including:

Energy
Chemical
Transportation
Water and Wastewater Systems

We will be operating and available as you have come to expect.

As always the health and safety of our employees and families remain our number one concern and we will continue to follow all applicable CDC guidelines.

Feel free to contact us at 606-324-009 if you have any questions about our operating hours or new safety protocols during this unprecedented time.

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statement

03/20/202012/17/2021RMF

March 20, 2020

As the world faces a truly unprecedented situation, Riggs Machine & Fabricating is taking proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our valued employees, customers and community. We continue to closely monitor the latest reports and recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of our employees and customers are our top priority. Riggs Machine & Fabricating has implemented practices to assist in protecting our employees and community.

Employees have been updated on preventative practices and preparedness plans recommended by the CDC. We have requested employees follow these guidelines for proper personal safety.
We are following the government’s direction to practice social distancing.
Employees are asked to stay home if they feel ill.
Hand sanitizer and disinfectants are being provided throughout our work areas.
Comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing protocols are in place for our facilities, including high traffic areas being frequently disinfected and cleaned.
Customer and supplier visits on-site to Riggs Machine & Fabricating are limited. Drivers picking up material or making delivers have limited access into our facilities and exposure to our employees.

We remain committed and confident that during these tough times, we can continue to deliver the quality, dependable service to our customers across our community in a timely, efficient, and safe manner.

Thank you for your partnership and should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 606-324-0090.

Sincerely,

Bert Riggs, President

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Mobile Safety Barrier

01/31/2020RMF

“When a Simple (traffic) Cone Won’t Do”

Movable Safety Barrier - 3D Render

There are several solutions to protecting workers and areas vulnerable to hazards like pedestrian and industrial traffic.

Some companies throw out a few cones, maybe even adding a flag or two for visibility. Then there’s the flimsy plastic folding barriers you might have seen around an out-of-service restroom at the mall.

But these solutions are not suitable for industrial environments. They don’t offer any real protection. They’re just one step up from wishful thinking.

Riggs Machine would like to suggest a better solution: the Mobile Safety Barrier.

This item protects the area around workers while in underground accesses such as manholes and maintenance openings or above ground on ladders.

Movable Safety Barrier - Man in Barrier

Highly Visible – can be see by those walking around the area and in vehicles and forklifts.

Movable Safety Barrier - Side View

Due to its sturdy design, it will not fold or buckle in high winds or bad weather. Can be bumped and still remain in position. It’s solid metal frame can withstand the harsh plant environment. Unlike plastic units, it can be painted any color or modified if necessary.

Movable Safety Barrier - Caster

The Mobile Safety Barrier positions easily on heavy duty casters and can be loaded on a flatbed for quick offsite setup.

This convenient, sturdy, mobile, highly visible unit increases safety in your facility.

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Handwheel Extensions & Ease of Operation

06/14/2019RMF

When a valve handle is not readily accessible, or the distance for proper operation is too great, a Handwheel Extension might be the solution.

Once affixed to the existing valve, workers have quick, ready and safe access to the controls when need arises.

Shown above, an inaccessible gate valve is below a platform. With a bolt-on Handwheel Extension, a worker on top of the platform now has convenient, safe access within reach and can operate the valve freely (without the need of ladders or rigging).

Also, by increasing the diameter of the handle on the Handwheel Extension, the valve may be easier to operate than it may have been with its original smaller handle.

These Handwheel Extensions are custom designed based on the valve size and distance from the valve to the operator’s control location.

Handwheel Extensions are often galvanized to help withstand the weather, elements and possible corrosion from chemicals in the facility.

If you have inaccessible valves that require outside rigging to operate or controls that put your employees in dangerous situations, call Riggs for an overview of the benefits that Handwheel Extensions can offer.

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Welcome Gregg Nichols to the Riggs Team!

01/24/2019RMF

We’d like to welcome Gregg Nichols to our staff. Gregg has a combined 28 years in Industrial Distribution & Manufacturing Operations and Sales.

His prior experience includes 5 years with Perfection Rubber (operations manager and sales), 18 years with MSC / Dolin Supply (team leader and outside sales) and 4 years with American producers (outside and industrial sales)

The business segments he previously focused on included:

Coal
Construction
Chemical
Manufacturing
Petroleum
Power Generation
Steel Production

Gregg’s areas of expertise include:

Hydraulic Hoses, Tubes and Fittings
Metal working – Machining – Hole Making
Material Handling (lifting and rigging)
Pipes, Valves & Fittings
Safety

Gregg has jumped right in and got off to a strong start. His outgoing personality and years of knowledge have been a perfect fit here at Riggs. Call him for a visit to your facility and see why he’s an invaluable asset to our team!

Industrial Platform Handrail – Ergonomics and Safety

10/31/201804/17/2019RMF

Industrial platforms and walkways typically use one of two types of handrail – round bar or angle.

But recently we’ve seen the addition of a lower handrail, which is more ergonomic and comfortable.

This additional handrail makes transversing stairs much safer. There are no breaks or pinch points as you move your hand along the rail. The placement is more convenient and it just has a better feel to it.

Even better, this handrail can be added to existing walkways and platforms. If you have a heavily trafficked area or a thoroughfare on which you’d like to beef up the safety – rather than replace the entire structure, consider this simple (and cost effective) addition. Give Riggs a call, we’re here to help.

easily added to existing walkways

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Industrial Classroom Training Aids

08/10/201804/17/2019RMF

If you ever wondered where the custom training equipment in industrial classrooms come from, then look no further than Riggs Machine.

At Riggs we can create custom pieces from scratch, like this “oil flinger” demonstration unit. Shown from conception, with 3D renders, to the final unit in the classroom.

And we also often disassemble, create “cut-away” sections, sandblast, paint and reassemble actual pieces of equipment to be used in working classrooms. These units are used for hands-on training before students hit the field. Much better than a video or book based lecture.

Some of these jobs can be more time and labor intensive than actual repairs! But we don’t mind. We’re proud to be part of the team who help educate the next generation who will be keeping our refineries, steel mills and factories running.

Riggs Machine & Fabricating – Serving industry in KY, OH and WV for over 45 years!

Is Your Scaffold System OSHA Compliant?

06/14/201812/17/2021RMF

Do you use long term scaffolding in place of permanent platforms? Are they stable, secure and up to the new OSHA regulations? Are you still renting your scaffolding and paying for it month after month?

FALL PROTECTION & SCAFFOLDING VIOLATIONS

remain among OSHA’s most frequently cited standard violations.*

OSHA violations are now subject to higher penalties,

this signals a 78% increase in penalty amounts.*

Convert your temporary, unstable scaffolding to a sturdy, permanent structure. No more rentals, no more repairs, no more guard rails that are dangerously low and above all, avoid the fear of those outrageous OSHA fines.

A Riggs Machine representative will review your current needs and outline the best options for your facility. We even offer 3D renders of the unit before construction begins so you can visualize the actual unit design.