atmechanical

AT Mechanical is Honored to be Highlighted by SMACNA Greater Chicago

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 18:13:56 GMT

Strength Comes Not From Size But From Utilizing a Flexible and Dynamic Approach

The HVAC industry is constantly changing, improving, and evolving. With a company culture that is collaborative and client-focused, AT Mechanical has been able to achieve success and growth, continuing to gain the trust and respect of those in the industry. As a full-service HVAC mechanical design contractor, AT Mechanical has differentiated itself from competitors by eliminating mistakes, focusing on being flexible and dynamic, utilizing forward-thinking systems and solutions and providing the best technology, resources, and tools to the team.

To read the article featuring AT Mechanical, please visit SMACNA Greater Chicago .

Safety Tip: Slip, Trip and Fall

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 19:30:40 GMT

Did you know...

There is a high risk of slip, trip and fall (STF) due to ground or other walking surfaces being uneven, wet and/or frozen.
Approximately 25% of all musculoskeletal injuries are attributed to STF. Falls account for 12.5% of fatal occupational injuries. Falls on the same level account for 19.9% of all nonfatal occupational injuries involving days away from work.
It takes longer to recover from STF injuries on the same elevation and can be a future predisposition to similar injuries.
STF can be caused by loss of coordination, loss of balance, fatigue, slippery and uneven surfaces, transitions in floor surfaces, cold weather and poor housekeeping.
A loss of traction between the shoe and the floor surface leads to a foot slide and possible fall. Slippery walking surfaces account for 40-50% of all fall related injuries.
Falls occur when walking, getting on or off equipment or moving from a higher level to a lower level on steps or a slope.

Tips to reduce the risk of STF injury:

Check and maintain all walkways, stairways and ladders. Inspect pathways for unexpected holes or uneven pavement. Sweep up loose debris. Check when getting on or off equipment or ladders.
Wear appropriate, well-fitted footwear with quality shoes for traction.
Consider fall risks when starting at a new jobsite.
Post warning signs around areas that may be slippery, properly de-ice walkways and stay off of mud or slick surfaces.
Do not walk while using cell phones and do not carry objects that obstruct view.
Provide lighting so uneven or unexpected ground changes can be seen.
Vision should be checked by physician regularly. Be aware that aging and medications can affect balance and alertness.

Congratulations to AT Mechanical's Brian Pannier!

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 18:22:24 GMT

Press Release: Brian Pannier Promoted to General Manager

AT Mechanical is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Pannier to General Manager. Brian has been with AT Mechanical for three years and has been instrumental in the development of our project management process. He will be a great asset to the leadership team here and will continue to work as our project management lead as well as becoming a stronger liaison between our field, our office and our customers.

During his time with AT Mechanical, Brian has implemented and streamlined protocols which have improved efficiency in and around our company and has frequently been the force behind helping our jobs run smoothly.

Please join us in congratulating Brian in his new role, as we continue to work together as a team to consistently provide the best value to our customers through innovation, low overhead, high productivity and expertise.

Congratulations Brian!

Safety Tip: Protect Your Back

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 23:21:05 GMT

Whether you sit for long periods at your desk or spend most of your day on your feet, it's important to protect your back. Here are some tips to help protect your back.

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, over one million workers suffer from back injuries every year. A few simple tips can help you from being another injury statistic. Back injuries occur so often because there are many different things that cause them, leaving every worker susceptible to a potential back injury or pain. Consider these common causes of back injury:

Force - A back injury may arise when too much force is exerted on your back when lifting or moving a heavy object.
Repetition - The repetition of certain movements and having a slouching posture for too long are both causes of muscle fatigue and injury.
Lifestyle - There are many medical conditions and lifestyle choices that contribute to back injuries such as obesity, sleeping position, smoking and stress.

9 Tips for Minimizing Overexertion

1. Notice fatigue and discomfort. Don't lift if you're too tired or uncomfortable.
2. Know your body and use good body mechanics. Keep your back and neck straight -don't twist- and keep your head up. Your body knows what it can and can't lift, we are all unique.
3. Plan what you want to do ahead of time and don't be in a hurry to hurt your back. Rushing tasks will reduce your concentration and may cause you to slip or not use the correct lifting and moving techniques.
4. Keep objects as close to you as possible and use both hands with lifting.
5. Avoid bending at the waist for prolonged periods of time. This puts a large amount of strain on your spine and surrounding soft tissues. Instead:

Raise the work, so you don't have to bend.
If you have to work at lower levels for any period of time, sit on a stable stool.
Avoid storing materials at ground level.

6. Minimize overhead lifting and reaching that causes the back to arch. Excessive arching places stress on the small joints of the spine and places additional strain on the back and neck.

If you have to work overhead, get as close to your work as possible by standing on a platform or ladder.
Take frequent breaks by lowering your hands and periodically bending forward with your hands on your knees to stretch out your back.

7. Move your feet. Avoid standing in one spot while working. This can force you to repeatedly bend and twist.
8. Reduce your load. It is better to make more small trips than one big trip with an over-sized load. Be sure to divide your load into smaller boxes if you can.
9. Get help. If something is too awkward or too heavy to move yourself, find another person to help.

Safety Tip: Working in Hot Weather

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:19:29 GMT

As the summer heats up, so does heat-related health concerns. Awareness of heat illness symptoms can save your life or the life of a co-worker.

Awareness of heat illness symptoms can save your life or the life of a co-worker. Personal factors that may contribute to heat illness, or make you more susceptible, include: age, weight, level of fitness, medical condition, use of medications and alcohol.

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem. It occurs when the body's temperature regulatory system fails and sweating becomes inadequate. A heat stroke victim's skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted. Body temperature is usually 105 degrees F or higher, and the victim is mentally confused, delirious, perhaps in convulsions, shivering or unconscious. Unless the victim receives quick medical treatment, death can occur.

Heat Exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of body fluid by sweating. A person suffering from heat exhaustion experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, nausea or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist.

Medical Response : Employees experiencing and/or displaying serious symptoms of heat illness must receive medical attention promptly.

Smart Safety Rules :

Take time to acclimate yourself to the heat, may take up to two weeks
Take breaks in a cool shaded area
Don't eat heavy meals before working in the heat
Don't drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine
Keep an eye on your co-workers
Know and react to symptoms of heat-related health problems

Drinking Water : During a day's work in the heat, a person may produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat. It is important that water intake during the workday be about equal to the amount of sweat produced. Don't depend on thirst to signal when and how much to drink. Workers should drink 3 to 4 cups of water every hour.

Safety Tip: Silica Dust

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 23:18:15 GMT

Activities such as abrasive blasting with sand, sawing brick and concrete, sanding or drilling into concrete walls, grinding mortar and cutting or crushing stone exposes workers to respirable crystalline silica dust. What is silica dust and how can you protect yourself?

What is Silica Dust and What are the health risks associated with Silica Dust?

Crystalline silica is a mineral that is found in the earth's crust. Respirable crystalline silica are very small particles that are created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling and crushing stone, rock, concrete, brick, block and mortar. Workers risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust are associated with activities such as abrasive blasting with sand, sawing brick or concrete, sanding or drilling into concrete walls, grinding mortar and cutting or crushing stone. Workers who inhale silica dust are at an increased risk for Silicosis (an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death), Lung cancer, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Kidney disease.

Tips and recommendations when it comes to controlling your exposure to Silica Dust:

Training is required annually, as with most OSHA standards
Three types of control for exposure are: Engineering (vacuum with HEPA filters), Administrative (read labels or SDS to determine if a product contains silica dust- powered concrete, sand bags) and PPE (respiratory protection, Tyvek suits)
Air monitoring determines if exposure is above OSHA PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit)
Wash clothing separate from family laundry. Keep work boots out of the home environment
Wash hands and face with water to eliminate dust before breaks, lunch and after shift
Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products in dusty areas
Water spray helps eliminate airborne silica dust when cutting and drilling concrete. Use other wet methods for cutting, chipping, drilling, sawing or grinding concrete or brick
Reduce exposure by substituting materials with no silica, move individuals away from cutting or grinding of concrete, control rooms with barriers or enclosures, use local exhaust ventilation system with HEPA filters and tools with dust collecting systems (drills, grinders)
Do not use a powered blower with dry dust
Be informed, reduce exposure to dust, use respirator, be trained and practice good personal hygiene at workplace to protect self and family
Use eye protection such as googles with dust particulates
Air monitoring may be required

Source: www.osha.gov

Safety Tip: Manual Handling Materials Injury Prevention

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:28:26 GMT

Manual handling of materials is the most common cause of fatigue and lower back pain

Safe Lifting Recommendations

Use stretching as part of a comprehensive ergonomic program - make sure to stretch muscles and stay limbered up throughout the day
Before lifting, read the label of the weight - and always test the load for stability and weight. STOP if the material is too heavy and obtain help or mechanical equipment
For loads that are unstable and/or heavy, follow lifting guidelines for equipment use, reducing the weight of the load and repacking containers to increase stability

Lift Planning

Wear great quality boots to avoid slips, trips and falls on the same elevation
Wear the correct PPE gloves - choose gloves that fit properly
Lift only as much as you can safely handle by yourself. Never hesitate to ask for help with material handling
Keep the lifts in your power zone (e.g. above the knees, below the shoulders and close to the body)
Use extra caution when lifting loads that may be unstable

When Lifting

Get a secure grip
Use both hands whenever possible
Avoid jerking by using smooth, even motions
Keep the load as close to the body as possible
To the extent feasible, use your legs to push up and lift the load, not the upper body or back
Remember: Nose over Toes. Do not twist your body, step to one side or the other to turn
Alternate heavy lifting or forceful exertion tasks with less physically demanding tasks
STOP and get help

Cold Weather Safety

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 13:11:43 GMT

"Brr-aving" the cold! When working outside in cold weather, help keep your job site safe with these cold weather tips.

Wet/cold syndromes can o ccur with temperatures as low as 53 degrees F combined with sweat or wet clothing. Get out of wet clothing and get into a warm temperature.

Frost bite occurs after exposure to very cold temperatures. The skin becomes cold, pale and numb and sweating stops; then the feet turn red and swell. Do not rub the affected areas to attempt to warm - seek medical attention.

Hypothermia is the body's inability to keep its core temperature above 98 degrees F. Hands and feet become cold and numb. Severe shivering begins and is the first sign of hypothermia. Other signs of hypothermia are difficulty with speech, forgetfulness and drowsiness. The body must be warmed immediately or death could follow quickly.

P reventive Measures for Safety with Cold Temperatures:

Know the symptoms of cold-related disorders
Drink hot liquids, avoid alcohol and smoking
Wear layered clothing, starting with thermal underwear, an insulating layer next, outer garments that repel wind and water, head and ear coverings, warm and waterproof boots and warm gloves
Add or remove layers according to changes in the weather and/or workload
Make sure clothing is not tight enough to cut off circulation
Keep boots and clothing dry

Safety Tip: Scissor and Aerial (Boom) Lift Safety

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:39:58 GMT

Elevated Work platforms are a valuable tool for working at heights, but with any machinery they must be used correctly and safely at all times. You must operate within the manufacturers specifications, be trained properly, inspect your elevated work platform per shift, operate controls before use as a safety check, and understand emergency override controls which should be at ground level and practiced in the field.

Work areas must be checked before beginning any job for hazards such as drop offs, inclines, holes, and debris; untamped earth fills and overhead obstructions such as power lines or service drops.

It is extremely important to thoroughly inspect your elevated work platform before using, as well as keep a written log of your per shift inspection. Inspect for loose parts, cracked welds, damaged or frayed wire rope, improper adjustments and broken safety devices such as horns, emergency controls, and gates. Check the frame, brakes, and tires for signs of damage or wear and tear.

Before moving or raising the platform of an elevated work platform, make sure that it's placed on a level, firm surface. Have outriggers or stabilizers properly positioned and ensure all platform guardrails are properly installed.

Additional tips:

Keep an eye on ropes, cords, and hoses at the jobsite to ensure they don't get tangled up in the work platform.
Load the platform evenly and be careful not to overload it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding loading.
Never put the operator in the position of being trapped between the platform and the structure being worked on.
Keep the area clear of other workers when the platform is being moved, raised or lowered.

AT Mechanical is Featured in the Studio Gang Case Study!

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 19:07:46 GMT

Studio Gang was looking to achieve true occupant comfort with a highly efficient system

In 2013, Studio Gang was looking to grow and expand their operations, and purchased the old Polish National Alliance building, converting it into a City of Chicago Landmark building. When it came time to consider how best to approach the HVAC for the building, it was important to preserve the building's Landmark status as well as to make decisions based on sustainability. Alex Tompsidis, president of AT Mechanical was called in to conduct the search for an HVAC system. Always focusing on the customer's needs, Tompsidis recognized the importance of "balancing money and quality. In terms of quality, comfort comes first. Ultra-quiet operation is also a key criterion, along with indoor air quality, maintainability and reliability of the equipment."

To read the article featuring AT Mechanical, please visit NAESCO.org .

The Dangers of Oversized Equipment

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 23:22:59 GMT

Cold and clammy buildings - Humid conditions in the space - More equipment failures and downtime. These are just a few of the "benefits" of installing oversized equipment. Read more to find out how oversized equipment effects both installation and operating costs.

We have been well served by the logic that says if you have a certain amount of something good, then it is better to have more of that something. For example, if you have two cars, it is better to have three, or if you have two hundred dollars, it is better to have four hundred dollars. While this logic may be good for cars, houses and dollars, it can be very bad for air conditioning systems. That is, if a 40 ton air handler will do the job just fine, there is no benefit to installing a 50 ton unit. In fact, not only is there no benefit to installing the larger unit, it will also not provide the proper comfort for the space and will actually hurt your project. Let me explain.

When selecting equipment, most designers will size the unit or units to handle the total building cooling and heating loads at design weather conditions. These conditions occur from 2.5% to 5% of the year. AT Mechanical Contractors use ASHRAE 1% design conditions of 95-degree dry bulb and 75-degree wet bulb for our summer design calculations. These are more stringent than the required standards for code.

That is, your building, or rather EVERY building is should be (!) designed to operate effectively on July 8th at 2:00pm on a sunny, humid afternoon.

Building cooling load is comprised of many things, including internal loads (such as people, lights and equipment) and external loads (such as solar loads, outdoor temperatures and ventilation or outdoor air requirements). The requirements of most of the parameters of the loads are relatively easy to agree upon, however there can be problems.

Internal Loads

The load that can cause some confusion and many problems is the internal equipment loads, or so-called "miscellaneous sensible loads".

About ten years ago there was a tendency with some owners, leasing agents, developers and engineers, -perhaps burned by underconditioned buildings of the past- to specify combined lighting and equipment loads up to 10 watts per square foot. While yesterday's hi-efficiency lighting took up approximately 1.5 watts per square foot, this meant equipment loads of 8.5 watts/sf. This was very, very high (!) and unnecessary.

Today, a reasonable and conservative estimate of load is achieved by using between 2.0 and 3.0 watts/sf for lighting and equipment loads for the majority of office conditions.

In retail applications, practically all conditions are well served with a sf/ton range in between 350 and 400 sf/ton, not the 250 to 300 that is common. It's as if prospective tenants and their representatives perceived the additional tonnage as being "beneficial" when in fact it is "detrimental" for reasons that are described below.

Spaces with higher than normal outside air requirements/exhaust requirements, should have these treated with make up air and not through oversized mechanical cooling equipment.

Traditional Sizing

Another more common recent trend is the oversizing of equipment based upon rules of thumb, even with the direct evidence of a load calculation as evidence of a lower tonnage requirement.

What is happening these days is that our building envelopes, that is roofing, walls and windows, have become so, so much more efficient and tight, that the old rules of thumb really do not even apply anymore. In some cases, they are not even close! Couple this effect with reduced lighting and internal heat loads and the efficiency effect is even more magnified.

The new IECC 2012 and ASHRAE 2010 specify commercial (and residential) building envelopes and sealing techniques that effectively make today's buildings 25% to 50% more efficient than buildings built just 15 or so years ago.

This means that cooling (and heating) systems must be designed to match these buildings. That's right! Cooling systems that are 25% and 50% smaller.

High miscellaneous heat loads, super high sf/ton requirements, ultra conservative designs, super efficient and tight building envelopes and the application of cooling safety factors result in grossly oversized systems. The following " benefits " are reaped by this approach...

1) Cold and clammy buildings
2) Humid conditions in the space
3) Re-humidification
4) Indoor air quality control problems
5) Short cycling of equipment
6) Shorter equipment life
7) More equipment failures and downtime

8) Higher maintenance cost
9) Less plenum space available for other trades
10) Undesirable drafts
11) Undesirable noise level
12) Higher operating expenses
13) Higher installed costs

Buildings with oversized equipment tend to be cold and clammy as the air conditioning systems tend to have wide on and off cycles. When they are on, they blast large volumes of very cold air which satisfy thermostats quickly and cycle the units off. While the cooling is off, the now inactive cooling coil is performing no de-humidification and the space becomes uncomfortably humid, due to the presence of condensed water on the still cold coil. In fact, during off cycles, "re-humidification" occurs as untreated moist ventilation air continues to be introduced to the space. Compounding this problem is the fact that residual water on the indoor coil from the last cooling cycle "re-evaporates" into the untreated air stream during the off cycles. The short cycling of compressors creates serious reliability and oil control problems, which naturally lead to more equipment failures, downtime and shorter equipment life. This results in higher maintenance costs. The oversized equipment requires oversized ductwork to move all that oversized air. This means more difficult coordination and cramped plenums. The high quantities of air mean noisier ductwork and the colder air delivery temperature means that there is a higher likelihood of drafts when the unit is running. The bigger compressors and fans need more energy to operate, which creates higher operating expenses. And finally, to add insult to injury, not only do you get all these "benefits" with an oversized air handling unit, you also get to PAY MORE for it initially!

A conservative design, with the real envelop figured into the load, with a reasonable application of diversity loads, no cooling safety factors, proper selection of multi-compressor, multi-stage air handlers and proper ductwork design will provide the owner and tenant with years of trouble free thermal and acoustical comfort, with lower first cost and lower operating costs.

Please call Alex Tompsidis of AT Mechanical @ 847-341-2828 for all your comfort needs.