OSHA publishes crystalline silica Frequently Asked Questions for general industry
On Jan. 22, 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concernig the agency's final rule regulating occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica in general industry. For months, the American Foundry Society and National Association of Manufacturers have been working directly with the agency to craft these FAQs to provide metalcasters with additional guidance on key areas of the silica standard's requirements.
'Steel Slag' Bill Signed In To Law
Energy Manager Marco Gonzalez attended the 'Steel Slag' bill signing. Pictured left to right are: Toni Herkert, Todd Stuart, Marco Gonzalez, Jason Mugnaini, Lucas Vebber, Steve Hall, Ethan Hollenberger, Bob Venable, Rob Thompson, Senator Duey Stroebel, Evan Miller and John Soper.
OSHA's Crystalline Silica Rule
Twenty-eight important questions about OSHA crystalline silica rule answered.
Iron casting supplier Waupaca Foundry leading environmental charge
Waupaca Foundry is taking the lead in ensuring a sustainable future through our sustainability initiatives in energy conservation, water reduction, air pollution control, and sand reuse/recycling.
Mitigating the Effect of OSHA's Silica Rule
After decades of consideration and discussion, in March 2016 OSHA issued a final rule to minimize workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule became effective on June 23, 2016, but most of its components will not be enforced until June 23, 2018. That means sand-casting foundries have 12 months to achieve compliance.
Local Scout Scouts Out Landfill as Perfect Spot for Owl Nesting
Dan Esch of Waupaca Boy Scout Troop 634 has an affinity for Northern Saw-whet owls, which have an affinity for very particular habitats—they like dense conifer groves with good sight lines and access to water.
AFS Provides Regulatory Reduction Comments to EPA
On May 15, 2017, AFS submitted comprehensive and detailed recommendations regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulations to be considered for “repeal, replacement or modification” in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 13777.
New EPA Senior Counsel to Speak to Metalcasters at AFS Fly-In
AFS Fly-In attendees will hear from one of the new leaders at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who is redirecting the agency's approach and setting the stage for a common-sense rebalancing of regulations and federal overreach.
Energy Insights: Waupaca Foundry earns accredited energy management certification
What does it take to become a leader in energy management? A team focused on energy efficiency, a corporate commitment to sustainability and a network of supportive partners are a good start. It is this foundation that helped Waupaca Foundry achieve some impressive results – from certifications to energy and cost savings.
Setting itself apart
Waupaca Foundry recently recognized as the nation’s first metal caster to receive ISO 50001 Energy Management System Certification, as well as a $100,000 incentive from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program thanks to energy conservation initiatives at its gray iron foundry on Division Street in Waupaca.
AFS Strongly Supports House Letter to President Trump Underscoring Concerns with OSHA's Burdensome Silica Rule
The silica letter, which garnered the support of over 80 House lawmakers, highlights their deep concerns with the regulatory burdens of OSHA’s silica rule on businesses in their states including, foundries, construction, brick manufacturers, the maritime industry, and many more.
Green Means Lean
Foundries have been making new metal objects from remelting old ones for centuries, making metal casters some of the worlds first recycles. Old and discarded products such as electronic appliances, manhole covers, tin cans, cars and shopping trolleys are not seen as rubbish by foundries, but as raw materials. Today foundries in many countries convert this unwanted scrap metal and recycle it into valuable products such as engine blocks, golf clubs, aluminum wheels and a cornucopia of other essential products.
FOX News Stephen Hayes to Keynote 2017 AFS Government Affairs Conference
The Government Affairs fly-In, held annually by AFS, is the premier legislative conference for metalcasters to come together as an industry and speak with one voice in the corridors of power in the nation’s capital about the need for public policies conducive to a strong manufacturing economy. Attendees will gain unique insights to the new Washington environment from this highly accomplished journalist and other expert speakers. Washington, DC.
Waupaca Foundry earns energy certification
Waupaca Foundry has received an accredited International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification and a $100,000 incentive from the state's Focus on Energy program. The company, which produces gray iron, ductile iron and austempered ductile iron castings, said it's the first metalcaster in the country to receive the ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification.