What does a Nuclear Licensing Engineer Job Entail?

Nuclear power has many advantages over traditional energy sources (oil, coal and hydroelectricity). It is more efficient, and the raw materials needed to produce it are commonly present in the natural world. In addition, nuclear power plants are relatively cheap to drive, and safety measures have improved substantially since the accidents of the twentieth century (Three Mile Island from Pennsylvania, Chernobyl in Ukraine, Fukushima Daiichi in Japan). There are some risks related to the use of nuclear energy, which are common knowledge, but most are similar to the risks of other power generation options.

Nuclear engineering is an area where nuclear engineers work with radiation and radioactive materials to design processes and develop their use in energy production, industry and nuclear medicine. Those who work in the nuclear engineering industry solve real-world problems such as nuclear waste management, response protocols to nuclear power plant accidents, or how radiation can effectively treat cancer. People working in the nuclear engineering field have extensive education and training, as well as a great aptitude for advanced mathematics, physics and chemistry.

There are many different areas specialized in nuclear engineering, including nuclear power generation, medical use of the nuclear energy and the impact of nuclear by-products on the environment.

A nuclear licensing engineer makes sure that the power plant works in conformity with all the safety standards. This is a complex job that entails various responsibilities that include:

  • Researching and creating instruments, processes and systems to derive the benefits of nuclear energy
  • Designing and develop ping equipment, software, systems and processes to exploit the benefits of radioactive material
  • Managing the implementation of technology for better display of the radiological data
  • Providing technical support and oversight during operations
  • Performing and documenting technical evaluations in accordance with current standards
  • Conducting technical training on MRI scanners
  • Radiological monitoring of the working environment;
  • Monitoring the personnel who is exposed to ionizing radiation, due to their profession; registration, record-keeping and reporting of doses;
  • Monitoring compliance with radiation protection requirements;
  • Calibration, metrological verification, use and management of dosimetric equipment and radiation sources;
  • Radiation protection training of staff, external workers, visitors;
  • Preparation of documents (plans, reports, procedures, technical authorization documentations, procurement documentation);
  • Storing and archiving of radiation protection documents.

nuclear licensing engineer jobs

Minimal requirements for nuclear licensing engineer jobs

  • Higher education in the technical field, finalized with a bachelor’s degree in specializations such as: Technological Physics/ Energy/ Electronics/ Electrical Engineering / Automatics/ Mechanics / Fine Mechanics
  • Minimum 3 years seniority in engineering activities

Specific knowledge/endorsements/skills:

  • Specialized technical knowledge
  • The completion of radiation protection courses and/or the possession of a permit to exercise activities in the nuclear field is an advantage
  • English knowledge (advanced level)
  • Informatics knowledge
  • Team spirit and professionalism

Experience is always an advantage and, in the case of a nuclear licensing engineer job, employers will appreciate existing experience with nuclear technology, as well as the experience with working in a specific nuclear and process engineering environment. Additionally, although a Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering is a basic requirement, a Master`s degree or a Ph.D. will have priority, as well as a Professional engineering license.

 

The Easy Way to Rent a Skid Steer in Denver

skid steer rental Denver

You may have a variety of good reasons why you might want to rent a skid steer – your construction or landscaping team might be faced with some unusual challenges while working on a current project; your existing fleet might be varied, but still insufficient for what you need to get done or your existing machine might have broken down and the repair might take too long, to mention just a few. If you are new to renting construction equipment, here are some things that you should know about the process to convince you that your rental will be as good as machines of your own.

The Homework That You Need to Do

Before you start browsing the range of skid steer rental Denver options, it is a good idea to figure out exactly what features you need your rental to have. The companies that provide such rentals usually work with a very wide inventory that comprises a variety of sizes, capacities and machine features. Before you contact such a rental company, try to figure out what you need based on the type of job that you need to get done, the experience of your team members with skid steers and your financial possibilities.

Consider The Duration of The Rent

Most construction equipment rental companies understand how beneficial it is for them to be able to rent out their pieces of equipment for longer periods, therefore they offer better conditions for long term rentals. To be able to make the most of those options, do not concentrate only on the project at hand. Take a look at your schedule and at the types of jobs that you will need to get done in the future and pick machine that will be suitable for what you need considering the needs of your future projects as well.

Turn To a Company That Offers Consultation as Well

Most companies that offer construction equipment for rent also provides consultation services through experts. Find such a company, contact their customer service department and talk to the specialist there, telling them about your needs and requirements. The person you talk to will be able to provide you guidance and to offer you a variety of options that match your criteria.

Don’t Forget About the Attachments

The functionality of the simplest skid loader can be multiplied with the help of the right set of accessories. Equipment rental companies usually offer not only the machines themselves, but also a range of accessories as well, so make sure to discuss that aspect with the customer service specialist of the company of choice. Taking a look at the available attachments is a good idea if you already own a skid loader as well – renting just an attachment for your existing machine is an excellent way to reduce your costs and to have the capacity and the features you need to get your project done. Attachments are also available for short term and long-term rentals, so the option is definitely worth considering.

How To Find the Best Granite Supplier in Denver

granite supplier Denver

If you have made up your mind to get a granite countertop or to use granite in some other way around your home, the supplier you turn to will determine many aspects related to the success of your project, including not only your costs, but also the quality of your slabs and their suitability for your project. Given the importance of the supplier you choose for sourcing your granite, here are some tips about how to pick your granite partner in Denver.

Figure Out What You Want

The first step in any home remodeling project should be to figure out what you need. There are no two granite slabs that are identical, they are all different in terms of thickness, coloring, graining and lining. Take your time to figure out the requirements that you need your slabs to fulfill in terms of appearance and quality and it is a good idea to note down your conclusions – that way, picking your supplier will also be easier.

Talk to People in Your Network

Word of mouth is still among the best and most reliable sources of information, so one of the first things to do to find the best granite supplier Denver has should be to talk to the people you know and to seek recommendations. When you start asking people whether they know a granite supplier, you will be surprised by how many of your friends and relatives actually have experience with such companies.

Talk to Your Installation Specialist

The technician or the team you hire for the installation of your granite slabs or tiles will also be able to recommend you suppliers to source your material from.

You Might Want to Choose a Supplier that is Also an Installer

Many companies offer both sourcing and installation services. If you do not have an installation contractor yet, you might want to look for a contractor that can help you with all the processes in your project, from providing the slabs you need to installing them.

Conduct a Short Online Research of Your Own

The internet is another great source of information that you can use to identify local granite suppliers. The best granite suppliers around you will have their own website where you can find a general presentation of the company and where you can also browse their products and solutions. After identifying a couple of potential partners, check out the online reviews left by previous clients – the opinions shared by others can provide valuable information as well.

Visit the Suppliers on Your List

The next step should be to visit the companies on your list. Take your requirements checklist with you when you visit suppliers – the criteria you established will help you pick not only the best suppliers, but the best slabs as well. Your installation contractor might also be able to accompany you when you visit the granite supplier – if the contractor is free to go with you, allow the specialist to discuss your options with the supplier, that way you might be able to get better prices or additional services, such as delivery for free.

How Does an Excavator Prepare a Site for Your Detached Loveland Garage?

 

You might need a new barn for expanding your farm, or you might plan on building yourself a second  garage – or expanding the one you have. Many secondary buildings on your main property can require a good foundation, and according to most experts, a monolithic foundation is the best type for the Loveland area.

excavating Loveland

But what goes into adding a monolithic foundation to your property? How should the ground be prepared for the work, and what can a professional excavating Loveland contractor do to help you out? These are some of the question that we will cover below.

What Has to Be Prepared?

First of all, there is some preparation work that you should probably consider doing yourself, although you can still ask your excavator to help you by giving you some advice on it. For example, you’ll have to determine exactly how large your new building will be and what the layout needs to be like. Second, you’ll need to determine where it will go, and it’s usually best to choose a strip of land that’s relatively level and doesn’t have a lot of trees or vegetation on or around it. Thirdly, make sure you check with your local building codes to see what kind of foundation you can and can’t pour.

Once everything is ready, the Loveland excavator will arrive to measure and prepare the area. The process isn’t too complex, and a monolithic foundation is typically only 12 inches deep. Also, since only half of that will actually go into the ground, the total amount you have to dig will be about 6 inches, which means that for some smaller projects you could even do it with a shovel. However, that’s only if the ground is completely level, as any amount of elevation will have to be compensated for.

The removal of grass and vegetation will have to come first. Next, the excavator will check to see if any trees or utility lines might be running close by. These small details are essential, as tree roots can easily be damaged by some excavation equipment, and they might also have to call 811 to check if there’s a risk that the excavation work might damage some utility lines or pipes.

Then, once everything is ready, what the excavator will do is make some forms out of 2×3 or 3×4 plywood, and build them up as small walls that will show them exactly where the boundaries are. This process has to be done carefully, as the measurements need to be as accurate as possible.

Digging by Shovel vs. Hiring an Excavator

Although the less demanding nature of this type of project suggests you could also use a couple of shovels to get the job done, that’s not usually recommended. If the soil isn’t level, or there is a lot of clay, sand or rock under the surface, it can make the whole work much more difficult. The same is true when you plan your project during the cold season, and your Loveland soil is too hard.

Many other problems could also come up, and it’s very hard to be prepared for all of them, if you don’t have the necessary experience, education and equipment. So the best course of action is to call on your local Loveland excavation contractor to help you out.

How Frequently Should I Get My Storm Drain Cleaned Out?

Drainage systems are extremely important when it comes to keeping rainwater away from your property. Water damage accounts for a large part of the damage that homeowners have to deal with on a yearly basis, and if your gutters and storm drains are clogged with leaves, branches and other debris, it can be very difficult to keep your property free of unwanted water damage.

This is precisely why experts recommend that storm drains be cleared as frequently as possible, and that they should also be inspected from time to time to check on how well they are able to get rid of rainwater.

What Are Storm Drains and How Do They Work?

If you inspected your yard when you bought your home, you’ve probably noticed some openings in the ground at areas of low elevation. These openings are set in place in those exact locations in order to ensure that rainwater can be drained as effectively as possible. They are known as storm drains, and they are a very essential part of the infrastructure that makes up your home and property.

As a storm hits, water basically flows from your roof down through your gutter system and makes its way to the storm drains in your yard. If the storm drains and clean and clear of any debris, then the water flows down and you have nothing to worry about. If the landscaping was done properly, water should drain easily from every area of your property, so that there won’t be any puddles formed and you won’t have to worry about your vegetable garden being flooded.

Simply pouring water down the storm drain using your hose should be enough to test if the drains are clogged or not. Even if they seem clean, they could still be clogged, so testing them after clearing the debris from the premises should be among your main priorities. If the drains seem to be slow in clearing the water, you might want to consider opening them up for a more thorough clean.

storm drain cleaning

Cleaning and Maintenance Requirements

Experts will tell you that it’s a good idea to schedule storm drain cleaning at least once a year. That doesn’t mean you can’t sweep away any broken branches and dead leaves from the area from time to time. However, once a year you should definitely have a professional technician over to assess the structural integrity and effectiveness of the draining system, check for mold, as well as clear away any debris that might have form in areas of the storm drain that are not readily visible.

This maintenance work is very important, and it can require digging to uncover the draining system and repair it as well, if necessary. The type of work that will be required may be well beyond what you can achieve as a homeowner. Also, even if you enjoy DIY work, it can be difficult and time consuming, taking up valuable time and resources that you could use elsewhere.

Call in your trusted experts to make sure your storm drains are operating properly and get them cleaned out and repaired when necessary. You’ll have the issue sorted out in no time, so you won’t have to get your own hands dirty.

Ideas and New Designs for Patio Doors

Broomfield door replacement

A patio is a great extension of your indoor living space, an extension to which you can create an organic and stylish connection with the help of the right door. A well-chosen patio door will give you lots of benefits, from the beauty added by the door itself to the view that you can enjoy whenever you look in the direction of the door, from the comfort it offers whenever you want to serve meals on the patio and the door saves you from having to go around the house with your plates and trays to the value that your adds to your property when you want to sell the house. Here are a few fresh, new design ideas for your patio door that can help you make the most of the transition between your indoor and outdoor space.

Choose the Patio Door that Compliments the Style of Your Entire Property

When choosing your patio door, consider all the property features that the door needs to harmonize with, including the overall design of your building, the style of the windows and of the patio. If you building is modern and features a minimalist design, pick a patio that is simple and uncomplicated; if your home is cozy farmhouse, you can choose a patio door that feature thick lines and a rustic design.

Consider Adding Color

Natural wood colors, white and black are the most common colors for patio doors, but there is no reason why you could not use bolder colors to make a statement or to add playfulness to your building design. Whatever material you choose for your door, it will surely be available in a variety of hues, from natural colors that promote an organic appearance, such as green and blue to really daring designs, such red or orange doors.

Consider Getting a Sliding Door or a French Door

Broomfield door replacement professionals suggest that while having a narrow, simple patio door is certainly an option, a sliding door or a French door are options that are practical and spectacular at the same time. French doors are large doors that use hinges on the side and they swing when they are opened and closed, while sliding doors are doors that open horizontally, sliding on a track. Both solutions are great for visually opening up interior spaces and modern models use materials that also provide excellent thermal insulation through the door frames as well as through the glass panes, so you can opt for a large door even if your home is located in a very cold or a very hot climate area.

Consider A Pivot Door

If you are looking for a door that adds a unique touch to your home with an unusual structure you might want to consider getting a pivot door, an interesting variation upon classic swinging doors that rotates around a vertical axis or on hinges installed at the top and at the bottom of the door when being opened and closed. The special construction allows for doors of almost any size, giving you extraordinary freedom in terms of design.

How Frequently Do You Need to Inspect a Flat Roof?

Atlanta commercial roofing

Flat roofs are less conspicuous than pitched structures – a feature that makes them easy to forget about, too. However, flat roofs also work hard the year around, protecting the buildings they are installed on from the elements and helping maintain thermal balance and good air quality, therefore they need the same amount of attention as pitched structures. Here are some things that you should know about the inspections performed on flat structures.

The Ideal Frequency

While some experts say that performing an inspection every 2-3 years is enough, most specialists agree that the ideal frequency in milder climates is twice a year, once in spring, to check for any damage sustained by the roof during the winter and once again in fall, to check for any harm caused by the summer and to prepare the roof for the coming cold season. However, in climate zones that get lots of rain and are frequently hit by heavy storms, too, it is a good idea to perform a quick check after each major weather event, stepping up the frequency of the inspections being the best way to ensure that any roof fault is caught in time, when it is still small and easy to repair. You can decide to perform the inspections on your own, but Atlanta commercial roofing pros recommend that you get your roof inspected professionally every couple of years, to catch the faults that might have escaped your attention.

The Inspection Method

The first step in the inspection process is inspection from the ground. Walk around the building, looking up that roof to check for any visible damage in the roof draining system and for marks on the walls that indicate inefficient drainage.

The next step is inspection performed at roof level. Grab a sturdy ladder, place it on even, solid soil and anchor it safely to the roof edge, then climb up to the roof. In this phase, you should check the health of the gutters and you should also look to find any ponding water – a very dangerous enemy of flat roofing systems.

If your roof is strong enough to allow for foot traffic and if the material it is made from permits stepping on, you can continue the inspection from the roof surface. During this phase, pay special attention to sensitive areas, such as the areas around the seams and around chimneys or antennas, where the contiguity of the roof has been broken – these areas are more prone to damage than contiguous areas. You should also look for any accumulation of debris – the depressions in which leaves, dust and dirt can accumulate usually indicate places where water can accumulate, too and that are prone to damage. It is important to check the entire roof surface, the contiguous areas included – look for cracks, tears, signs of rust, mold, mildew and algae growths.

Corrective Action

Any roof inspection needs to be followed by the repair of the issues detected during the inspections, even of the smallest fault because that is the only to prevent premature roof failure.

How to Find A Local Land Survey Company Near You?

local surveyors land building construction process

If you have found the house, the land or the apartment of your dreams, you are surely very happy, but you must know that there are many tasks ahead of you, one of them being to hire a suitable land surveyor to perform the survey of the property. The process can be confusing, so here are some tips and things to know to help you hire the best specialist.

When Do You Need a Land Survey?

Here are some of the most common situations that require a land survey:

  • You need to get property boundaries determined or confirmed – knowing the limits of your property is essential for real estate transactions as well as for mortgages and for avoiding any property disagreements with neighbors;
  • Revealing easements – an easement is a situation that might require you to share the access to certain parts of your property. An example is when a utility company has the right to install wiring or pipelines on your property;
  • Knowing the topography of your property – this type of surveys is usually necessary if you are planning to build on your property. The survey will contain important information for architects and builders and will determine many aspects of your architectural design, such as the depth of the foundation;
  • The identification of hazard areas – this type of survey will identify problem areas, such as areas affected by land erosion or areas where there is a water table under the surface. This type of information is very important for determining whether a plot of land is suitable for construction.

Where to Look for Qualified and Reliable Land Surveyors

If you need a land survey, you shouldn’t settle for anything, but the best land surveyors Denver offers. One of the first steps you should take to identify the best expert is to talk to your real estate specialist or title company – most of them use the services of land surveyors regularly, so they will surely be able to recommend you some names.

If you need more names to choose from, you can also carry out your own online research to identify suitable surveyors. Your query will probably return lots of results, the websites of surveyor companies as well as of independent surveyor, so you will have to take the time to check the websites on the results page one by one. While visiting the pages, check for the surveyor’s experience, their area of expertise, the technology they use for completing the surveys and the testimonials left by previous customers. In the next phase, you can also check the reviews and ratings in comparison websites. Look for an accredited expert who enjoy high reputation and is appreciated for the quality of their surveys.

The Last Step Before Hiring a Specialist: Personal Contact

Contact all the surveyors on your list and discuss the details of the survey that you need and schedule the survey. You should be aware that surveyors work for different rates, so don’t forget to discuss the price you will be charged for your survey.

How Do I Look for a Colorado Crane School?

Working as a crane operator can be exciting. You are up in the air, watching buildings rise up and, when it is completed, you know you contributed to something that will last for a long time. You can look at the skyline of major cities in Colorado and see the mark you’re leaving on this world.

Of course, a crane operator has a lot of responsibility in maneuvering such a large piece of equipment and lifting heavy loads. This is why you have to go through formal training and certification before you are allowed to step into the cabin of a crane.

What Are the Basic Requirements for Attending a Colorado Crane School?

To enlist in a crane school in Colorado, you need to be at least 18 year olds and have a high school diploma. The school will teach you various theoretical concepts related to crane operation and you must be capable of grasping them.

A crane is a complex machine that has electrical, hydraulic and load bearing systems. As an operator, you must know how they work and identify signs of malfunction. You will learn all these in a Colorado crane school.

At the same time, you must hold a driver’s license. Various employers require you to have a commercial driver’s license, so you should consider obtaining it, as well.

Finding the Best Colorado Crane School

The crane operation field is highly regulated, both by the OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration and by the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators).

Thus, you must make sure that the school you select provides training recognized by these two organizations.

Colorado crane school

With these being said, here are a few helpful tips to find your Colorado crane school:

  1. Check the NCCCO Website

As per the regulations, the NCCCO cannot endorse any crane school. However, if you find a school in their online register, you can be sure that they provide high quality training.

  1. Online Registers for Heavy Equipment Training

If you look for “Colorado crane school” online, you will find individual school websites, as well as nationwide registers for crane operator training centers. These registers also offer helpful information, such as the duration of courses and the specialization you may choose.

  1. Choose Schools that Offer Apprenticeship Programs

Learning theory is just a part of your learning path. You also need hands-on experience. After 4 to 6 weeks, your formal theoretical training will be completed. The ideal solution is to continue it with an apprenticeship program offered by the same school.

This allows you to save time and get all the education and on the job training you need without any gap.

  1. Consider a School that Prepares You for NCCCO Certification

Getting you NCCCO certification is not mandatory, but you should consider it if you aspire to earn a higher salary. The NCCCO certification will also open new job opportunities for you, such as crane inspector.

Conclusion

Training to become a crane operator does not take too much time. Within one year, you can complete both the course and the apprenticeship. In a short time, you can get a full time job and start a fulfilling career for your ambitions. Good luck!

Do I Have to Replace Drywall If I Have Had A Basement Flood?

Water damage, whether caused by a flooding river, excessive rain, a burst plumbing or sewage pipe or other forms of inundation, can very severely affect basements and not only the items stored there, but the walls and the floor as well. During these unfortunate events, the structural components of the basement and the objects kept there come into contact with more than just clean water – the water associated with severe incidents is usually contaminated, so whatever gets soaked in that dirty water needs to be decontaminated and treated specially. One of the basement components that are usually the most severely affected are the floor, the drywall and the basement wall behind the gypsum panels and in most cases, they all need to be removed and replaced after the space has been cleaned and is completely dry. Here are some more things that you should know about drywall affected by a flood.

How the Drywall Reacts to the Exposure to Water

Drywall is made from gypsum, paper and additives, usually resin and clay. The resulting porous material absorbs liquids, getting completely soaked when it is exposed to a substantial quantity of water, such flood water. Saturation with water causes irreparable damage to drywall – in many cases, the damage is visible, manifesting in the form of small or large, damp patches if the exposure of water was moderate and in the form of severe deformation, such as bulging, sagging and collapse if the drywall has been exposed to a substantial amount of water.

Drywall that has been exposed to flooding suffers not only structural damage – the exposure usually has delayed consequences as well, such as the appearance of mold and rot in the room. The problem appears as dark spots and patches on the exterior as well as on the interior side of the drywall panels. While the exterior surface of the drywall might be effectively cleaned with biocide substances and other chemicals, the interior surface is impossible to clean, therefor the damaged material needs to be placed.

water restoration companies near me

The Process of Flood Damage Repair

The first step in the damage recovery process, after the flow of water has stopped, is to disconnect any utilities that pose risks. In the next phase, the basement needs to be completely emptied – accurate damage assessment is possible only if the space can be properly inspected, therefore you will have to remove all the objects from the basement. When the basement is empty, you need to inspect the floor and the drywall for signs of damage. It might be a good idea to talk to and hire professional water restoration companies near me for the job – these specialists will be able to identify every damaged component in the basement and they will also know how to fix the damage. The process usually involves the partial or complete removal of the drywall and the floor, followed by the treatment of the deeper layers of the wall and the floor to remove any contamination. After the decontamination, you will need to wait for a couple of weeks for the basement to dry completely before you can install the new floor and drywall.