Most of the time, people tend to DIY primarily due to it being an affordable alternative rather than hiring a professional. The nature of self-paced learning gives a different sense of personal satisfaction afterwards and emphasises self-reliance. However, with Garlock asbestos, replacing should be done extremely cautiously as the health risks it may impose (i.e., mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestos). That is why a qualified professional should handle and dispose of it; if not, you may run the risk of facing a serious fine or penalty as you are likely to break asbestos laws.

Garlock asbestos products are designed to seal water, oil, and grease; due to their resilience and durability in high temperatures, it is a valuable material in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, due to its reliable sealing capability, it can extend an equipment life span, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve efficiency in lowering energy consumption.  

As per appearance, they appear in different colours and finishes due to various functions; but typically, in circular or doughnuts shapes that have rough and textured surfaces for pipe-connection and other round, bolted joint applications. It could be found in any room, mainly thermal, acid-resistant, and moisture-resistant materials and properties.

Why Replace Asbestos Gaskets?

When damaged, there is a risk of releasing tiny asbestos fibres that are indistinguishable to the naked eye. When inhaled or ingested, airborne asbestos could be lodged in the lungs potentially resulting in mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestos many years later. Even just having an old asbestos gasket could crumble easily when put under pressure by hand, which could still be asbestos exposure and inhalation.

Removal of gaskets can be tedious, laborious, and even a dangerous task that could result in damage of equipment and even injured workers. It could be difficult to locate as it could be in an awkward position or hard to reach area. That’s why Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines. It is important to be trained and certified before engaging in removing them.

Safe Replacement Procedures

• Ensure that asbestos is not releasing fibres. To do this, spray them with water and call a professional so they can be inspected and be given some advice.
• If necessary, a competent person may advise wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as per the requirement of AS/NZS 1716:2012 Respiratory Protective Devices or its equivalent. It must be worn at all times in the area where the asbestos will be removed.
• PPE, disposable gloves, and safety footwear (e.g., steel-capped, rubber-soled work shoes or gumboots) must also be worn all the time.
• Deteriorating gaskets must be properly removed within a glove bag and immediately be placed in a disposal container.

We want to extend the life span of our materials and products, don’t we? But we must also keep in mind to ensure and prioritise our health; that’s why it is ideal for a professional who is certified to remove asbestos to do the job. Proper and safe replacement of old Garlock asbestos gaskets should be handled appropriately.

Businesses have various kinds of needs, but there is one thing they need in common: warehouses. Efficient logistics can make or break your operation; however, the right type of warehouse will give you something that will help you be sufficient in the long run, even down to savings. But how do you know which warehouse suits the best for your business? Let’s run down the different types of logistic warehouses so you’ll know where you can align it with your operational needs.

Private warehouses. These spaces are usually owned and operated by large companies with consistent inventory turnover, like retailers and manufacturers. Private warehouses give you the assurance that stocks are readily available. However, the downside of this is usually the overhead and maintenance costs that come with constant transporting and distributing goods.

Public warehouses. On the other hand, public warehouses are operated by third-party providers, and this type has been proven cost-effective because it gives small businesses a chance to scale up and operate smoothly without the overhead of owning such a facility. Other than having limited control over the operations of the warehouse, keep in mind that this type also becomes in demand during peak seasons.

Bonded warehouses. Bonded warehouses are facilities where you can store your goods imported from other countries and will be paid to customs when they are sold. This way, businesses can still operate without any tight financing but still be compliant within the regulations of their locality. Keep in mind that some localities have different regulations when it comes to these imported products and would require you to do additional paperwork and overhead fees.

Distribution centres. These warehouses are designed to swiftly receive, process, and ship goods, as their priority is to turn their products over as quickly as possible—and this type of delivery is what the customers prefer and the reason why e-commerce is thriving at such a rapid pace. However, in peak seasons, the operational demands will be high, and your inventory management should keep up with such demand.

Cold storage warehouses. This warehouse type is for businesses with perishable goods, as they need to maintain specific temperature conditions, especially food, medicines, and even flowers. This way, the product extends their lifespan and can be sold longer than the production date. This is also the reason why these storages have high operational costs, and depending on the goods, will require a different set of specialised equipment and management.

Smart warehouses. Smart warehouses are a new type of warehouse solution as they use automation and advanced technology to manage the inventory, such as AI-powered systems. This type of warehouse needs lesser-skilled workers to operate as robotics can provide faster and more accurate order processing. But this type of warehouse logistics works best for tech-driven companies only, as it will require sensitive management and a high initial investment.

How to Choose the Right Warehouse

Your business needs might not be the needs of other businesses. You may also have to research and look at the situation in the long term to seamlessly align your business operations with the warehouse type you choose.

We don’t know about you, but because of the booming e-commerce and logistics industries, the demand for warehouse spaces is increasing at a steady pace. Renting a warehouse space can save you so much money as well as time to move your items and keep them safe. And if you’re looking to rent a space instead of owning one, we’re here to explore the key factors you need to consider in a warehouse for rent in Sydney, highlighting the types of areas that are most suitable for various operation needs.

What is a warehouse?

But let’s clarify what a warehouse actually is—it is a structure where its spaces are used to store items, goods, materials, and even equipment, and it is significant to any business as it allows you to store the products right before you distribute them to buyers. This means that item inventories are more streamlined, orders are fulfilled on time, and delivery times are faster than ever.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse Location

In general, affordable rent does not only mean that it is cheap, but it also considers the proximity of transportation routes, the access to suppliers and customers, as well as the access to your manpower.

Types of Areas Ideal for Renting Warehouses

Industrial and logistics hubs. Near major highways, land, sea, and airports, these hubs are always the prime location for warehouses, as they make distribution easy, whether you are exporting some goods or importing some raw materials from other locations.

Suburban and outskirts areas. These locations are favourable to businesses that prefer to have a lower rental cost but have great access to main transportation roads. If your business caters to the local market, these areas are one of the best places to consider.

Emerging industrial zones. If you are thinking of operations in the long term, these zones present an excellent opportunity as they benefit from economic development in an area that is emerging.

Regional and rural areas. Another cost-effective solution is to look for warehouses within these areas as they are away from the urban centers. These structures usually have larger areas, so they don’t usually distribute just as much. However, transport times may be slightly longer.

Up-and-Coming Areas to Watch

Expanding suburban zones are currently the ones you need to look out for, as they usually are the target for infrastructure developments.

What is the Best Area for Your Business?

When you have already checked all the boxes that prioritise the needs of your business, you might already have an area in mind for when you look for a warehouse rental. Keep in mind that balancing the needs of your business will always be vital in looking for the perfect warehouse storage for your business. The cheapest one is not always the best, and the largest space may not be what you need, so set your goals and expectations to meet the prime warehouse space to future-proof your operations in a fast-paced economic development.