Top 10 Perks and Benefits

Top 10 Perks and BenefitsTop 10 Perks and BenefitsOver-the-top perks and benefits arent uncommon in some areas of the country, such as New York City or San Francisco. While some generous companies subsidize lunch options (and make sure theyre right there on campus), others comp them altogether.Now figure in some of the more unique corporate perks, like pet-sitting services and free dry-cleaning delivery, and employees may never again have to open their wallets at work.Like it or not, we spend the majority of our waking workweeks at the office. Many firms understand this and try to make the time away from our personal lives as comfortable as possible. After all, happy employees mean higher productivity, greater creativity and less turnover.One way to perk up your team? Invest in their overall contentment with appealing perks and benefits. A recent Robert Half survey showed theres a disconnect between the perks and the benefits workers want and what companies actually offer. The perks employees fruchtwein want are flexible work schedules (88 percent), a compressed workweek (66 percent) and the ability to telecommute (55 percent). While many companies offer flexible work schedules (62 percent), our survey found fewer than one in five offer shorter workweeks or remote work options. When it comes to money, theres less of a disconnect between companies and employees The main type of financial rewards companies offer is annual or biannual bonuses (44 percent), which was also the most desired among professionals (77 percent) when considering a job offer.Whether you provide free food and coffee or the standard fare, here are the 10 top corporate perks and benefits - and why companies are wise to consider offering them.Defining perks and benefitsThey are sometimes used interchangeably, but for our purposes, heres how well define the two types of company extrasBenefits - as in employee benefits - are a form of non-wage compensation. If not offered by the employer, empl oyees would likely have to fund them on their own.Perks - as in perquisites or corporate perks - are nice-to-have additions to an employees salary and benefits package. We define perks as above-and-beyond offerings that may sway an employee to value one employer over another. Think icing on the cake.HIRING? WE CAN HELP YOU5 benefits top employers offerHealthcare. After salary, this benefits staple is of the utmost importance to many job candidates and typically includes medical, dental, vision and/or life insurance coverage for employees and their families. In our survey, health insurance was one of the two most wanted employee benefits, along with paid time off.Paid time off. Whether its for vacation, illness or bereavement, PTO - personal time off - is highly valued by employees and a great way to combat burnout. Two weeks is standard for new hires, but three or more weeks of PTO can be hard to pass up for many candidates.Retirement savings plans. A tax-advantaged 401(k) plan can be an excellent way to motivate employees to save for retirement. Offering to match contributions up to a certain amount is a big plus in the eyes of workers and can encourage them to stick with your firm.Maternity/paternity leave. Employees want to feel like they can pursue career goals following the birth or adoption of a child. Hence, many companies offer paid time off for new parents.Professional development. Now more than ever, employees want opportunities for professional development, to master new skills and to grow into other roles. (This is especially important to millennials who are particularly concerned about career path options.) Funding training and continuing education can be incredibly beneficial to both employee and employer.Get the Robert Half Salary Guides now Starting salary ranges, insight into the latest benefits and perks, hiring trends - the guides have it all.5 persuasive perks to enhance recruitment and retentionWork from anywhere. Were all familiar wi th the work-from-home option, but how about the ability to work from anywhere, even when youre in the office? More and more companies are loosening up and allowing employees to choose the location and space that is most conducive to getting the job done. As highlighted above, telecommuting and flexible work schedules were the most desired perks among employees we surveyed.Workplace wellness programs. Your employees are the most valuable resources you have, so invest in their health and wellness. Whether its through a paid gym membership program, on-site yoga classes or health screenings (or all of the above), these perks keep on giving, considering how wellness affects productivity and creativity.Free food (and good coffee). Some companies, like Google and Pixar, go all out, offering every meal, snack and treat for free. This appetizing perk can save employees a lot of time and money. (Plus, its great for spontaneous eaters/poor meal planners.)Concierge services. Employees value wor k-life balance. And errands and chores are boring even when you have the time to do them. Win over employees (and recruits) by providing access to a concierge service that assists with daily tasks like dry cleaning pickup or basic auto servicing.Transportation or parking reimbursement. If employees have to travel long distances, pay tolls and parking, cross bridges, traverse tunnels or brave public transportation, offering to foot part or all of the bill can be a big plus.While great perks and benefits will no doubt help your efforts to recruit and retain good people, remember that job candidates want to work with companies whose values align with their own. Build and promote your attractive company culture and establish a reputation for fostering a supportive working environment.

Highest Paid Legal Jobs

Highest Paid Legal JobsHighest Paid Legal JobsAre you in law school and wondering what kinds of law specialties make the fruchtwein (or least) money? This shouldnt be the deciding factor when it comes to what type of law you decide to specialize in, but it is understandably a factor for many law students. The following are some of the highest paid legal jobs, for your reference Intellectual Property Lawyers Intellectual property laws protect ideas- this encompasses patents, copyrights, and trademarks, among other types of profitable ideas. This is a fast-growing area of law as technology continues to advance, and it is also statistically the most lucrative- the median pay is nearly $139,000, while people on the high end make $250,000 or more per year. Members of Congress Do you like the idea of working in the business of changing laws for the betterment of an entire state or country? Maybe a career in politics is for you. While a law degree isnt a necessary requirement to get into politics, it has widely been seen as the most common route in recent years. Members of Congress bring home $174,000 per year, and some higher positions within Congress (like Majority Party Leader or Speaker of the House) bring in $194,000 each year. Trial Lawyers Trial lawyers are the ones you see on television and on the silver screen- they stand in courtrooms and argue cases before judges and juries. There are fewer trial lawyers than there are law graduates who want to do this job, so competition is often fierce. There is a decent payout for those who succeed, though- the median pay for a trial lawyer is $120,000 per year, which some making upwards of $215,000. Chief Legal Officers Chief Legal Officers lead the legal departments of large corporations, and they are handsomely rewarded for doing so. The median pay for a CLO is $183,000, with some making as much as $285,000 per year. Getting a CLO position takes time and hard work, though- there are very few of these p ositions available across the country, and many require at least a decade of experience. Tax Attorneys Tax attorneys work with both individuals and businesses to solve tax issues, help with estate planning, or suing the IRS. They are often essential consultants when starting a business of when contracts need to be drafted. While this type of job isnt flashy like a trial lawyer, tax lawyers still bring in a decent paycheck- the median pay is $99,000, while some make as much as $189,000 each year. Employment and Labor Attorneys Employment and labor attorneys work to ensure that the relationships between employers and employees stay balanced. Generally, they either represent the employers (management) or the employees, which are sometimes unions. They are compensated well for their work- the median pay for an employment lawyer is $81,000 with the high end reaching toward $100,000 per year. Judges Judges are the lawyers who make decisions about cases in trial court. Usually, it takes many years of experience and potentially a aufstellung and election process to become a judge in the United States, but that varies by state. Judges are usually generously compensated for their work- the median salary is $130,000, with some making as much as $177,000 each year. Real Estate Attorneys Real estate attorneys review offers and contracts and make sure that buyers are getting fair deals on the properties they are purchasing. Real estate lawyers also work with sellers to make sure everything is fair on that end, as well. While real estate attorneys make decent salaries- the median is $80,000 and it can get as high as $147,000- it was reported that nearly one in four real estate attorneys are not awarded benefits. Law School Professors While you were in law school, did you discover that you liked the academics of law, the theory and the teaching of law? Maybe youd rather be a law professor than practice law Law professors work steadier hours than attorneys, in most cases, but the competition is fierce. They are handsomely rewarded for their hard work, too- the median salary for a law professor is $128,000 with the high end reaching $194,000. Managing Partner Do you have the lofty goal of becoming a managing partner in a law firm? Achieving this goal is not an easy one and will require long hours and a large amount of hard work. Managing partners are rewarded for all of their sleepless nights, though- the median salary for a managing partner in a law firm is $139,000, and that can go as high as nearly $400,000 in big cities and prestigious firms. Beware, though- these BigLaw, partner-track positions can cause burnout and other mental health issues. To all of you who are trying to decide what kind of law youd like to practice- good luck, and choose wisely

Elevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it workedsort of

Elevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it workedsort ofElevator Pitch I gave one in an elevator, and it worked- sort ofI like to tell people that I once gavean elevator pitch in an elevator, and I got the job.Except, of course, it welchesnt that simple at all.I was intern at the U.S. State Department when I happened to get onto an elevator with one of the editors of the State Departments website. We started talking, and I told her about myself - journalism student, double major in international studies, interested in writing.Stop the story when the elevator doors opened, and it looks like a classic example of the old-fashioned idea of carrying around a 60-second story of self-promotion. But, in reality, that elevator ride was just the start of an ongoing conversation that ultimately led to me writing for the website.Lately, Ive been thinking a lot about that experience and how to make a good first impression. Whats the best way to start a conversation? How do I describe to so meone what I do? Can I sell myself without seeming to brag or causing someones eyes to glaze over?Should I prepare an elevator pitch?The elevator speech is dead, Sam corno, the founder and CEO of the Intrigue Agency and author of Got Your Attention? How to Create Intrigue and Connect, told me. Do you know anyone who likes listening to a speech? Its one-way communication.In a world filled with what Horn calls infobesity, or information that goes in one ear and out the other, the outdated tactic of presenting a laundry list of positions and accomplishments wont help job seekers and networkers cut through the noise, Horn said.We dont want to get lost in the crowd, she said. Our goal is to pleasantly surprise decision makers with relevant examples that speak directly to their needs and priorities.What should we do instead?When people ask what you do, dont tell them, Horn said. It may sound counterintuitive, but stating your job title or listingyour responsibilities only serves to end th e conversation- and risks having people tune you out. This is especially true for those who are currently unemployed or looking for a change.Instead, offer specific examples that showhow you have provided value or made a difference in your past experiences, Horn said. Answer the question What are the results of what you do that we can see or smell or taste or touch?And then ask questions to help listeners relate to your role. Two great ways to engage in conversations are to ask questions that start with have you ever and did you know, Horn said.Now, when I think back to that elevator ride at the start of my career, I have to acknowledge that the only thing that made my summary an elevator pitch was its locale.The real magiccame from what happened next a meaningful conversation in which I gave examples of the writing Id done and asked thoughtful questions.How does this help me today?I may not be able to tell that story in quite the same way again, but at least now I know what not to do the next time I go to a networking event - or get in an elevator.

9 Tips for Putting Your Best Foot Forward Every Day (Without Breaking a Sweat)

9 Tips for Putting Your Best Foot Forward Every Day (Without Breaking a Sweat)9 Tips for Putting Your Best Foot Forward Every Day (Without Breaking a Sweat)People are always saying things like, You only get one shot to make a good first impression. But in todays ridiculously connected world, its not just about that initial point of contact- its about putting your best foot forward all the time. Because you never know whos checking you out online and in the office.Sounds scary, right? It really doesnt have to be. Snag a couple of the tips and tricks below, and youll be able to be your best self all the time (without having to put forth a Herculean effort daily).Make sure you always keep a stack of business cards on you, even if youre going to the grocery store. You never know when a professional contact might come out of nowhere. (Entrepreneur)Papers piling up on your desk? Just found a Chipotle wrapper- from two weeks ago? Its time to give your desk a nice cleaning. Youll seem more p ut-together in the process. (LifeClever)Give some serious thought to how good (or not so good) you are at eye contact. (Forbes)Start your day off right by creating a morning routine. (Zen Habits)Dont hold back at the office share your ideas and collaborate more to put yourself (and your work) out there. (99U)Want to seem smarter? Increase your intelligence with these five easy activities. (Pick the Brain)An easy way to feel better every day Figure out if youre sleeping at the right time. (LifeDev)Eat well so that you have the energy to be your best self. (Lifehack)Work on being a better writer so that you can stand out, whether youre writing an investor report or a two-sentence email. (The Daily Muse)Photo of sneakers courtesy of Shutterstock.

The Foolproof Cna Job Description Resume Strategy

The Foolproof Cna Job Description Resume Strategy The Downside Risk of Cna Job Description Resume Being a CNA, its your foremost duty to present immaculate care to your patients. As an example, CNA duties in a hospital can differ from the CNA duties in a house healthcare atmosphere. Nurses get a stipend upon certification in their field of practice. Registered nurses compose the biggest occupation in the medical care profession. Many schools provide convenient on-line alternatives for CNA certificate programs. You wont require a degree to be able to become a CNA, but youre going to want to make a certificate and pass a competency exam. Before you attempt to turn into a CNA, you must make certain youve got the appropriate education. The CNA career path can be quite rewarding. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Cna Job Description Resume You always have to be certain to take vital signs on time based on the schedule and to report them accurately. Youre able to become awesome ly optimized resumes and youll make your day-to-day life simpler Get the most out of chances held by universities you are thinking about playing for. Your reply will enable you to explain how you overcame a challenge and the way you deal with problems. The general public networking advertising skills you would love to land your fantasy task with completely free training via Hootsuite Academy. Hands-on skills cant be learned online, and based on which state you are living in, only the theoretical portion of your education can be done online or none in any respect. With respect to CNA classes, online services supply you with all the required knowledge that will help you ace the written area of the certification exam, and a number of the far better programs out there even offer students chances to get practical clinical experience although notlage from home, needless to say. Because of the intricacy of their roles, training is critical to turn into a certified nursing assistant. As stated previously, the precise job description of a certified nursing assistant will be different based upon where theyre employed. In addition, you can look for nursing student jobs on Monster. In any event, a certified nursing assistant job can be a fantastic selection. There are lots of jobs offered for certified nursing assistant. What You Need to Do About Cna Job Description Resume For this reason, you must be sure that your resume is an appropriate reflection of your capabilities. Giving a superb first impression through your resume gives you a good deal of benefits. Dont forget that your resume is the very first step to a possible job so its important in order for it to be perfect in every manner. Rumors, Lies and Cna Job Description Resume You need to start out with a cover sheet. If youre able to fit all your important and pertinent details on a single page, thats fantastic, but dont be worried if youve got to go on to a second sheet of paper. When you sub mit an application for work in person, you might be requested to complete a paper application. Use the search box to find precisely what you want to get. You need to be able to follow instructions and execute a number of tasks to help clients. Considering each of the resources available through computer software and the internet nowadays, it could appear silly I had counsel you against by employing a continue vorlage to produce an executive job application. If youve ever tried to create your own resume on your word processing program you are most likely acquainted with the several different formats. Its possible to have a curriculum vitae template for an entry-level position, and youll locate a template for nearly every type of job or career youre interested in. Choosing Good Cna Job Description Resume Nurse assistants whove been certified to practice may also be to blame for helping patients who arent able to walk on account of the severe nature of their health care conditio n to move around. Certified nurse aides also look after the cleanliness of the health care equipments and also guarantee that they are correctly sterilized. Training can hone skills in many places, including the way to deal with patients in several problems.

Example of Resume Secrets

Example of Resume Secrets There are lots of resources available on how to a great resume summary, but its tough to locate decent suggestions for how to do it if do not have any work experience. Now, the aforementioned examples are obviously of the more prevalent variety in regards to how folks pursue careers in their chosen fields. Its also valuable to review resume examples so you may observe how yours compares. The Example of Resume Game Knowing the difference between a resume and courses vitae is a lot more essential before deciding upon a template. After you determine the skills you wish to concentrate on, do a bit of research and see whether they line up with job requirements listed for the positions youre seeking. Resume objectives are occasionally regarded as the old schooltype of resume. The objective, just enjoy the remainder of your resume, is about you. Possible employers will fruchtwein likely be scrutinizing the resume and might tell the sort of person you may be by what you include and exactly how structured it seems to be. Resume is a sort of document employed by individuals that are seeking for employment. Now imagine whether that SAME resume had had a summary statement on top clearly outlining why youre the ideal candidate. How to Find Example of Resume on the Web Youre going to compose a resume summary which gets many more interviews. If you dont have an amazing summary, however, the additional work theyll have to set in to review the resume will diminish your chances. The most importing thing to bear in mind when writing a resume summary statement is that it needs to be relevant to the position youre applying for, it should tailor to the particular job listing. A strong summary statement at the peak of your resume can increase the probability of them noticing what youve got to offer from the beginning. When seeking to land that first job, you will wind up faced with the job of demonstrating that youve got the background to b e successful despite your lack of job history. While its not obligatory to have a resume summary, it is critical to include one if you truly need the job. Writing a strong and compelling resume summary can dramatically increase your odds of being called in for in interview, so its vitally important you know how to make yours stand out from the crowd. When youre asking for work in finance, make certain to follow along with the directions in the job posting exactly.

Nephrologist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook Salary

Nephrologist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook SalaryNephrologist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook SalaryNephrologists Job DescriptionNephrologists are physicians, who are expert in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the kidneys. Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine, which focuses on non-surgical treatment and management of renal disorders. A Nephrologist focuses on kidneys and the entire renal system of the body.A Nephrologist specializes in the management of patients with a wide range of renal disorders which include glomerulonephritis, renal cancer, hydronephrosis, etc. Occasionally, Nephrologists may also perform transplant procedures in some patients or assist a surgeon in performing the transplant surgery.Create this ResumeNephrologists Skills/DutiesThe primary task of a Nephrologist is to diagnose, treat and manage any condition or disease which affect s the kidney functions. This need not necessarily mean only the management of disorders of the kidney, but also the management of a wide range of systemic disorders, which may be responsible for malfunctioning of the kidneys which include high blood pressure, cancers or diabetes.A Nephrologist would have to interact with the patient, take a detailed case history and determine an appropriate action plan to treatment and management of the condition. The treatment regimen may include the use of dialysis therapy, which is acts as an artificial kidney or kidney transplant, in cases of severe and non treatable disorders.Many Nephrologists specialize in specific domains of nephrology, like pediatric nephrology or glomerulonephritis.Nephrologists Education and Training There are three stages in the education and training requirement of a Nephrologist. Firstly, a medical doctors degree is imperative to purse this profession. Next, a completion of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education residency program in internal medicine for two years is essential to purse this career. A certification in internal medicine by the Accreditation Council is mandated by the American Board of Internal Medicine, to purse Nephrology. Following this, a three year fellowship in nephrology and a National Examination conducted by the Board are required for certification and license to practice Nephrology in the United States.Nephrologists Job OutlookAs per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for this profession is good, especially in low income areas, where kidney transplant is considered fairly expensive. The training to become a Nephrologist is fairly extensive but the profession has a bright future.Nephrologists work primarily in hospital setting, while a few may have their own private practice. Long work hours during a week and irregular schedules to handle critically ill patients are a way of life for most Nephrologists.Nephrologists SalaryAs per details available f rom salary.com, the median annual salary of a Nephrologist is approximately $212,000 and the profession is expected for grow by 22 % within the next decade, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicative of professional and financial growth. The salary of a Nephrologist also depends upon the area in which he serves and the overall experience in handling critically ill patients. Customize ResumeMore Sample Career ArticlesNephrologist Career Night Shift Supervisor Career Otolaryngologist Career

12 ways to be ready for anything

12 ways to be ready for anything12 ways to be ready for anything1) Have smartfriendsAll of my friends are smarter than me. Even (especially) the ones who dont have college degrees.Being intelligent isnt really about knowing everything. Its about knowing one person who knows the most about SEO, one person who knows the most about building a house, one person who knows about taxes, and one person who knows the rules of grenzberschreitend negotiation.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more2) BeHealthyYesterday I listened to a scary podcast about the state of American health.(Every podcast about American health is scary)While the health of a nation is complicated, health for you is not. Take a walk every hour. Eat whatever you want, so long as you are cooking it. Be in the physical presence of other people often. Make sure you are pooping once per day.The positive impact you can make while you are sick in bed is exactly zero.3) Know how to make a crap ton ofmoneyThis has absolutely nothing to do with your intellectual readiness and everything to do with your emotional readiness.Heres why.Dan Ariely (ofthis TED talkandthis book), wanted to unpack extrinsic motivation. He and his team ran an experiment where they offered three groups of participants three different amounts of money to complete a series of random memory and concentration tasks.The first group was offered a days salary for good performance. They did pretty well.The second group was offered two weeks salary for good performance. They did fine as well.The third group was offered a jaw-droppingfive months salaryfor good performance. Time to shine, right?Wrong.This group performeddramaticallyworse. The extreme amounts of money triggered the fight-or-flight response in their bodies.A large reason many people with a medium income do not rise above that level is because they lack the confidence to pursue OR rec eive big checks.Do you want to know when the results in Arielys study flipped? When the people in the big bonus groupperceived the task as easy. At that point, they confidently flew through the challenges and walked away with big money.People who earn the most make hard work look and feel easy.4) BeNaiveOne of the great ironies of human nature is thisWe want to know every step of the process before we start. Yet, if we were truly aware of all it takes, there is probably no way we would evermove.Initial ignorance protects you from becoming overwhelmed. Do what you can do today. Start now. Figure out the rest later.5) RememberFlikFlik is an ant from the movie A Bugs Life.While all the other ants were standing in line, doing what was expected of them, and enjoying their comfortable living, Flik knew there must be more.One day, he understood he would neverfullybe ready. So he strapped on a backpack and dove headfirst into the unknown.Hmmm.6) Invent projects foryourselfEric Thomas (afair lysuccessful speaker) recently admitted that he completely botched his first voiceover job.Although he knew he had a great voice, talking to a microphone in a studio was another monster entirely.So what did he do?He invented scripts and read them into his own microphone.Heres what I learned. If I stay ready, I never have to getready.- EricThomasDid the coffee shop down the street commission you to rebrand them? No. Do it anyway.Did HGTV call you to edit their new show about (get this) a spunky couple who is flipping houses? No. But one day they might.Will anybody ever hold you to a standard worthy of the best work? Probably not. Butthats why you should.7) Have a safetynetAt least, financially.It is a lot easier to take the risks necessary for success when you arent wondering how each decision will affect your ability to pay Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, Capital One and the IRS. (Trust me. This is not a hypothetical list.)The freedom to act without fear is probably the best t hing you can buy.8) Dont have a safetynetAt least, not emotionally.Lets pretend you are working a traditional 95er right now. But you are ambitious. You have goals of your own. You have a side hustle. You wont spend your whole life selling your soul.The temptation, of course, is to take it easy during the key hours of the day in order to conserve your best thinking.This is the exact wrong instinct.Everything is momentum, a virtuous cycle. Do you think you will suddenly rise to excellence after a long day of half-heartedness?No. Greatness at a 95 rolls into greatness from 59 which leads to a good nights sleep and that gives us a better option.If anything is going to be attached to your name, please dont do it halfway. You deserve better.9) Know what action to take at any giventimeThe peak of discipline is the ability to work for only five minutes on a project which will take several months.Know how to beat The Three Is of InactionIndifference,Indecision,Ignorance.When you know exactl y what to do and can start doing it at the slightest break in the schedule, doors open.10) Master trustbuildingCan I be honest with you? Continuous trust is one of the perks of working a traditional office job as opposed to clients.With a traditional job, you are exposed to your clients every day. You can charm them. You can buy them coffee and breakfast and learn what they want. It is much easier to convince them you dont have any evil plans (even if you do).Freelancing, this process must take place in 1/10th of the time to meet deadlines most of the time. Fail to do so, and be micromanaged.The faster you build trust, the faster you and your boss are happy.(Unless you have abad boss)11) Know CheatCodesthe band, not a series of buttons. Although they earned their name for the ability to hack their way to the top of the charts.After spending several years learning their craft and finding their voice, Cheat Codes got to tour with Demi Lovato (who had a name far more familiar to pop mu sic fans).When given the chance to collaborate, Cheat Codes did not try and book time with Demi six months down the road. They did not start researching male/female songs. They immediately sent over a song they had already written and said Demi, this would be great for you.In other words12) Always have ideas in your backpocketI once worked with an entrepreneur who sold his company for several billion. He used to tell me thisPeople talk about plan A and plan B. They never talk about plans C through Z. The way I look at things, there are at least 26 chances for success for everyprojectOne reason I will never forget this is because it was the first time I heard someone say zed instead of zee, which made my American heart giggle. The second reason is because I so often fail this advice, choosing instead to balk at any work which takes more than a couple of false starts.Its very short-sighted of me. Maybe one day, I will get better.Speaking ofideasYou may enjoy my free ebook?- ?The Ultim ate Guide to Infinite Ideas?- ?which I am giving away for the price of an schmelzglas address.Get your copy right here.This article first appeared Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems

Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping Systems Seismic Protection for Pressure Piping SystemsWhen it comes to earthquake preparedness in an industrial production facility, the devil is in the details. Seismic experts say most of the damage from earthquakes today is caused not by crumbling walls or collapsing roofs but failures in the less visible, often overlooked, parts of a buildingespecially pressure piping. Nonstructural features like pressure piping ordnungsprinzips and other MEP components are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage, says Jeff Soulages, senior structural engineer at Intel. If companies dont properly detail their piping systems, they risk potentially devastating financial effects from property loss or production shut-downs. Pressure piping systems carry a wide range of fluids and gases around buildings, generally at pressures greater than 15 psi. Systems are usually configured in some combination of horizontal an d vertical runs of pipe suspended overhead or mounted on (and penetrating through) walls, floors or roofs. Seismic Risks Flexible connections are often required at fixed equipment or where piping crosses an expansion joint or seismic separation. Virtually all of these traits come with their own seismic risks, Soulages says. Movement between points of attachment can occur during earthquakes.Improperly supported or unbraced piping can fall or sway into adjacent equipment or structures.Joints, connections to equipment, bends, and penetrations are often the source of breaks and leakage, damaging both the piping system and whatever else happens to be nearby. Another common cause of damage, especially in large industrial complexes, is differential movement between points of attachment, Soulages says. Often, pipelines will span two or more connected buildings that may react differently in a quake. Seismic restraints at the interface of the two buildings should take into account the structu ral aspects of each building, he says. Longitudinal Bracing Proper seismic detailing for suspended pipes requires both transverse and longitudinal braces, installed at spacing intervals that depending primarily on the level of seismic activity at the building site, location within the building, pipe size and type, and the strength of the connections to the structure. Longitudinal pipe bracing requires the use of a pipe clamp, riser clamp, welded lug, or other hardware that positively attaches to the pipe to prevent slippage. Friction connections such as U-bolts are no-nos for longitudinal restraint because they are especially slip-prone. Spring-loaded hangers, couplers and fittings, pipe dampers, preassembled seismic bracing kits, load-rated hardware, and other specialized products to anchor or brace piping systems are available from a wide range of vendors. Many commercial suppliers also offer technical support, design, installation and inspection information, AutoCAD details, and calculation packages. Other emerging computer-based solutions include Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) software and Building Information Models (BIMs). As these 3-D computer models catch on, it will be easier for a wider range of users to coordinate a buildings MEP components with the structural system and other nonstructural components. For engineering and architectural professionals, many standards exist for pressure piping systems and supports, including provisions of Process Piping (ASME B31.3). For the broader audience of managers and facilities professionals, however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently updated its bible of nonstructural seismic damage Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damagea Practical Guide. Also known as FEMA E-74 and available only online, this definitive resource helps meet the critical need to raise awareness of the risks, consequences, and preventive measures for pressure piping systems. Michael MacRae is an ind ependent writer. Nonstructural features like pressure piping systems and other MEP components are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage.Jeff Soulages, Intel