Fit Tight Covers Joins Forces with EVSC OptIN and SICTIC

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s crucial for educational institutions and businesses to collaborate and provide students with opportunities that align with their interests and strengths. This is where EVSC OptIN (Opportunities through Partnerships that Transform and Inspire) and the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center (SICTC) step in. Fit Tight Covers has recently partnered with OptIN and SICTIC, showcasing their commitment to supporting students’ growth and success. Through this collaboration, we’ve hired Andrew Addington, a talented Designer Apprentice from North High School.

OptIN: Transforming Education, Inspiring Success:

OptIN’s mission is to empower students by providing them with the knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions about their future. By offering post-secondary and career options that align with students’ interests, abilities, and skills, OptIN creates a clear path for success. Let’s explore the meaningful ways in which OptIN fosters students’ growth:

  1. Developing Essential, In-Demand Skills: OptIN helps students cultivate essential skills that are highly sought after in today’s workforce. By aligning these skills with students’ interests and strengths, OptIN ensures they are well-prepared for the career opportunities that lie ahead.
  2. Increasing Student Engagement: OptIN understands that engaged students are more likely to excel academically. Through their initiatives, they actively promote student engagement, creating an environment that fosters curiosity, motivation, and a passion for learning.
  3. Clear Path for Graduation: OptIN provides students with a clear roadmap for graduation. By guiding them through their educational journey, OptIN ensures that students stay on track and are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for success.
  4. Matching Students with High-Quality Employers: One of OptIN’s remarkable achievements is their ability to connect students with high-quality employers. This invaluable networking opportunity allows students to gain hands-on experience, expand their professional networks, and explore potential career pathways.

The SICTC: Empowering Students through Cutting-Edge Education:

The Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center (SICTC) serves as a hub for advanced career and technical education, workforce development, and training in southwest Indiana. It offers high school students from multiple counties the opportunity to receive classroom and hands-on training in 20 diverse areas of study. The SICTC’s state-of-the-art facilities, equipped with the latest emerging technologies and equipment, provide students with an immersive learning experience that prepares them for the demands of the modern workforce.

Collaboration and Talent Development:

Fit Tight Covers recognizes the importance of investing in future talent. By partnering with OptIN and SICTIC, they demonstrate their commitment to nurturing young minds and offering exceptional career opportunities. Andrew Addington represents the success of this collaboration. Having Andrew on board as our Designer Apprentice brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of creativity to our team. His passion for design and dedication to strengthening his skills make him a valuable asset as we strive to deliver innovative solutions and exceed customer expectations. “The experience and knowledge I obtained from SICTC will stay with me for the rest of my life. It is the foundation of my future,” Andrew said.

Conclusion:

The partnership between Fit Tight Covers, EVSC OptIN, and SICTIC embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and talent development. By joining forces, they create a transformative educational environment that empowers students to thrive. The hiring of Andrew Addington as a Designer Apprentice exemplifies the success of this collaboration, demonstrating the real-world impact it has on students’ lives. Through such partnerships, we can shape a future where students are well-prepared, inspired, and equipped to make a difference in their chosen fields.

Fit Tight Covers Wins CSIA Platinum Level Safety Award

In today’s workplace landscape, safety has emerged as a top priority for organizations across industries. Recognizing the critical importance of promoting safety programs and practices, the Central States Insulation Association (CSIA) established the Best Practices in Safety Recognition Program. Designed to encourage member participation while offering meaningful recognition and feedback, this program serves as a benchmark for safety excellence. Fit Tight Covers, a distinguished player in the industry, has recently achieved the prestigious Platinum Level recognition in this esteemed program. Let’s explore the reasons behind their remarkable achievement.

Fostering Safety with Expert Collaboration:

The CSIA Board of Directors, in collaboration with legal counsel Gary Auman of Auman, Mahan & Furry, worked diligently to develop the program’s application questions. By leveraging their expertise and insights, they created a comprehensive framework that assesses the effectiveness of safety programs and practices. All applications are evaluated anonymously by legal counsel, ensuring impartiality and fairness. Additionally, each participant receives a written critique of their safety program, providing valuable feedback for improvement.

A Graded Evaluation Process:

The program’s evaluation process involves grading each application question on a scale of 0 to 10 points. These scores are then totaled and divided by the number of questions, resulting in a percentage score. Based on the percentage achieved, the CSIA program recognizes companies at different levels. Fit Tight Covers’ outstanding performance, with a score between 94 and 100 percent, earned them the highly esteemed Platinum Level recognition.

Continuous Improvement through Feedback:

Upon receiving the award, each participant, including Fit Tight Covers, is provided with a detailed multi-page letter from Gary Auman. This personalized feedback letter delves into the specific reasons behind their score, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. The CSIA program’s goal is to foster self-improvement, allowing companies to continuously enhance their safety programs year after year. Fit Tight Covers is encouraged to implement the suggestions outlined in the letter to further strengthen their safety practices.

Exemplary Commitment to Safety:

Fit Tight Covers’ achievement of the Platinum Level recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to safety excellence. Their dedication to creating a safe work environment for their employees is reflected in their exceptional safety programs and practices. By winning this prestigious award, Fit Tight Covers demonstrates their industry leadership and sets a benchmark for other organizations to aspire to.

Building on Success:

The CSIA Best Practices in Safety Recognition Program emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement. Participants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years, ensuring the progressive development of their safety programs. Fit Tight Covers’ Platinum Level recognition serves as an inspiration for them to continue refining their safety practices, setting higher standards, and sharing their knowledge and expertise with the industry.

Conclusion:

Fit Tight Covers’ exceptional achievement of winning the CSIA Best Practices in Safety Recognition Program Award at the Platinum Level exemplifies their steadfast commitment to safety. Through their dedication, continuous improvement efforts, and exemplary safety programs, they have become a role model for the insulation industry. Fit Tight Covers’ success underscores the significance of prioritizing and investing in robust safety practices, ultimately fostering a safer and more secure work environment for employees.

Calvin Brasel: Elevating Fit Tight Covers to New Heights as Vice President

Fit Tight Covers, a leading player in the industrial insulation industry, has recently announced the promotion of Calvin Brasel to the esteemed position of Vice President. With a stellar track record as the General Manager of Fit Tight Covers, Calvin Brasel’s elevation to this role is a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the company’s growth and success.

A Legacy of Excellence:

Calvin Brasel has been with the company for over 17 years. He has consistently demonstrated his expertise in driving business growth and fostering a culture of innovation during his tenure as the General Manager of Fit Tight Covers. Under his visionary leadership, the company has flourished, achieving significant milestones and establishing itself as a reputable name in the industrial insulation sector. Brasel’s passion for excellence and his ability to motivate and inspire his team have been instrumental in Fit Tight Covers’ success, making him an obvious choice for the role of Vice President.

Strategic Vision and Innovation:

One of Brasel’s notable qualities is his strategic vision. Throughout his career at Fit Tight Covers, he has shown a remarkable ability to identify industry trends and adapt the company’s strategies accordingly. Under his guidance, Fit Tight Covers has embraced technological advancements, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge solutions in their product offerings and manufacturing processes. This commitment to innovation has not only enhanced the company’s competitive edge but has also positioned Fit Tight Covers as an industry leader.

Strengthening Customer Relationships:

Brasel firmly believes that building and nurturing strong customer relationships is the cornerstone of any successful business. He understands that customer satisfaction is paramount and strives to exceed expectations at every turn. Brasel’s customer-centric approach has resulted in an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products and services that address the unique needs of each client. As Vice President, he will continue to prioritize customer relationships, further solidifying Fit Tight Covers’ position as a trusted partner in the industry.

Empowering Employees and Cultivating a Winning Culture:

A key aspect of Brasel’s leadership style is his dedication to empowering employees and fostering a positive work environment. He recognizes the value of each team member and believes in their potential to contribute to the company’s success. Brasel has implemented various initiatives to enhance employee engagement, including professional development programs, transparent communication channels, and recognition schemes. By promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, he has nurtured a team of motivated individuals committed to achieving excellence.

Driving Growth and Expansion:

As Vice President of Fit Tight Covers, Calvin Brasel will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and expansion initiatives. His vast industry knowledge, coupled with his ability to identify emerging opportunities, will enable Fit Tight Covers to venture into new markets and diversify its product portfolio. Brasel’s strategic mindset and comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape will guide the company in making informed decisions that align with its long-term objectives.

Conclusion:

Calvin Brasel’s promotion to the role of Vice President at Fit Tight Covers brings an exciting new chapter for the company. With his proven leadership abilities, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Brasel is well-equipped to lead Fit Tight Covers to new heights of success. As he takes on this role, the company can expect continued innovation, strengthened customer relationships, and sustainable growth under his expert guidance. The future looks bright for Fit Tight Covers as they embark on this journey with Calvin Brasel at the helm!

Can Insulation Covers Improve OSHA Compliance?

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is, in no way, intended to be a substitute for legal advice.

Insulation covers are used to protect workers in hot and cold environments such as refrigeration units, boilers, furnaces, and air compressors. They help keep employees comfortable while working in extreme temperatures.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), however, does not regulate the use of insulation covers. Instead, it focuses on ensuring that workplaces are free from hazards. This includes proper training and supervision of workers, adequate ventilation, and the availability of protective equipment.

Here are 4 ways that insulation covers may improve compliance with OSHA regulations.

Reducing Noise

OSHA requires employers to take steps to protect workers from excessive occupational noise. This includes providing adequate hearing protection, training employees about how to use the appropriate devices, and implementing engineering controls to reduce noise at the source. Whenever feasible, OSHA suggests reducing noise at the source. This typically involves installing sound-absorbing materials or enclosing noisy machinery in acoustical barriers. This practice is commonly known as sound attenuation or acoustic attenuation.

When noise originates from equipment, it may be possible to install removable insulation. This absorbs some of the energy generated by machines and converts it into heat.

Eliminating Wet Floors from Condensation

Condensation occurs when there is a difference in temperature between hot and cold surfaces. This causes moisture to form on cooler surfaces and drip down onto the floor. When it does, it creates a hazard because it could lead to slips and falls. OSHA requires that floors be kept dry. In many cases, this rule is easy to follow. However, sometimes condensation can occur without you knowing about it.

For example, when there is a difference between cold water pipe temperature and air temperature, condensation forms. If this happens, the droplets fall onto the floor. Insulation jackets for cold pipes eliminate condensation to help keep things dry.

Replacing Potentially Harmful Insulation

One insulation material that is subject to OSHA regulations is asbestos. OSHA requires employees to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there is a risk of being exposed to hazardous substances. Workers must adhere to strict protocol when working around asbestos. They must also wear gloves and eye protection when handling asbestos-containing material.

Two common areas that OSHA says may contain asbestos are “pipe and boiler insulation materials.” If your insulation is made of asbestos-containing materials, it may be necessary to replace it with a safer option.

Reducing Exposure to Hot Pipes

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not actually have a separate regulation in its general industry standard (rules which apply to all workplaces subject to the agency’s rules) that specifically regulates when exposed hot pipes need to be protected. However, OSHA has issued a letter of interpretation stating that it considers exposed heated surfaces, if they are potentially dangerous, to be a safety violation. This includes exposed heated surfaces that could cause burns to workers’ hands, arms, legs, etc.

In that interpretation, OSHA cited two standards, one governing the textile industry and another covering pulp, paper, and related products. Both state that “All pipes carrying steam or hot water for process or servicing machinery must be covered with a heat insulator,” according to the letter. The letter notes that both standards define “hot water” as being over 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get Started Today

Fit Tight Covers’ unique fabrication process is based on 25 years of testing and development, resulting in the best-designed removable insulation covers utilizing the best materials. If you’re interested in learning more about custom removable thermal insulation covers, request a quote today!

6 Best Reasons to Switch to Removable Insulation Covers

Control valves, steam traps, pipe joints, and other pieces of equipment found in heating and cooling systems are often vital to a building’s ongoing operations. These components must be accessible for routine maintenance, but traditional hard insulation can make this difficult. This issue becomes even worse when dealing with large commercial buildings, where space constraints are common.

Removable insulation covers allow for easy access to these important parts while offering heat retention, personnel protection, and preventing moisture intrusion. They are designed to fit over existing piping systems, making installation straightforward. After removal, the covers can easily be reinstalled, allowing technicians to work on different areas without having to worry about damaging exposed metal.

The benefits of using removable insulation covers extend beyond just saving time and effort. Using NAIMA’s free 3E Plus software, we have shown that insulating one foot of 4” steam pipe operating at 350°F with a 1” thick removable cover can reduce heat loss and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 95%. 

Here are 6 of the best reasons to switch to removable insulation covers: 

Save Energy Immediately

By insulating your equipment sooner rather than later, you’re saving your business from unnecessary losses in heat. In the long run, this will help reduce energy costs allowing you to put those assets toward other projects.

Make Maintenance Easy

If you detect any issues with your equipment, it’s important to remedy the problem right away. Removable insulation covers allow for extremely easy maintenance and inspections. Our covers can be removed quickly and easily, which saves you money and manpower. Once repairs & inspections are complete, it’s easy to reinstall the covers to their original place.

Improve Your Work Environment

OSHA safety violations are a serious matter. By protecting your high-temperature pipes and equipment with proper insulation covers, you are protecting your employees from possible skin damage and other harm.

Prevent Waste

Traditional hardcover insulation can be a hassle to remove or replace. If you’re trying to perform inspections or maintenance on equipment covered with hard insulation, you must replace the insulation after it’s removed. This causes unnecessary waste that can be easily avoided with the purchase of removable insulation.

Extend the Life of Your Equipment

Accidents happen in a working environment, so it’s important to protect your piping and valves to ensure the longevity of your equipment. Removable insulation covers can also protect against outdoor elements. 

Save Money in the Short-Term & Long-Term

Whether you’re lowering the amount of waste your company is producing or reducing the amount of heat your equipment emits, you’re saving money. Having more money to work with as a company is vital to continued success. Removable insulation covers can put you on a path one step closer to this.

Get Started Today

Fit Tight Covers’ unique fabrication process is based on 25 years of testing and development, resulting in the best-designed removable insulation covers utilizing the best materials. If you’re interested in learning more about custom removable thermal insulation covers, request a quote today!

 

6 Tips on Caring For Removable Insulation Blankets

While our product has been known by many names over the years- covers, blankets, diapers, wraps, bags- one thing for certain is that consistent care is key to extending the life of your removable insulation covers. Our covers are custom-made to fit your equipment precisely and to withstand wet or dry conditions.

While our covers are crafted to last, there are a few things you can do to ensure they last even longer. Here are 5 tips to help you keep your removable insulation covers performing their best!

Be careful not to cut or damage the outer protective cover fabrics

Maintaining the integrity of the outer surface of your removable insulation cover is paramount. You want to ensure that there are no punctures or cuts that can allow moisture, heat, chemicals, or oils to saturate the insulation and compromise the efficiency of your removable cover.

Ensure they are installed correctly every time

Properly installing each insulation cover is the simplest method of caring for them. A snug fit prevents condensation, protects your team, and protects your equipment. Ensure that all Velcro flaps and rope ties fully cover any & all space between blankets.

Store the covers in clean, dry areas

When your covers aren’t in use, the storage location is also important. Be sure to store your insulation covers in a clean, dry location. This prevents foreign elements from coming into contact with your covers (and your equipment when you re-install them).

Don’t use force when installing

In addition to proper fitting, it’s equally important to avoid using too much force when installing your insulation covers. They are designed to fit snugly onto the equipment, but if you use too much force during installation you may accidentally damage them.

Avoid moisture and clean off spills promptly

If your insulation covers get wet or exposed to a spill, clean them immediately. The specially designed fabrics used in our covers are made to withstand environmental elements and spills, but if liquid penetrates the seams, it could cause the covers to be less effective. Oil or chemical spills can damage the exterior of the removable covers, negatively impacting their integrity and putting your equipment at risk.

Inspect them regularly

Your removable insulation cover care routine should include a regular schedule of inspection when in use and in storage. When you remove your insulation covers, visually inspect them for signs of damage before storing them away or re-installing them.

Get Started Today

Fit Tight Covers’ unique fabrication process is based on 25 years of testing and development, resulting in the best-designed removable insulation covers utilizing the best materials. If you’re interested in learning more about custom removable thermal insulation covers, request a quote today!

How Do Our Certified Insulation Energy Appraisals Work?

5 Misconceptions About Removable Insulation Covers

4 Reasons to Use Removable Insulation Covers