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Weekly Poll (527)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to ban all uses of trichloroethylene to protect against serious health risks for workers. Do you believe this ban will be effective in protecting workers from toxic chemicals?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration is working on a new research initiative to advance digital construction management tools that will improve transit construction projects. Do you believe the construction industry should utilize digital tools more frequently?

A new rule proposed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will require regulator stations to be designed with secondary pressure relief valves. Do you believe this rule will provide appropriate safety for the millions of miles of gas distribution pipelines?

As technology continues to develop, how likely are you to use a robotic or fully automated waterjetting system on a project?

Researchers at the University of Houston are developing an autonomous robot, meant to identify potential pipeline leaks and structural failures during subsea inspections. Do you believe current autonomous technology should be used to conduct structural inspections?

An update provided on the Surfside, Florida, tower collapse indicated that the swimming pool deck failed to comply with building codes and led to severe strength deficiency. Should more rigorous inspection processes be implemented in residential towers to prevent another collapse?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that it has begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls in the construction industry. Would you like to see OSHA put heavy focus on safety in other aspects of the construction industry?

A Penn State University professor recently received $400,000 to study the corrosive damage caused by salt in nuclear reactors. Do you think salt poses the greatest corrosive risk in nuclear reactors?

Based on your experience on coatings projects, what option best describes the amount of money spent (from the project's total cost) on buying or renting surface preparation equipment required for a project’s completion:

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration announced it will award $20 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade and build control towers in small towns and at regional airports. Should more money be given to small town and regional airports for runway corrosion and painting failures?

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher received a grant to evaluate a trenchless cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) method that relines old sewer pipes in Washington, D.C., with new plastic material, which is then cured in place with hot water. Do you believe this method could become widespread within a decade?

The Royal Canadian Navy’s ship inspection program entered an agreement with Qii.AI to utilize AI-assisted digital inspection. Do you believe AI-based inspection can become an effective tool in the industry?

A German research institute developed an environmentally friendly and efficient laser solution for biofouling. Could laser solutions be used to resolve other failures in the coatings industry?

A runway at Reno-Tahoe International Airport was shut down due to surface scaling less than a year after the runway opened. While contractors and consultants are working to determine the cause, what do you believe could be the cause of this issue?

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has teamed up with American Airlines to use virtual reality technology to deliver a new way of training apprentice painters. Do you believe training that incorporates virtual reality technology will be widely adapted within the next 10 years?

Earlier this year, researchers transformed a crude oil byproduct, asphaltene, into graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D printing applications. Do you believe resources recycled from this process could yield other useful coating materials?

A published study on the extent of pyrrhotite-related damages on concrete foundations found that the negative effects on concrete are largely limited to non-residential buildings and are not widespread in municipal or public structures. Because of its limited negative effects, do you believe pyrrhotite should continue to be used in non-residential buildings?

As part of a project to develop guidance and methods to estimate rebar reinforcement section loss for bridge maintenance, researchers examined corrosion damage on bridges in Minnesota. Do you believe rebar reinforcement research for improved performance methods will improve a bridge’s lifespan?

A recent study observed tribological behavior of coatings in real-time, looking at fracturing and delamination of coatings. Do you believe studying this method could help improve the design of coatings and surface treatments?

A commercial coatings contractor in Tennessee recently reported it uses drones for power washing services on commercial, government and residential structures. What is your experience with drones or robotics in the industry?

Do you expect your company to seriously consider autonomous blasting equipment in the near future in order to cut down on the danger to blasting workers?

A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk has found that severe workforce shortages are affecting small and large contractors. Do you believe enough is being done to address these concerns?

A recent report indicated that death rates for the construction industry have remained unchanged for 10 years, despite efforts made by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Do you believe additional action is needed to lower this rate?

Last month, Boeing asked the Federal Aviation Administration to approve a potential fix for peeling paint on its jetliners due to ultraviolet radiation, involving incorporating a layer of UV-blocking black topcoat between the primer and the white topcoat. If successful, do you think more airlines should upgrade their coatings systems?

German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer BMW has submitted a patent for a vehicle scratch detection system with paint films that would allow drivers to be alerted when their car is scuffed. Do you believe this technology could be applied in other coating industries for abrasion detection?

Last month, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings unveiled a new virtual reality training for painting aircraft, allowing a user to mimic a customer’s production environment and multiple coating systems to train teams virtually. Do you believe this technology is an effective way to train new painters?

Do you ever use waterjetting as part of the surface preparation work you do?

A cleaning and inspection tool development led by Australian energy company Woodside now offers remote inspection of equipment on offshore platforms. Do you believe the human-sized robot inspection system will be beneficial in regard to worker safety?

An experienced chartered engineer in the United Kingdom recently shared concerns regarding several structural designs of buildings in the country. Do you believe enough action is being taken to address these concerns by the U.K. government?

Experts have recently expressed concern over the pipes planned for the long-delayed Mountain Valley Pipeline, including coating integrity, corrosion and safety. According to reports, the pipes have been sitting above ground with coating dates from 2017. Do you believe that the coating integrity should be a cause for concern?

Have you submitted a nomination for the 2022 JPCL Prestige Awards program?

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration recently announced a final rule to strengthen the safety and environmental protection of more than 300,000 miles of onshore gas transmission pipelines. Do you believe these changes will further prevent tragedies like the San Bruno pipeline explosion in 2010?

What is your take on drone inspections?

Several reports have indicated that the construction industry in North America is continuing to undergo challenges related to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and recruitment. Is your company being impacted by the labor shortage?

The Scott Base research facility in Antarctica New Zealand was originally painted with linseed oil-based paint in freezing level temperatures. For its new coating, a powder coat-type paint will be factory-applied. Do you believe this method will be more effective in protecting the structure?

Last month, a Pittsburgh-based company announced the release of its autonomous coating system. Has your company considered using robotics technology for paint application?

Over the last 12-18 months do you think the industry has done an effective job leveraging new technology platforms to provide training videos to contractors?

Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration released a new Permitting Action Plan to accelerate federal permitting and environmental reviews for infrastructure projects funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law. Do you believe this will help expedite projects?

How prevalent do you think autonomous or robotic systems for surface preparation will become over the next decade?

Has your company considered using more novel approaches to surface preparation, such as dry-ice blasting or laser cleaning, in its operations?

Researchers are calling for a “paradigm change” in forecasting corrosion damage within reinforced concrete structures using the chloride threshold concept. Do you believe that this prediction method should be replaced?

When preparing a steel bridge or similar structure for recoating, what method of surface preparation does your company use most often?

What do you consider most important when purchasing abrasive blast media?

Between barrier protection, inhibitive protection or sacrificial/galvanic protection, do you believe one form of corrosion protection on steel is superior to the others?

When it comes to selecting an abrasive media for surface preparation on steel, do you find that expendable abrasives or recyclable abrasives perform better?

A job forecast issued by ThinkWhy for construction and extraction occupations predicts that the industry is expected to expand by 3.9% (nearly 240,000 jobs) in 2022. Do you believe that this will be impacted by the current labor shortage?

New Florida legislation seeks to require mandatory building inspections for all apartment and condo buildings taller than three stories and larger than 3,500 square feet. The inspections would be required once a building is 30-years-old and every 10 years after. Do you believe this time frame for inspections is reasonable?

Ground walnut shells, corn cob, ice cubes and high-pressure water are a few examples of less toxic abrasive blasting material options. Should standards be adapted on a large scale to implement the use of these alternatives in abrasive blasting?

One corrosion-prevention company has coated a bridge in Croatia with technology that will allegedly give the bridge a service life of 130 years. Do you believe corrosion-protection technology could extend a bridge’s life by over a century?

When it comes to specifying coatings for concrete floors, how do you rank the priorities?

Aside from size and hardness, what factor do you consider most important when choosing abrasive media?

Since 2016, the number of bridges in “good” condition have been decreasing. Of the 146,000 bridges that the National Highway System reviewed this year, most are constructed using materials that are susceptive to corrosion. Do you believe enough has been done within the industry to address this problem?

Following the destruction of Hurricanes Ike and Harvey, Texas submitted plans for coastal spines as protection. Do you believe this $12 billion plan, which includes a system of levees and sea gates, will provide enough protection against future weather?

In 2021, the Florida Building Codes Act was amended to authorize any government entity with the authority to enforce the building code to perform virtual inspections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, New York City implemented a similar policy with a new Remote Video Inspections program for construction inspections. How quickly do you believe policies officially authorizing virtual or remote inspection will be adopted on a national scale?

Following the collapse of a Miami Beach residential building on June 24, residents in nearby condominium buildings began requesting property inspections, leading to official reports of safety concerns in other buildings. Because of the severity of the building collapse, do you believe close inspection of each of the condominiums on Miami Beach should be inspected?

A fourth-year forensic science student from the University of Toronto, Bethany Krebs, discovered a form of abrasive blasting that could be more efficient in revealing fingerprints than conventional dusting methods. By using abrasive blasting, Krebs argues that the methodical, uniform technology of abrasive blasting minimizes the risk of error that comes with traditional fingerprinting. Do you believe this new method of fingerprinting will eventually be used by forensic departments?

Researchers from the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science announced the development of a new coating strategy for semiconductors that provides corrosion protection, improves efficiency and could even lower the cost of solar fuel production by producing solar fuels when semiconductors are illuminated. However, the illumination process is prone to corrosion and could lead to the need for frequent materials replacement. Do you believe a more sustainable form of corrosion protection, such as the one developed by Yale researchers, is adaptable on a larger scale?

In 2020, the U.S. Navy began exploring digital twin technology to identify damage, corrosion and alignment issues more quickly. How quickly do you believe this technology will be adapted on a nationwide, industrial scale?

Following an inspection sweep in New York City earlier this year, the Department of Buildings shut down 322 construction sites due to hazardous conditions and issued more than 1,129 violations for safety issues and non-compliance issues. Do you think these types of sweeps are beneficial for industry safety?

In Dodge v. People’s Trust Insurance Company, 2021 WL 2217299 (4th DCA Jun. 2, 2021), a Florida court ruled that rust and corrosion of water pipes is considered an “act of nature.” While corrosion is inherently a natural process, do you believe within the context of deterioration of cast iron pipes under a home, that it is in fact:

To restore a 19th-century bridge in Minneapolis, officials from Collins Engineers recently announced that they’d be working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on incorporating Microsoft HoloLens headsets with software from Bentley Systems. If the virtual inspections are sufficient, do you think other DOTs will adopt the software as well?

The New York City Department of Buildings has recently begun piloting a new Remote Video Inspections program that will replace in-person visits for some construction inspections. Do you think other states will adopt a similar program?

Based on your experience on coatings projects, what option best describes the amount of money spent (from the project's total cost) on buying or renting surface preparation equipment required for a project’s completion:

Based on your experience on coatings projects, what option best describes the amount of time spent for surface preparation regarding the project’s total:

What are you most looking forward to at the CORROSION 2021 Virtual Conference & Expo?

In January, Notre Dame Cathedral officials reported that they were considering implementing lasers for the decontamination and cleaning efforts of the structure. Would you ever consider this technology to weed out contamination without using chemical or mechanical abrasion?

Regarding the PaintSquare Connect curriculum, what tracks would you have liked to see more content?

Recently, international engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti announced the launch of a software that uses artificial intelligence to identify and assess damage and deterioration in building envelopes and structures. Do you think the T2D2 software will be successfully adopted by building inspectors?

Last month, engineers from RMIT University announced the development of an eco-friendly, zero-cement concrete that can withstand corrosive acidic environments, commonly observed in wastewater infrastructure. How long until you think the material is commercially available?

Recently, researchers from Kazan Federal University published a paper detailing how sunflower oil could be useful in corrosion prevention. In the study, the multifunctional oil-inhibitor proved successful in protecting surfaces against gas hydrates and pipeline corrosion. Could you see the biodegradable oil being used in future corrosion protection practices?

A recent study has found that bird death from collisions with turbine blades dropped by 71.9% when one of the blades is painted black. Do you think that this technique will become popular?

An industry professional in New York was recently sentenced to 24 months in prison for evading taxes on more than $420,000. Do you think that penalty was warranted?

SSPC and NACE within the last month have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge as well as unveiling ad-hoc committees to assist in the details of the merger. In addition to this, the two announced a handful of virtual town hall meetings to take place over the next few weeks. Do you plan on attending a meeting?

Construction material prices have reportedly risen for the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to a recent Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index. Have you found this to be true for your company?

Last month, OSHA issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures. Do you think this needed extra guidance for uniformity?

Quarterly earnings reports were released late last month (including those from the top coatings companies such as Sherwin-Williams, PPG, AkzoNobel and RPM), with the first wave of COVID-19 impacts on revenue. How long do you think it will take for these top companies to recover?

Nine states recently issued a brief to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, requesting a preliminary injunction that would halt the Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement discretion policy. In regard to relaxing company compliance and monitoring requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, do you think the EPA’s policy should be fought or approved?

In June, officials with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority announced that they would be cutting $371 million from Orlando International Airport’s South Terminal project in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you think the pandemic’s effect on air traffic will cause budget cuts on other commercial airport projects as well?

In May, the WaterJet Technology Association announced that it had partnered with the Houston Area Safety Council to create a new field verification training and certification program for safe and standardized hydroblasting operations. Do you think the program will be more beneficial to professionals than WJTA’s mid-1980s reference: Industry Best Practices for the Use of High-Pressure Waterjetting Equipment?

The Sherwin-Williams Company recently announced the creation of its Pro Support Center, a website that the firm says is dedicate to tools and education resources for painting contractors and other professionals. Do you think this will be beneficial to industry professionals in the commercial sector?

In April, Italy suffered another bridge collapse, causing increased scrutiny over the conditions of the country’s road bridges. Do you believe the recurrence reflects more on how the infrastructure is built, how Italian officials conduct routine inspections or both?

What are you most looking forward to at CORROSION 2020?

What did you enjoy most about Coatings+ 2020?

Michigan Department of Transportation has recently adopted the use of unmanned, remote-control boats for conducting bridge inspections. Do you think the safer, less labor-intensive technology will become favorable by other DOTs for bridge inspections?

UNStudio and Monopol Colors are currently showcasing “The Coolest White” paint—an extremely reflective white paint—in the “State of Extremes” in Israel’s Design Museum Holon’s Decennial Exhibition. Reported to prolong the lifecycle of urban building and structure coatings to 30 years, do you think the coating will be used in more future projects?

What are you most looking forward to at SSPC Coatings+ 2020?

Recently, New York City-based major construction project jobsites have been hit with a series of surprise inspections as an effort to reduce the amount of construction worker injuries. However, some construction workers claim that more work still needs to be done to successfully prevent accidents. In the industry, which risks do you believe pose the biggest threat to jobsite safety?

Recently, the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation released a 102-page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding updates to National Bridge Inspection Standards. With comments due by Jan. 13, 2020, do you believe the new requirements and inspection interval adjustments will help better properly evaluate and inspect these types of structures?

A 10-page update released by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board showed that the reason behind the Philadelphia Energy Solutions explosions that occurred in June could be pointed to a degraded piece of metal piping. Given that the segment of piping had high nickel and copper content, which is susceptible to corrosion caused by the hydrofluoric acid in the process fluid, do you believe this incident could have been avoided?

According to a survey released from the Associated General Contractors of America, along with Autodesk, 80% of construction firms reported to struggle with filling hourly craft positions. Since the survey’s findings were released, the AGC has called on the federal government for help. Which, if any, of the federal requests to aid in filling craft positions do you think will be the most useful?

In August, researchers based out of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India, announced the development of a new way to protect ships from corrosion using a compound from mango leaves. Though further testing still needs to be conducted, do you think the technology will be used in future industrial coating products?

Lake Charles, Louisiana-based SOWELA Technical Community College recently received a $1 million donation for the development of a pipeline academy from TC Energy. Do you believe the regional learning center will positively affect the oil and gas industry?

In July, a ceremony was held to celebrate the competition of the 1.5-billion-euro Chernobyl New Safe Confinement. The infrastructure—known as The Arch—is reported to be the largest moveable land-based infrastructure ever built and took a combined 33 million working hours to construct. Given a lifespan of 100 years, do you believe the essential structure for proper disassembly and decommissioning of radioactive materials will pay for itself?

In July, an Italy-based project titled, “Urban Flying Opera,” used drones to paint a large-scale graffiti project with the aim to beautify the city of Torino. With more stories of drones being utilized for this type of coatings work, do you think the technology has the potential to eventually replace commercial painters?

Toward the end of July, President Donald J. Trump signed an order that would promote the expanded use of American-made iron and steel in federal projects. The “Buy American” platform is slated to push the domestic content threshold from 50% to 95%. Do you believe this will help to boost the U.S. industrial economy?

Announced in mid-July, a historic Pennsylvania bridge will be the first in the U.S. to use an electrically isolated tendon system (EIT), which helps to detect corrosion on post-tension tendons with reported minimal changes to construction schedules. Would you consider using this technology?

Last month, the New York State Assembly approved legislation establishing a PaintCare program—a paint stewardship program involving paint manufacturers and producers in conjunction with the American Coatings Association that allows consumers to recycle specific types of paint. Do you think the program will help or hurt local governments with paint collection and disposal services already in place?

In the beginning of July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $33 million contract for four miles of border wall work in Texas. Environmental regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, among others, for this section of work, were waived. Do you think this is the best policy to speed up the construction?

In New York City, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders recently passed Senate Bill S6599, which sets a net-zero emissions economy goal by 2050. Joining six other states with zero-emission electricity goals or requirements, do you think the U.S. will eventually have similar legislation pass in all 50 states?

Last month, SSPC and NACE confirmed that merger talks were beginning to make headway. With organizations expected to host a membership vote by the second quarter of 2020, do you think industry professionals will be ready to adapt to this possible change?

In June, ground broke on the $2 billion, 170-mile passenger South Florida Rail Project, which will connect Orlando and South Florida. Expected to remove 3 million cars from Florida roadways between the points of travel, do you believe the infrastructure will pay for itself?

In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced new lead standards to protect children, lowering dust-lead hazards from 40 micrograms of lead per square foot to 10 micrograms on floors and 250 micrograms to 100 micrograms on windowsills. In addition to the grant program passed in March, do you believe the EPA’s efforts will prove effective?

The Florida Department of Transportation recently released information on an $802M infrastructure plan slated to take place in Miami over the next four years. The project involves a new six-arch bridge and rehabilitation to three major highways, all slated to be constructed at the same time. With holidays, weather, special events and unforeseen circumstances all taken into account, do you think the project will be successfully completed by fall 2023?

With responses due for the “Building a Safer Future” by July 31—a fourth consultation on improving fire and structural safety for high-rise housing in the United Kingdom involving various revisions including: increased residential building height; revised concept of duty holders; and stronger voices for residents (to name a few)—do you think the new Implementation Plan will help to prevent future tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire?

Plans were released for what Canada is dubbing the “world’s tallest hybrid building.” With more architects and design-build contractors choosing timber for green building standards, do you think more cities should be following this model for reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

In Michigan, Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, suggested selling several state-owned transportation assets to raise money to rehabilitate various roads and highways versus raising the state’s fuel tax. Do you think this is a good idea?

Just last month Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak signed Assembly Bill 136 and Senate Bill 231 into law. Bill 136 lowers the prevailing wage threshold amount for public projects and restores the prevailing wage for workers on those projects to 100% and Bill 231 removes language that prohibits contractors and subcontractors from entering into agreements with labor organizations while working on public projects. Do you think this will successfully help those working in construction unions reach economic recovery?

Last month a panel of judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rolled back an injunction that halted construction on the Keystone XL oil pipeline. According to the panel, the lawsuit was dismissed due to a new presidential permit. Do you expect we will see more exercises of presidential authority for pushes of this kind of infrastructure in the future?

Recently in South Carolina, the Ben Sawyer Bridge had to close due to heat, which ultimately caused the bridge to become stuck partially open. Do you expect we will see more of these instances throughout the summer?

Last month, President Donald J. Trump announced the lift of United States’ tariffs on steel and aluminum products for Canada and Mexico. Do you agree with this move?

Last month, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi opened what is being touted as the world’s widest suspension bridge in the world. With six lanes of traffic running in each direction, the Rod al-Farag Axis Bridge is intended to shift traffic, ultimately decreasing travel time around Cairo and on various highways. Do you believe other major cities could benefit from this type of massive infrastructure?

A team of scientists from the University of Cambridge has developed the smallest pixels ever made with the help of a thin polymer coating. With hopes to one day use the product for displays on the exterior of buildings, how soon do you think we can expect to see this technology?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, external corrosion was the culprit that caused an offshore pipeline to spill roughly 140,000 gallons of crude oil into Refugio State Beach, California. Do you think a better inspection system could be implemented to prevent these types of ocean-based hazards?

Recently, Colorado passed The Human Right to Work With Dignity Act (HB-1267) into law, which officially makes wage theft over $2,000 a felony theft. Do you think this legislation should be adopted in all U.S. states?

At the tail end of April, NYC passed a green roof bill, requiring all new commercial and residential buildings in the city to have 100% green roofs made up of plants, solar panels or small wind turbines—or a combination of all three. Do you think 100% coverage is an achievable goal?

In Dubai, a $13.6 billion Mohammed Bin Rashid Maktoum Solar Park has completed its fourth phase of construction, including the base of a concentrated solar tower (slated to be the tallest in the world). With the ability to power 1.3 million homes, cutting 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually, do you think more countries should be funding these kinds of solar-powered innovations?

AkzoNobel, along with a consortium of 13 partners, launched a new research project aiming to collect wasted solar energy absorbed by buildings in April. In a plan to create both transparent- and opaque-type panels that won’t disrupt the building’s aesthetics, do you think we will eventually see the finished product on all types of building exteriors?

In a recent report conducted by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, just over 47,000 bridges in the United States are classified as structurally deficient or in poor condition. However, the rate at which these bridges are improved is at its lowest point since the Association began monitoring the data. Why do you believe this might be?

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with the city’s Department of Buildings, announced just last month that there would be major updates taking effect in the city’s building code, including reducing barriers to cost-effective construction and developing a wider range of materials and technologies. The changes represent the first major revisions to the standard in 70 years. Do you think other cities are in need of these kinds of upgrades?

A bill was filed by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, after a Florida county’s Bee Ridge treatment facility witnessed a pipe burst, releasing an estimated 900,000 gallons of wastewater, some of which flowed into a stormwater system and out into Sarasota Bay. The proposal suggests that if another sewage spill were to occur, $1 would be fined for every gallon lost. Do you think this legislation will encourage more improvements in wastewater infrastructure?

Recently, Tnemec acquired manufacturer company ProPolymer Coatings. Do you think these new products will be a profitable addition?

In April, a stress corrosion crack was to blame for a gas pipeline explosion that occurred just north of Mexico, Missouri. Reports indicate that the pipeline was previously tested in 2015, involving a magnetic field test. However, when a hydrotest was taken of the pipe following the incident, the test failed four times prior to its success. Do you believe pipeline inspections should be using hydro-technology over magnetic methods?

At the end of April, President Trump and Democratic congressional leaders announced the agreement of a $2 trillion infrastructure plan. However, no agreements were made on how the plan would be paid for. In anticipation of what ideas will be brought to the table in the next bipartisan meeting, how do you think Congress will decide to fund this proposal?

SSPC and NACE have announced that they will be discussing “synergistic opportunities” amongst one another. Do you think this is a good idea?

U.S. Rep. Llyod Smucker, R-Pennsylvania, introduced two bills last month that would create a new immigration visa system for construction and other non-farm work, as well as potentially provide more money for career training and apprenticeships. Regarding the proposal, do you think this solution will prove more useful in the current worker shortage or cause more problems in decreasing wages?

Late last month, North Dakota-based contractor claimed that his company could build 234 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border wall for $1.4 billion, a fraction of the funding requested by the president. Do you think that we will see other companies speaking up to compete for a cheaper solution?

Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, recently brought forth a bill that would set a statewide standard for those working outdoors in relation to heat illness prevention. Currently, OSHA has guidelines and recommendations to avoid heat hazards, but there is no set standard for heat exposure. Should OSHA write its standards or should warmer states be pushing their own legislation?

Last month, Elon Musk and The Boring Company announced its plans for an underground express tunnel in Las Vegas. With various tunnels already completed and others still in the making, none are officially up and running. How soon do you think passengers will be able to experience this hyperloop travel?

In March, the EPA issued a final rule to prohibit the manufacture and importing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride in all paint removers for consumer use, but not for contractors and professionals. Based on the number of health risks, medical claims and even deaths, do you think this is fair to workers who will have to continue to work with the common chemical?

Researchers from Michigan State University plan to add more data-tracking sensors to the Mackinac Bridge. With progression of the prototypes since 2016, do you think this kind of technology will make its way to assist the preservation/management of other bridge structures?

ASTM International announced a new test method for detecting corrosion-inducing bacteria. Do you think that industry professionals will be persuaded to new techniques, or continue to practice conventional test methods?

The Lake Shore Bridge, located in Chicago, recently underwent permanent repairs due to corrosion that was likely exacerbated by extreme weather. Do you think this will become more of a problem with infrastructure?

Aldermen in Evanston, Illinois, recently declined to paint a rail bridge that reportedly does not belong to the city; the bridge belongs to the Union Pacific railroad company. Do you think the company should be held accountable for the bridge's appearance?

Authorities for Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium are seeking $30 million from the state to make repairs to the facility, saying they’d like to get the structure in “preventative maintenance mode.” Do you think preventative maintenance on a structure like this is feasible?

A judge recently ordered a block on preconstruction on the Keystone XL pipeline, which may delay the project even further. Do you think plans for the project will eventually be revised?

What did you enjoy most about SSPC’s Coatings+ 2019?

The company—which gets about $4 billion in incentives—behind a $10 billion Wisconsin project is now unsure what kind of facility they’re going to put on the property. Do you think large incentives are appropriate for construction projects like this one?

A WY utility firm recently announced that it will be replacing its first wind farm, originally commissioned in 1998. Do you think we'll see green elements such as wind farms change as more and more need replaced?

Earlier this month, more repairs were announced for a troubled SC bridge that it has cost the state DOT $6 million in repairs so far. Do you think there is a point where repairs are outweighed by the benefits of building a new structure?

A recent update for the $1.8 billion Las Vegas Stadium project reports that the project is one-third complete and officials have exceeded their diversity performance goals. Do you think such success in these goals will become more common?

Earlier this month, the world’s longest 3D-printed concrete pedestrian bridge was completed in Shanghai’s Wisdom Bay Industrial Park. Do you think this construction method will become more commonly used in building pedestrian bridges?

According to a recent report, the border wall prototype selected for construction was damaged with readily available tools. Do you think the long-term maintenance cost of the U.S. border wall will eventually outweigh initial investment?

The former site of a Massachusetts coal-and-oil plant was recently converted to a solar farm. Do you think this kind of conversion will become more commonplace as the demand for renewable energy continues to increase?

PaintCare Inc. has launched a new grant competition with the goal to develop recycling options for latex paint. Do you think this will help solve the problem of leftover architectural paint?

What are you most looking forward to at SSPC Coatings+ 2019?

Ontario recently unveiled plans for legislation that open up the restrictive bidding process for municipal and public projects, which can only hire from particular union groups or contractors. Do you think this is a positive move?

As bridge design continues to improve, do you think this will have an impact on the projected lifespan of these structures?

Last week, the DOT announced $1.5 billion in Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grants for infrastructure projects. Do you think the funding will increase as infrastructure demands also increase?

Last week, the DOT announced $1.5 billion in Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grants for infrastructure projects. Do you think the funding will increase as infrastructure demands also increase?

Do you expect your company to seriously consider autonomous blasting equipment in the near future in order to cut down on the danger to blasting workers?

Over the past few weeks, a number of announcements regarding multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects have been made. Do you think such large-scale projects will become the norm in the future?

Last week, a lawsuit resulted in the dismantling of wind turbines in Iowa due to zoning issues. Do you think this will become more of an issue as renewable energy expands?

A group of workers and environment and public health advocates recently notified the Environmental Protection Agency of its intent to sue the agency over its failure to finalize a ban on the use of methylene chloride in paint strippers. Do you think enough action has been taken against methylene chloride to date?

OSHA recently released its Top 10 violations for 2018, with fall protection, hazard communication, scaffolds, respiratory protection and lockout/tagout making up the top five violations at least three years in a row. Is this what you expected?

A group of workers and environment and public health advocates recently notified the Environmental Protection Agency of its intent to sue the agency over its failure to finalize a ban on the use of methylene chloride in paint strippers. Do you think enough action has been taken against methylene chloride to date?

Late last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave a nod of approval to a $31B, 70-mile-long coastal barrier that would help protect Texas against future storm surges. Do you think these measures will be enough?

Mexico City’s new $13.3 billion airport—which is about one-third complete—was officially scrapped following a public referendum which ended in 70 percent voting to cancel construction. Have you ever had to stop in the middle of a project?

The Supreme Court rejected hearing the appeal of a ruling that requires paint manufacturers to pay more than $400 million for lead-paint remediation in several municipalities in California. Do you agree that the companies should be held responsible?

Earlier this month, China announced the opening of the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, which connects Hong Kong, Zuhai and Macao. Do you think more countries will invest in such large-scale projects in the future?

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that any environmental regulations regarding the construction or repair of a section of U.S.-Mexico border wall for certain areas in Texas would be waived. Do you think waiving environmental regulations in this context will have a negative impact long-term?

Two more paint companies have reportedly joined other manufacturers and box stores in discontinuing paint-stripping products that contain methylene chloride and NMP. Do you think the industry is moving in the right direction regarding these chemicals?

The Associated General Contractors recently reported skilled labor shortages throughout the U.S. in the construction industry; has your company had trouble filling positions this year?

Earlier this month, a judge stopped the release of records related to the Florida International University bridge collapse. Do you think this was the best choice to protect the investigation?

University of Sheffield researchers recently identified new structural forms for bridges that involve a one- and three- spoke design, allowing for the construction of very long-span bridges in locations where traditional bridges aren't tenable. Do you think long-span bridges will be a crucial part of global infrastructure?

Recent reports indicate that the general contractor on New York's new Cuomo Bridge expressed concerns over pressure to open the bridge before the contractor thought it would be safe and ready. Have you been part of a project in which an asset owner rushed work despite the contractor's concerns?

To help workers in the construction industry identify fall hazards and learn how to create a fall protection system, the American Society of Safety Professionals released a virtual reality app that trains users in settings that mirror actual environments, without the associated dangers. Is this a step in the right direction to combat fall hazards?

The Associated General Contractors recently reported skilled labor shortages throughout the U.S. in the construction industry; has your company had trouble filling positions this year?

A recent survey found that the construction industry is spending $177.5 billion in non-optimal activities, such as fixing mistakes, looking for project data and managing conflict resolution. Do you think embracing more technology would help mitigate some of these issues and ultimately save money?

The state of Maryland is following California’s and Oregon’s lead as the latest state to pass legislation that holds general contractors accountable for wages unpaid by subcontractors. Do you think laws like these are justified?

Plans are in place for offshore wind development both off the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and in the Great Lakes. Is your business preparing for the coating work that will come with more U.S. offshore wind structures?

California legislators recently discussed banning new pipelines in state coastal waters, essentially preventing new offshore drilling in federal waters further out. Should states be able to control offshore development in this way?

The CDC recently found that some of the heat index guidance given by the OSHA might not be sufficient. Do you think your industry takes proper precautions when dealing with heat safety?

A report on issues at a Texas football stadium has found that cracks in the concrete slabs occurred because of excessive water, a result of re-tempering the initial concrete mixture. Is there ever a time when this practice is appropriate?

Officials from chemical company Arkema were recently indicted over explosions that occurred at a Texas plant during Hurricane Harvey last year. Should the company face charges over an incident brought on by such extreme conditions?

Do you belong to any water-industry groups (AWWA, WEF) in addition to coatings- or corrosion-related associations?

NASA recently revealed the finalists for its latest Mars habitat design competition. Is it worth our time and money to work on structures to house people on Mars?

Maryland was the latest state to pass legislation that holds general contractors accountable for wages unpaid by subcontractors. Do you think this practice should become common law in all 50 states?

NASA recently revealed the finalists for its latest Mars habitat design competition. Is it worth our time and money to work on structures to house people on Mars?

A recent report indicates that design-build may be on the rise as a contract model for construction projects in the U.S.; do you think more design-build jobs will have a positive impact on the industry?

Labor shortages and rising steel prices are among some of the top concerns shown in the Q2 2018 United States Gypsum Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index. Are these issues among your top concerns?

Several pipeline and oil and gas companies have gotten mixed results in their bids for exemption from the U.S. steel tariffs so far. In general, should these companies receive exemptions if the best quality steel for the job is from another country?

Talk of a trade war is heating up as Canada and the EU take measures in reaction to the United States' steel tariffs. Will the ultimate effect on the world economy be positive or negative?

The Philadelphia City Council voted last month to implement a new 1 percent tax on construction projects, which would generate about $22 million annually to fund affordable housing. Do you think this is a good plan?

As the year reaches its halfway point, how has your business fared in 2018?

How do you decide what media to use on a given abrasive blasting job?

The Sherwin-Williams Company recently announced that it will be phasing out the use of methylene chloride in its paint removal products by the end of the year. Do you agree with this move?

Methylene chloride paint strippers are being phased out by some companies and retailers ahead of an anticipated partial ban by the EPA. Should they be done away with entirely?

Domino's last week announced a plan to fund road repairs in towns that apply for its help. Should a pizza shop be in the business of fixing infrastructure?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last month that it has decided to move forward on its original ruling on methylene chloride, prohibiting the consumer and commercial paint-stripping uses for the chemical. Do you agree with this move?

A Pittsburgh artist is petitioning his county to save a decades-old series of graffiti geese from being blasted and painted over as part of a current rehab job. Can graffiti be worth saving?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced that in the six months that it has been enforcing its new silica rule it has issued 116 violations. The majority of companies were cited for not measuring silica levels at all. Does this surprise you?

The Canadian government recently decided to buy Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline to ensure that a planned expansion to the line happens. Was this a wise choice?

Elon Musk's Boring Company is seeking an exemption from a traditional environmental review for its tunneling project, but neighbors are suing to make sure a review takes place. Should L.A. require a full review?

New reports indicate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency may not reimburse California fully for repairs to the Oroville Dam. Should FEMA step in to help?

A recent D+D feature described several cases of roof-coating failure that had initially stumped roofing professionals. Have you ever had a job failure that wasn’t caused by what you initially thought?

The U.S. military has expressed recently that it would like to block offshore drilling and wind projects in some U.S. waters where it operates. Should military exercises trump energy development at sea?

A Dutch highway was recently rigged with rumble strips that would "sing" a song when motorists drove over them at the prescribed speed, but the project ended when nearby residents objected to the noise. Cool idea or just plain annoying?

Are you or your company participating in OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down held this week?

A recent blog on the role of architects states, "As a professional providing a service, an architect's first duty is to his or her client, with a supplementary duty to the public for safety and welfare." Do you agree?

Mississippi’s governor recently closed dozens of bridges in the state because they did not meet safety standards. Should more states be taking bridge condition more seriously and shutting down unsafe spans?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued a new bulletin regarding hearing loss brought on by solvent exposure. Do you think the painting industry properly educated on ototoxicity?

Last month’s Gulf of Mexico offshore drilling lease auction offered more acreage than any before it, but resulted in only about $3.5 million more in bids compared with last year’s auction. Will energy companies be investing considerably more in U.S. offshore drilling in the coming years?

Concrete sealers, like almost every other construction material, have limitations. Which facet do you think is the most misunderstood?

A recent PaintSquare blog by Robert Ikenberry stressed the importance of jobsite photography. Do you take photos for documentation throughout a project?

The U.S. government has instituted tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from other countries, after years of alleged “dumping” that critics say hurt American steelmakers. Is this a positive move for the United States?

Officials in charge of San Francisco’s sinking/tilting Millennium Tower are looking at micropiling as a way to stabilize the structure. Do you think this will be a sustainable solution?

Reports surfaced last month that New York State police is investigating Turner Construction for bid-rigging and kickback schemes. Do you think the U.S. has a pay-to-play problem in the construction industry?

SSPC recently opened a call for papers for its Coatings+ conference in Feburary 2019. Will you be submitting a potential presentation?

A water tower construction project in Texas was recently put on hold after a single endangered toad was found at the jobsite. Are environmental rules like this going too far?

It was recently revealed that parts of the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster are being converted into a solar farm that can power 2,000 homes. Should renewable energy become commonplace on sites with toxic or radioactive waste risks?

The Pennsylvania DOT is filling plug welds with bolts on 13 bridges in the wake of last year’s damage to the Delaware River Turnpike Bridge. Is this good preventive maintenance or is it unnecessary?

A Bahamas developer recently filed suit against China Construction America Inc. for $2.25 billion in damages and charges the firm with submitting fraudulent bills and collecting undeserved fees in regard to the bloated and delayed $3.9 million Baha Mar resort. Do you think the amount of damages the developer is claiming is accurate?

How important are industry conferences and trade shows to your business?

What did you enjoy most about SSPC 2018?

The seventh stadium under construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the world’s first modular stadium, made of shipping containers, allowing it to be disassembled and reassembled practically anywhere. Do you think this type of stadium construction will catch on?

How often do you work with coatings for concrete?

What do you think of the decision to rename the SSPC conference "Coatings+" starting in 2019?

In early December, it took officials two attempts to implode Michigan’s Pontiac Silverdome. After the initial attempt, no one spoke about the situation until 30 minutes before the second attempt the following day. Do you think that was handled appropriately?

Researchers at a U.K. university have reportedly developed a method of 3-D printing stainless steel that’s stronger and more ductile than steel printed with current methods. Will "printing" large steel structures be commonplace in the future?

What do you expect will be the biggest story in the protective coatings field in 2018?

In November, archaeologists indicated that the remains of more than 400 human skeletons had been removed from a city construction site. Have you ever run into anything bizarre on a job site?

A major infrastructure plan is reportedly a priority for early 2018 in Washington, D.C. Do you think an infrastructure bill will jumpstart construction this year?

As 2017 comes to a close, how do you feel the economy treated your company this year?

Do you expect your company to seriously consider autonomous blasting equipment in the near future in order to cut down on the danger to blasting workers?

A Canadian worker’s recent death has been blamed on an allergic reaction to walnut-shell blasting media. Should these products be subject to further safety regulations?

Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline has faced controversy over the past year, as more and more gaps in the underwater line’s coating have been discovered. Should the 60-year-old liquids pipeline be retired?

The retaliation portion of OSHA's Final Rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses puts another layer of enforcement on Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which prohibits any person from discharging or discriminating against an employee who reports a fatality, injury or illness. Do you think this is necessary?

A “Live Stadium Cam” has been set up so that those interested can watch the construction of the new NFL Raiders stadium in Las Vegas, which broke ground in mid-November. Do you think there is value in live streaming construction?

California recently passed the “Buy Clean California Act,” requiring state contractors to use materials with low carbon impact. Are laws like this a positive step?

Last month, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a controversial bill on worker safety, effectively mandating that 180,000 city construction workers need 40-55 hours of safety training before December 2018. Do you agree that this extra training is needed?

A Canadian worker’s recent death has been blamed on an allergic reaction to walnut-shell blasting media. Should these products be subject to further safety regulations?

A home builder in Springfield, Missouri, decided to take catching construction equipment thieves into his own hands recently, investing in GPS tracking devices for all of his equipment and, eventually, helping the police. Would you invest in similar practices to protect your own equipment?

Specialty chemicals firm Arkema is facing a criminal investigation by the Harris County District Attorney, in addition to a number of lawsuits from neighbors and first responders in Crosby, Texas, where one of its facilities was the location of a number of explosions triggered in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in August. Do you think the company should be held liable for what happened in the wake of the hurricane?

Aside from price, what is the primary factor influencing your decision to buy surface prep and application equipment instead of renting or leasing?

Overall, do you find that your company buys, rents or leases surface prep and application equipment for your coating projects? Select one, and please explain why in comments.

In response to Hurricane Irma, the secretary of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation suspended the regulation that a licensed general, building or residential contractor is required to subcontract out roofing work, allowing repairs in the state to get done quicker. Do you agree with this decision?

The $3B Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline began construction in September, having received the last of the necessary state permits earlier that month. However, the pipeline does face at least one more hurdle: A lawsuit brought by a group of Catholic nuns whose plot of land would be divided by the construction, which says the division breaches their religious freedom. Do you agree?

Do you ever use waterjetting as part of the surface preparation work you do?

Registration for SSPC 2018 is now open! Are you planning to attend?

After three Miami construction cranes snapped in the wake of Hurricane Irma in September, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said that the city would consider stricter codes for the cranes in the future, even if it would cause building costs to rise. The cranes are currently supposed to withstand 145 mph winds. Do you think crane codes should be increased?

Recent research indicates that paraffin wax may be key to creating concrete roadways that deice themselves. Will developments like this eventually lead to the elimination of road salts?

The president of the Gilders’ Studio noted in an interview with D+D last month that industry-wide education is lacking when it comes to understanding what exactly gilders do. Do you think the knowledge gap between specialties in the industry has gotten too wide?

A federal appeals court recently sent a pipeline approval back to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, asking FERC to consider the greenhouse-gas effects of the product the pipelines will move as part of its environmental impact. Will this ruling change the way pipelines are permitted in the U.S.?

A plan for a bullet train in Texas continues to move forward, while Caltrans recently released a report supporting its plans to expand rail travel in California. How great a role will rail play in the next 20 years of transit development in the U.S.?

Black market OSHA training cards are on the rise again, according to an investigation last month. The agency is reportedly releasing new, plastic cards equipped with QR codes to curb the fraud. Do you think this will help?

In August, construction on the world’s skinniest skyscraper was halted because of severe cost overruns. This is partially due to an omission of major necessities—such as cranes—from the budget. Have you ever forgotten to budget for something your project needed?

Last month, 4th Coast Productions released its new documentary, Bridge Brothers, chronicling two bridge-painting jobs in the Philadelphia area and following some of the workers. Have you seen the film yet?

A coastal North Carolina apartment building was evacuated due to extensive corrosion, bringing to light the lack of regular inspections on seafront buildings. Do you think routine inspections should be mandated?

Several states have passed or discussed “Buy American” rules for steel and other materials on public works projects recently, in addition to President Donald J. Trump’s executive order calling on pipeline companies to use U.S.-made materials. Are these laws a step in the right direction?

A global group focused on infrastructure recently reported that the world will need to step up its spending in the next 20 years in order to keep up with the demand for new infrastructure and fixes to what already exists. Will world governments and private investors heed this call?

Specifier Sheldon Wolfe writes in the most recent “Let’s Fix Construction” blog post that he’s concerned about how the job of specifier will be impacted in the coming years with technological advancement. Are you worried about the role of specifier?

With 2017 half over, how has your business performed so far this calendar year?

What method of surface preparation does your company use most often on jobs?

In a recent Let’s Fix Construction Blog, specifier Cherise Lakeside made the claim that millennials in the industry are being neglected, notably by manufacturers and product reps. Do you agree?

A Connecticut man was recently convicted of faking a bridge inspection, leading to the reinspection of dozens of bridges in the region. In cases like this, should an inspector’s employer also be held responsible?

In late May, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law HB 1279, a measure that makes it more difficult for homeowners' associations to file lawsuits against builders over construction defects. Do you think this measure was a good idea?

How much do you think regulations regarding lead paint abatement will relax during the Trump administration's tenure?

Extensive corrosion has plagued the century-old USS Texas battleship, which serves as a floating museum in LaPorte, Texas, and the state has sunk tens of millions of dollars into repairing it. Should the efforts to preserve the ship continue?

What is the best way to help prepare young people for careers in the paints and coatings industry?

Some of the industry’s largest companies have merged or discussed merging in recent years. Will this trend continue in the years to come?

A group of South Korean designers has proposed inserting towers into the hollowed-out trunks of giant sequoia trees. Do you think this is a good idea?

A Florida state transportation panel recently chose a contractor for an $800 million reconstruction of Interstate 395 in Miami, including the design for its “signature bridge” with no public input. Was that wise?

Business magnate Elon Musk announced a plan to construct tunnels under cities for the purpose of using high-speed electric sleds to maneuver vehicles around traffic. Is this plan feasible?

A Florida startup is looking to introduce a painting drone for industrial applications by year’s end. Do drones represent the future of painting in the industrial sector?

Colorado is revamping its construction defects law to give developers and homeowners a chance to work out problems outside of the courtroom. Is this a good idea?

Environmental Protection Agency officials have proposed to cut two programs that help much of the country with lead paint safety in order to comply with President Donald J. Trump’s budget cuts. Do you think states will be able to pick up the slack if these federal programs are cut?

Some local and state governments have moved to punish contractors involved with the potential construction of President Trump’s Mexican border wall by denying them contracts. Is this a fair move?

Which new technology will have the greatest impact on the bridge coating business in the next 25 years?

A recently constructed roadway in Ireland includes a “bat bridge,” to help maintain the flight path of a threatened species of native bat. What do you think of these kinds of infrastructure investments for the benefit of wildlife?

The Trump administration is looking to expand offshore drilling off of U.S. coastlines. Good idea or bad?

Manufacturers are increasingly using robots to perform repetitive tasks to save time and money. Is this a serious threat to the construction work force?

The new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur, California, will be constructed using the “roller launch” or “bridge launch” method. Are you familiar with this method of bridge construction?

Paid maternity leave benefits are virtually unheard of in the building trades. Does your company offer paid maternity leave?

The Iron Workers union recently announced the introduction of a paid maternity-leave benefit for its members. Should more employers in the American construction and infrastructure industries follow suit?

Has your company considered using robotics technology for paint application?

Paint companies and other suppliers sometimes find themselves in hot water over advertising and other promotional claims. How would you address a claim you believe to be false with respect to a coatings product?

A Massachusetts painter was recently killed when his scissor lift came into contact with power lines. Have you or a member of your crew ever had a close call around power lines?

An energy company recently won a contract for the United States' second offshore wind farm, which could take decades to build. Are more offshore wind arrays on the horizon for the U.S.?

What was your favorite part of NACE Corrosion 2017?

Federal lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that aims to bolster construction of high-rise wood buildings in the U.S. Opponents argue the measure puts the government in the position of promoting one building material over the others. Do you support this measure?

The Federal Highway Administration is researching augmented reality, an immersive technology that allows a user to see virtual computer-generated images mixed with their actual surroundings in real time, for use on construction sites. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?

Has your company considered using more novel approaches to surface preparation, such as dry-ice blasting or laser cleaning, in its operations?

Are you attending NACE International's Corrosion 2017 Conference and Expo?

According to Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.’s blog on D+D, there are varying approaches to surface preparation of weathering steel when replacing sealant. Which approach are you most likely to follow?

Several lawmakers have introduced legislation to limit or repeal the Davis-Bacon Act, which ties wages on construction projects to a “prevailing wage” for the type of work being done and the area it’s being done in. Is this a good or bad idea?

In a recent study, 91 percent of building owners and contractors agreed that collaboration reduces risk in construction, with the most effective strategies involving formal brainstorming and regular meetings with the full project team. How often do you meet with your team?

A recent climate-change readiness report in Boston includes the possible construction of a seawall in Boston Harbor to guard the city from rising waters. Will new sea barriers be a more common infrastructure project worldwide in the coming decades?

President Trump recently called on executive departments to identify regulations that might serve well to be repealed or modified. Will the coming regulation reduction be positive for the industry on the whole?

How are you preparing for OSHA’s new regulations on respirable silica dust?

Changes to EPA rules for hazardous waste generators are changing April 28, with major alterations set to affect many, including coating manufacturers and field paint removal contractors. Is your firm preparing for the new regulations?

Wood Mackenzie predicts that oil and gas project spending will be up worldwide this year for the first time since 2014. Are you expecting a boost in business as a result?

How prevalent will autonomous or robotic systems for surface preparation become over the next decade?

Recently Greenpeace protesters were able to access a construction site crane to hang a large poster in Washington D.C. How secure is your construction jobsite?

President Trump, in an executive order last month, declared that “all new pipelines, as well as retrofitted, repaired or extended pipelines, inside the borders of the United States,” should use materials produced in the United States “to the maximum extent possible.” Will new American pipelines be manufactured mainly in the U.S. in the coming years?

How often do you specify new coatings technologies?

What did you learn the most about at this year’s SSPC conference?

A paint maker recently donated over 3,500 gallons of product to help rebuild homes of hurricane and earthquake victims in Haiti. Has your company donated time or resources to rebuilding after natural disasters, either on the local, national or international scale?

Has your company taken advantage of on-site trainings and certifications at SSPC this year or in the past?

Construction spending patterns vary among public and private segments. Which segment do you think will show the most promise this year?

What part of SSPC 2017 are you most excited about?

Numerous mergers and acquisition in the coatings and chemical industry were announced in 2016. Do you think it will keep pace in 2017?

What are you most looking forward to at SSPC 2018?

OSHA’s recent “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses” rule requires employers to submit detailed injury and illness logs to the Agency and some of this information will be made public. Is this regulation a good or bad idea?

President-elect Trump announced a $1 trillion infrastructure improvement plan as part of his campaign, but some critics say that will be difficult to achieve. Do you think the plan will come together in 2017?

Numerous mergers and acquisition in the coatings and chemical industry were announced in 2016. Do you think it will keep pace in 2017?

Will the U.S. oil and gas industry grow or falter in 2017?

D+D News recently reported on a "field school" program the Concrete Preservation Institute runs for students on Alcatraz Island. How important are large-scale, hands-on training programs like this for those interested in careers in construction?

When it comes to promotion and technology, which of the following will receive the greatest investment at your company in 2017?

A group of Construction Specifications Institute members have started an online initiative called “Let’s Fix Construction,” encouraging discourse on issues ranging from project collaboration to the lack of technical knowledge in construction documents. Do you believe construction is broken?

Shortly after the U.S. election, the American Institute of Architects issued, and then apologized for, a statement in which the organization said its members "stand ready to work with" President-elect Donald Trump on schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects. Was the apology warranted?

Do you find safety rules and regulations governing scaffolds and scaffold-related hazards such as falls, failing objects, structural instability, overloading and electrocution easy to understand and follow? *Editor's Note: Poll answer options were updated Nov. 22.

Some subcontractors working on the new hockey arena in Detroit are facing fines for not hiring enough local workers; contractors have said they simply can't find skilled help in the area. Are local-hiring mandates on big jobs like this a good idea, or unfair?

Will you be voting in the upcoming U.S. election?

How often should building codes be revised to stay abreast of any significant building or energy efficient practices?

A recent survey found that less than 10 percent of Millennials are interested in working in construction, retail or manufacturing careers. What would help the construction industry attract these workers?

A recent MIT study found that women training to be engineers experienced negative group dynamics, felt marginalized and were assigned less challenging tasks than their male counterparts. Has this been your experience?

How do you like to learn new skills for your job?

Do you take advantage of free webinar programming offered by Technology Publishing Co. and other organizations?

When do you hire a consultant?

Steel manufacturers in Europe have cut more than 5,000 steelworker jobs in the past year. Manufacturers blame cheaper Chinese steel imports for causing the problem. Do you agree?

Would you recommend a career in coatings for your son or daughter?

Drones are increasingly being used for bridge inspections; do you think drones are as effective at detecting bridge defects as people are?

What best describes your role in the industry?

What technology do you use to view your PaintSquare Daily News newsletters?

Will you be attending the SSPC 2016 featuring GreenCOAT conference Jan. 18-21 in San Antonio?

What do you think of OSHA's proposed fine increases for 2016?

Does your company offer bonuses during the holiday season?

Engineers in England plan to build a new pedestrian- and bicycle-only bridge to serve the type of transportation Europeans embrace. Do you think infrastructure projects like this in the U.S. would encourage Americans to do more walking or biking?

Is there a shortage of qualified workers to fill available positions in your company?

How many trade shows or other industry events do you attend per year?

During the winter and holiday season, how much is your workload affected?

The House of Representatives recently passed a six-year transportation bill, but it includes funding for only the first three years. To “unlock” the last three years of spending authorization, Congress must come up with the money first. If the bill becomes law, where do you think new funding should come from?

Some roadways, like the new LBJ Expressway in Dallas, are charging varying toll rates, based on traffic volume and peak usage times, as a means to repay private investors in public-private partnership (P3) highway projects. Do you think this is a wise move?

Transcontinental crude oil pipelines are facing opposition due to concerns over corrosion-related leaks or spills. Is the opposition for this reason warranted?

Of the 2016 presidential candidates campaigning now, do you think a Republican or Democrat will prove better for the nation’s infrastructure and related industries?

Has your jobsite ever been inspected by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration?

How would you describe your email habits?

It seems that bridge failures have been making the headlines more frequently, and many U.S. bridges are nearing or exceeding their life expectancy. Do you think most bridges are safe?

How often do you or your employees seek additional training?

How would you describe your email habits?

Drones are seeing more use in infrastructure work. Does your company plan to use them?

Drones are becoming increasingly popular for construction work. Does your company plan to use them?

A Pennsylvania roofer is facing 25 years in prison for lying, and ordering employees to lie, to OSHA inspectors after a worker was killed in a 45-foot fall. Does the potential punishment fit the crime?

What are the odds that Congress will come through with a three-year or longer transportation bill this year?

How much gray hair does your company have?

How much gray hair does your staff have?

How will you spend Fourth of July?

While Duke Energy will pay more than $100 million in an EPA case for a coal-ash spill, two companies will each pay just $2,000 for a tunnel collapse that injured five workers. Does EPA have too much enforcement power, OSHA not enough, both, or neither?

Does OSHA need more authority to address its most flagrant repeat violators?

Planning a vacation this summer?

California regularly sets up “stings” of unlicensed contractors by posing as homeowners, soliciting bids for projects that require licenses, then arresting the individuals. What do you think of this strategy?

Florida is weighing a seven-year statute of limitations on lawsuits over construction defects. What time limit should exist for filing suit over construction defects after a project is completed?

Indiana has scrapped its 80-year-old system for setting minimum wages on major public-works projects. What do you say?

A recent poll of women architects in the UK found increased reports of sex discrimination just since last year. What do you see?

A proposed Iowa law would require companies planning mega-projects to obtain agreements with 75% of the affected property owners before seeking eminent-domain authority. Good law or bad law?

NIOSH has recommended that all U.S. workplaces be smokefree (including e-cigarettes). Do you support this idea?

Private energy companies are invoking eminent domain authority to gain access to homeowner property, saying their pipeline surveys have a public function. What do you think?

Florida wants to again tighten the statute of limitations for suing over construction defects, even for public works construction. How long should builders, developers and contractors be on the hook for their work?

A Chinese company has 3D-printed a five-story apartment building. Would you live in it?

March Madness will cost employers $1.2 billion for each hour of lost worker production in the first week of the tourney. Is the madness affecting your workplace?

OSHA will not investigate a scaffolding collapse in Portland that damaged property but did not injure anyone. Should some federal agency be required to review job-site accidents that occur when no one is working?

What is the best way to fund infrastructure maintenance in the U.S. going forward?

The Urban Death Project, led by an architect, is proposing a three-story human composting operation that would turn "bodies into soil-building material." What do you think of this idea?

After numerous warnings, federal OSHA has rejected Arizona’s residential fall-protection guidelines as too lenient. Should states be allowed to craft standards that are looser than federal OSHA’s?

Winter storms have wreaked havoc with buildings throughout the U.S. Northeast. How much snow and ice accumulation do you allow on your rooftops before removing or melting it?

The Keystone XL pipeline project is back on hold after a presidential veto, while the State Department reviews the project again. No action date has been set. What should happen next?

Assuming the highest level of competence by each, who is generally the better painter: a robot or a human?

M/W/DBE fraud has been widely reported lately. What's the best way to address that problem?

M/W/DBE fraud has been widely reported lately. What's the best way to address that problem?

U.S. construction activity was up about 7 percent from 2013 to 2014. What do you see for 2015?

Are you making New Year's resolutions for 2015?

Are you making New Year's resolutions for 2015?

What would help your business most in 2015?

Bill Gates and other private owners of an otherwise-sound bridge are under pressure to paint it. What maintenance duties do private owners of infrastructure have?

Wal-Mart has spent $2M appealing a $7,000 OSHA fine from the 2008 Black Friday trampling death of an employee. Should the appeal continue?

A building collapse in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter has raised concern over city building inspections, which do not include structural interiors. What do you think of this policy?

After 4½ years, the EPA is set to announce Dec. 19 whether it will reclassify coal ash as hazardous waste. What’s your prediction?

Do you conduct drug tests on your employees?

A new DOD policy will allow up to 1,500 undocumented immigrants with “high-demand skills” to serve in the U.S. military. Ok by you?

What is your top priority in evaluating a green building product?

A proposed U.S. rule would ban “pay secrecy” by federal contractors and allow those workers to openly share wage information. What do you think?

Election Day in the U.S. is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Will you vote?

What is the best way for employers to ensure that employees who are provided fall protection actually wear it?

Should the American Institute of Architects amend its Ethics Code to "prohibit the design of spaces for torture or killing?"

Several contractors have been busted for using MBE/DBE-certified firms as “pass-throughs” to gain government contracts. How common do you think this practice is?

A proposed U.S. rule would prohibit "pay secrecy" by federal contractors and protect workers who discuss company wages. What’s your view?

Fewer young U.S. architects are seeking licensing. How important do you think it is for architects to become licensed?

This Labor Day, how do you size up the trade union movement?

Do we still need construction trade unions?

Which of these would be most likely to change your safety practices?

The U.S. Congress is winding up the August vacation it mandated in 1970. It also took off three weeks before March 10, and the House has shortened its 2014 calendar. You’re paying these folks. How much time off should they have in a year?

Five mega-projects are competing for ASCE’s Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award. Which gets your vote?

Many builders are reporting fewer shortages and better prices for building materials compared to last year. What are you seeing?

The California Supreme Court has ruled that principal architects are legally liable for the consequences of their designs, even if the architect did not have the final say on construction. Fair or unfair?

A new U.S. Executive Order will require bidders for major federal contracts to report recent wage, safety or other labor law violations. Good idea or bad idea?

In general, how often do you see workers using appropriate fall protection measures and equipment in roofing work?

Trading time is over. Who’s your pick for the 2014 World Series champs?

Who, in your experience, is usually the weakest link in the project team?

Four years on, how would you describe EPA’s enforcement of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program?

The U.S. Highway Trust Fund is set to go broke in August. What should Congress do?

Who, in your experience, tends most often to be the weakest link in the project team?

New U.S. rules are in effect to increase hiring of veterans and individuals with disabilities. Have these mandates affected your hiring practices?

What is your priority in evaluating a job applicant?

How is your summer business season going, compared to last summer’s?

A California utility wants the authority to remove trees and structures from private property if they threaten pipeline integrity. What do you think?

What should a builder do if he or she encounters design or specification issues that may affect a building’s integrity or performance?

How does your 2014 summer work season look, compared to last year’s?

Planning a vacation this summer?

Two-thirds of construction firms say they’re having a hard time finding qualified workers. How about you and your company?

On average, how much time do you spend each month expanding your job training/education (e.g., attending webinars or training, reading journals)?

California regulators fined and halted a $6.34M drywall project because the contractor had no license, although he had applied four months earlier. What do you think?

The U.S. State Department has put an indefinite hold on the Keystone XL pipeline, due to 2 million new public comments and a lawsuit in Nebraska. What do you think?

With so many conferences competing for your time and money, what’s your priority for attending or exhibiting?

How much training do you/your employees receive in dealing with emergencies (fire, structural collapse, etc.) on a work site?

The new color of the Jimmie Davis Bridge in Louisiana is being chosen by a public vote. (Note: Voting ends May 2.) Good idea or bad idea?

How do you rank your priorities in evaluating a current or future job?

California is weighing a bill that would hold contractors liable for wages, taxes and workers comp shortchanged by subcontractors and temp agencies. Good idea or bad idea?

California is targeting two specific chemicals used in paint stripper and spray polyurethane foam. What do you think?

What legislative priority should the American Coatings Association’s PaintPAC be looking for in its political candidates this year?

What aspect of building performance and aesthetics most interests you?

How did you make your March Madness bracket picks this year?

SSPC is developing an Applicator Certification Standard for commercial painters. What do you think of this idea?

Some in the U.S. Congress have proposed allowing the states, rather than the federal government, to oversee the U.S. highway and surface transportation system. Good idea or bad idea?

What industry economic indicators do you follow most closely?

How did you watch the Olympics this year?

How important is it to you to use green building products and materials when they are an option?

Did you attend SSPC 2014, and was it worth it?

New research calls construction fraud an epidemic with many forms. What do you think?

A bill now before Congress would raise the federal minimum hourly wage to $10.10. Should Congress pass the bill, kill it, or pursue an amended version?

Some building professionals complain that building codes are revised too often. How often should codes be revised for significant building or energy-efficient practices?

The 112th Congress was one of the least productive in U.S. history. Who carries most of the blame for that?

As of Jan. 1, 21 states now pay more (some substantially more) than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Whom do you think should set minimum wage?

Call them resolutions, or call them goals. Have you set any for 2014?

Are you making any New Year’s resolutions this year? If so, what kind?

What song best sums up 2013 for you?

What’s been your experience with the bidding climate of the last 12 months?

What impact do you expect on your business from the forthcoming changes in LEED v4?

On average, about how many “Top News” articles in D+D News do you skim or read each day?

On average, about how many “Top News” articles in PaintSquare News do you skim or read each day?

What, in your experience, is the top cause of coating project failures?

The world’s largest labor group accuses Qatar of near-slavery treatment of World Cup 2022 construction workers. What should World Cup sponsor FIFA do?

Deaths and citations from worksite falls are reaching new highs. Why don’t more workers use appropriate fall protection?

Whom do you hold most responsible for the U.S. budget impasse and government shutdown?

Overall, how well prepared are your entry-level hires by their respective programs?

What type of information/articles in Durability + Design Magazine would be of most value to you?

Employers report difficulty in finding skilled workers at all levels. Do you think good help is hard to find these days?

After decades of non-regulatory approaches, OSHA has proposed a rule to limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Do you favor this rule?

New high school seniors are weighing options for after graduation. What next step would you advise for a new high school graduate?

What does Labor Day mean to you?

Recent fatal structural collapses have led to criminal charges against site owners, contractors and even local authorities. In general, should these accidents be investigated as crimes?

New high school seniors are weighing options for after graduation. What next step would you advise for a new high school graduate?

Which work pressure is most likely to keep you up at night?

Have gas prices and the economy crimped your summer vacation plans?

Once you’ve identified a product or service that you plan to buy, what’s your next purchasing criterion?

What’s your favorite social media outlet for business these days?

In general, which choice best describes the quality of architectural specifications today?

The U.S. has removed limits on the value of contracts that may be set aside for women-owned small businesses. What do you think?

What is your preferred social media tool for business?

Some readers suggest that client pressure may cause inspectors to shade the findings of a technical assessment or other report. How often do you think this occurs?

What do you think is the most effective way to prevent or resolve project disputes?

The U.S. has removed limits on the value of contracts that may be set aside for women-owned small businesses. Do you think this is a good move?

Architects in the UK, where the average one-bedroom home is 495 square feet, are fighting for larger mandated minimum home sizes. Do you agree with this effort?

What is your biggest source of work stress?

What do you advise President Obama on the Keystone XL Pipeline project?

What sort of name would be best for the New International Trade Crossing between Detroit and Ontario?

Some in Congress have adopted a “zero compromise” approach to the federal budget, no matter the consequences. What do you think of this approach?

Durability + Design is developing a Video How-To series. What topics would interest you most?

PaintSquare is developing a Video How-To Series. What topics would interest you most?

Federal lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to allow homeowners to opt out of the EPA’s lead-safe painting requirements. Do you support this plan?

Overall, how valuable do you find professional certification programs?

President Obama has proposed a “Fix it First” program for infrastructure, funded by a public-private Partnership to Rebuild America. What should Congress do with these ideas?

How does your upcoming peak season look, compared to last year?

Do you think sales restrictions on spray paint help prevent graffiti vandalism?

Overall, how do you feel about the quality of today’s coating inspectors?

How would tightening immigration laws affect the coatings and construction industries?

What industry trends do you follow most closely?

As the economy demands doing more with less, what do you feel gets shortchanged most often in the process?

Overall, where would you rather work/manage others: a union company or an open shop?

Where do you weigh in on green practices and products?

Do you plan to attend SSPC 2013?

How do you expect Hurricane Sandy to affect your business?

The U.S. National Hockey League lockout has already cancelled the pre-season. Whom do you blame?

In your experience, what is the most common cause of premature coating failures?

What is your current/prospective market?

Good news! A magic genie will grant you one wish to improve your business. (Bad news: He has no money.) Which do you want?

What is the owner’s obligation to inform a contractor about lead or other hazardous material in a coating to be removed or disturbed?

OSHA’s UK counterpart is adapting a “loser pays” system, in which companies that break health and safety laws would have to help pay for investigation and enforcement. What do you think of this idea?

What types of mistakes do you see most often in coating work?

What, in your experience, is responsible for most coating failures?

How do your current new hires and applicants generally compare to those of yesteryear?

A Pennsylvania painting company owner faces criminal charges for the electrocution of an employee. Authorities say he ignored the presence of high-power lines on a job site. Is the charge fair?

Free JPCL/SSPC webinars in which area would be most helpful to you?

What is the most common cause of coating failures?

What impact overall do you believe that unions have on today’s coatings projects?

What is the biggest health and safety challenge facing construction, remodeling and painting-contractor companies?

Work-site webcams are becoming more popular, to give taxpayers, supervisors and clients a front seat at the action. Would you allow this technology on one of your projects?

SSPC has developed a qualification procedure and certification program for commercial painting contractors, SSPC-QP 9, which requires on-site audits at the contractor’s office and work sites. What is likely to be the most significant result of this initiative?

What area of infrastructure is most likely to see the next major failure, due to neglect?

Where should architects and specifiers acquire their knowledge about product selection and technology?

Have you cut back on your profit margins and charges to get business in the current economy?

What is the best way for the US to invest in its infrastructure needs?

Where do you turn first when you encounter a significant problem on a coatings project?

Half of Massachusetts’ bridge and highway projects are completed late—many of them, years late, a new report shows. In your experience, what is the chief cause of project delays?

SSPC recently announced the launch of a new Commercial/Light Industrial Interest Group that will focus on developing standards and guides related to surface preparation, coatings selection and coatings application for this sector. What do you believe is the most important need in this market?

In your experience, what is the most common cause of premature coating failures?

In your experience, what is the most common cause of premature coating failures?

What kind of information do you think users need more from manufacturers of coatings and other building materials?

What’s your biggest professional pet peeve?

How do you generally feel about today’s younger applicants in the industry?

Overall, how do today’s integrity, craftsmanship and quality in industrial painting compare to a generation ago?

In what areas of your work would you like to see more apps or online tools?

Greenwashing is a recently coined term describing use of deceptive or unproven claims about the environmental friendliness of a product or company. How prevalent is the practice of greenwashing?

Two contractors are accused of raking in millions of dollars by running a bogus Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) company to gain federal contracts. What do you think of the DBE and Women/Minority BE programs?

What percentage of contractors will notify facility owners of the potential lead paint hazards and will then test for lead when required for renovation activities under the new RRP rule?

What does Japan's nuclear crisis mean for the future of nuclear power in the US?

What should happen to public-sector unions?

When you are deciding on coatings and similar products to use or specify, where do you get the majority of your information?

What is the hardest issue you face in coating work?

What do you think of President Obama’s six-year, $556 billion infrastructure/transit proposal?

In what technical area is there the greatest need for standards on architectural coatings and coating work?

How often do you participate in, or review, webinars or online training to enhance your professional development?

What should the federal government do to respond to criticisms of the new lead-paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule?

What will happen to the regulatory climate, especially with OSHA and EPA, in 2011?

What do you think is the biggest cause of coating failures?

When is 3rd coating party inspection justified on commercial coating work?

The economy is pressuring many contractors to bid as low as possible, which has led many to cut corners wherever possible. As a contractor, how often do you attempt to meet only the minimum specifications for surface preparation and coatings application?

Submitted by Jesse Chasteen
Kalispell, MT

What is the biggest area of challenge in quality control of coating work?
 
 
   

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