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How to Maximize The Efficiency of the HDD Method?

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a process of allowing for cost-effective and timely installation of utility lines through the use of drills that can bore underground and underneath roadways and waterways with ease. 

There are many ways to increase efficiency in this regard, as follows:

Clear The Area Of Debris

Before the drilling work can begin, the hdd contractor must ensure that all debris within an area of 500 feet around the exit points of the borehole is removed. This includes man-made obstructions, environmental obstructions, and anything else that might hinder the process. This seemingly small task goes a long way in making sure everything goes smoothly.

Know What's Below The Surface

Knowing what type of soil and rock is below the surface will allow you to ensure that you're using the correct drill bits. Using incorrect drill bits can lead to costly repairs, delays in the project, and even early equipment failure. A geologist or other knowledgeable person about underground conditions can be a big help with this part.

Be Aware Of Nearby Utilities

Utility lines from the power, telephone, cable, and gas companies may be running through an area where you will be doing a horizontal directional drill. You can avoid disrupting their lines by knowing exactly where they are located in the ground. This can be achieved by calling the companies to get the necessary information.

Minimize Traffic Disturbances

Everyone must know where equipment, supplies, and other items are at all times during the work period. This is especially true for equipment like trucks and bulldozers, which can cause traffic disruptions around the area.

The Path Must-Have High-Quality References

The HDD drill rig has a number of sensors that help it determine where it is at all times in relation to its path. Soil density and the presence of mineral concentrations can affect these sensors as well as the path itself if there is any sort of curvature to it as the drill head moves along. The more accurate and uniform these references are throughout, the easier it will be for workers to create a highly efficient path.

Use The Right Equipment And Tools

Ensuring that you have all necessary equipment, tools, and supplies ready before the project even begins will go a long way in increasing productivity. Having to stop mid-project to restock on any of these things leads to a loss of time and money, so make sure you have a plan in place before beginning.

Be Cautious About Weather Conditions During The Installation Process

It is important to avoid wet soil conditions whenever possible. Water in the ground can cause the borehole to become unstable and larger than planned, which will result in higher costs. 

Workers Must Be Highly Trained

Before an HDD operation can begin, there has to be a highly trained team of workers, including a reliable  hdd contractor, who understand exactly how everything is going to work. 

The intricacies involved in aligning the drill head with specific angles and exact positions at various depths within the Earth's surface can only come from workers with experience and extensive training with the horizontal directional drilling method.

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How to Maintain and Clean Your Laboratory Incubators

Laboratory incubators have a wide range of applications and are mostly used in laboratories dedicated to microbiology, pharmaceuticals as well as in industries such as cosmetics, food and beverage, agriculture, and life science.

 Cleanliness is of the highest priorities when operating and working with a laboratory incubator. Germs and other contaminants may end up affecting the samples through air movement in the chamber or impurities on the chamber surfaces. 

 In order to maintain the cleanliness of the incubator, its chamber is designed to be as ergonomic as possible and without any sharp edges. The interiors are made of corrosion-free stainless steel to make cleaning easier. 

 Reducing contamination is in fact a major aim for designing an incubator. Some manufacturers offer antimicrobial copper, decontamination cycles, programmable alarms, and various use of components to this end.

 In order to keep the incubator functioning properly, regular maintenance cleaning must be done.

Clean the incubator once or twice a month then allow it to air dry.

Check the incubator once a week and take-out unused cultures.

Remove dust on top of the unit. Wipe down the doors and handles with 70% ethanol.

Clean any and all spills immediately.

Hettich, the global leader among incubator manufacturers, has engineered and manufactured the HettCube Incubator which internal lining, drawers, and shelves are made of stainless steel that can be readily removed for thorough cleaning and autoclaving. 

HettCubes need only one door and do not require an inner door, with an optional glass door This allows a true one-hand operation.

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Ng You Zhi’s Law of Attraction Tips to Get Results Faster

I have to admit using the Law of Attraction to create the life I want was not easy at first. Yes, even if Ng You Zhi is now a super manifestor, I didn’t start out as such. 

Before Ng You Zhi started his manifesting journey, I struggled with the Law of Attraction. If anything, I realized that there is more to the Law of Attraction than meets the eye.

Fortunately, over the years, I can honestly say that Ng You Zhi has mastered the ins and outs of the Law of Attraction. Now more than ever, I can now manifest faster than ever. 

In this article, I will share Ng You Zhi’s top tips to manifest faster and easier. Below are some of the manifesting basics you need to keep in mind:

Ng You Zhi’s Tips on How You Can Manifest Faster

Write wish lists and place them everywhere

Write and leave wish lists everywhere—scribbled in your notebooks, on your bathroom mirrors, in your desks, on your phone, etc. Don’t worry if you have forgotten lists anywhere. In fact, forgetting about my lists has helped Ng You Zhi manifest faster as it shows I am not obsessing about what I want to manifest.

Your wish list will also remind you of your deepest longings and desires. Writing list can also remind you of wishes you may have already forgotten. 

Learn the art of make pretend

Write a letter or an email to your future self that details all the great things that are going on in your life a month, year, or even 5 to 10 years from now. As you write, get all excited about how amazing your future life looks. This can also make your intentions crystal clear to the universe.

Apart from helping you set your intentions effectively, making pretend can be an effective way to visualize your future and get in the feeling of what it would be like to live your dream life.

Spend a few minutes each day daydreaming about what it is that you want

Each day, make it a point to put on your favorite music and spend a few minutes thinking about all the things you want to see and experience in life. 

This is one of the most effective ways Ng You Zhi knows how you can stay focused. The music can also help you manifest those happy feelings you want to manifest more.

Be grateful and say thank you

Ng You Zhi loves it when something unexpected and great happens. You say thank you!  You can also write things down in a gratitude journal so you can effectively reflect on the things that make you happy when you are feeling down. 

Keeping a gratitude journal is also a wonderful way of staying positive and ensuring that you are able to keep the momentum and be able to manifest your dreams and desires without a hitch. 

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Important Money Lessons Every Entrepreneur Needs to Learn According to Ng You Zhi

If you are in the entrepreneurship arena, it is likely that you have heard of the name Ng You Zhi. While it’s true that I’m considered one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in Singapore right now, success didn’t come overnight for me. I had to find effective strategies to ensure the name Ng You Zhi will become known in the fiercely competitive world of business.

Apart from being a massive success, the name Ng You Zhi has also been associated with savvy money management. If you are curious how I mastered money management as an entrepreneur, I’ll share all the important money lessons I have learned that have helped me run massively successful businesses.

Entrepreneur Ng You Zhi’s Crucial Money Lessons 

The customer is not always right.

You are always expected to bend over backwards to please customers even when they are painfully and clearly wrong at times. This maxim however can do some serious disservice that just to you but to your employees as well. Sure, always give your customers the benefit of the doubt but never at your expense or the expense of your employee’s dignity.

Time is money.

This one is cliche but time is massively important. Why? It’s one resource you can’t gain more of. That said, you need to ensure you make the most of your time at all times by assigning an hourly dollar amount to your tasks. I need to always ensure Ng You Zhi is paid accordingly.

You can ask yourself crucial questions: what would be a fair hourly compensation I should give myself for the tasks I perform? If someone else can competently do what you can, don’t think twice about delegating them. This is important so you can focus on revenue-generating tasks.

There are no shortcuts in marketing.

When I talk to people who look up to the name Ng You Zhi, I always tell them this one crucial bit of money and business advice: there are no shortcuts in marketing, especially cheap ones. While some might consider this recommendation too expensive, I tell them that cheap marketing can make their brand appear cheap as well.

Outsource as much as possible.

You probably won’t hear of the name Ng You Zhi if I didn’t follow this principle. As far as I am concerned, you will never make a name for yourself if you take everything on. Hire overseas virtual assistants if you have to but never take everything on your own.

As an entrepreneur, you can only do so much. And it is important that you save your time and energy for things that need your expertise. Assign all the trivial, time-consuming, and administrative tasks to people who can do them competently.

Build your personal brand.

The name Ng You Zhi is associated with great personal brand and that’s no coincidence. Early on, I realized the importance of building not just your company brand but your personal brand as well. After all your personal brand can help differentiate you from the pack and give you the authority and credibility so you can be a step ahead of the competition.

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What You Need to Know About Your Root Number

Getting to know your inner self via numerology begins with a fundamental digit called “root number.” This number can be described to be the single digit that describes your life path, since it covers the three periods in your life, i.e. the past, present, and the future.

For many people who are into numerology, the root number simply talks about your overall character and personality. However, if you dig deeper into what this digit tells you, you will see that you can use its insights to better take handle the things life has in store for you.

What are the things you need to know about your root number? Here are a few things to look at:

1. Your root number is derived from your date of birth.

Your life path may be full of surprises, but the patterns and trends it follows has practically constant attributes. It is because your root number is derived from your date of birth, which is a constant set of numbers that you carry during your lifetime.

Your date of birth speaks about the three periods of life that you will go through, i.e. childhood (year), youth (month), and adulthood (day). Somehow your date of birth also speaks about the past, present, and future. The year you were born reflects the roots of your past, the month represents the current situation you’re in, and the day of birth gives a glimpse of the future, or the day you are destined to face.

2. Your root number is practically composed of just one digit.

Numerologists use a life path calculator to compute for the root number. You may likewise derive it using the following computation:

Add the digits of the month, e.g. 0 + 3 for March, to get 3

Add the digits of the year of birth, e.g. 1 + 9 + 8 + 6 for 1986, where you will get 24, and then add the digits 2 and 4 to arrive at 6

Add the digits of the day of birth, e.g. 1 + 8 for 18 to get 9

Add each singular digit, i.e. 3 + 6 + 9 = 18

Add 1 and 8 together, 1 + 8 = 9

For this example, someone born on March 18, 1986, has a root number of 9.

3. Take note of master numbers.

There are instances when, after extracting the root number via a life path calculator, you arrive at a number that carries the same digit twice, such as 11 or 22. These numbers are no longer reduced to a single digit, since they are regarded as master numbers.

Master numbers have a special meaning. They suggest a greater degree for success, achievement, and learning. At the same time, they connote high pressure or stressful environments.

People with a master number for their root number are deemed to be bound for a life of ambition and adventure. They may also possess qualities that are supposedly distinct from each other.

For instance, a person with a master number 22 may showcase both the strongest character traits of root number 2 and root number 4 (2 + 2).

4. Unlike other numbers studied in numerology, your root number can never be changed.

People who seek advice from numerologists try to change their fates by modifying their names or choosing a specific date to accomplish a certain task. While these changes may reap benefits on some aspects, the same cannot be applied to your root number.

Your date of birth is a constant. It cannot be changed. It’s a documented event that already happened, and there is no way you can go back in time to alter it. In that sense, your root number cannot be changed. It can only guide you to make the most out of this lifetime.

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Dangerous Goods Classification and Symbols

The dangerous goods classification is composed of different classes and subgroups of substances that are considered dangerous goods. These classes and subgroups in the dangerous goods classification are made according to the hazards that they pose during transportation, may it be via air or sea.

In this article, let’s check out these classes and the corresponding symbols that they come with. (source: chemsafetypro.com)

Class 1: Explosive substances and articles.

The subgroups are the following:

Division 1.1: Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.2: Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.3: Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both

Division 1.4: Substances and articles which present no significant hazard; only a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport with any effects largely confined to the package

Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases

This group includes the following: gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of gases and aerosol dispensers/articles containing gas.

The subgroups are the following:

Division 2.1: Flammable gases

Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

This group includes liquid substances, molten solid substances with a flash point above 60 Celsius degrees and liquid desensitized explosives.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

This group includes flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion and substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.

The subgroups are the following:

Division 4.1: Flammable solids

Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides.

The subgroups are the following:

Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances

Division 5.2: Organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic substances and infectious substances.

The subgroups are the following:

Division 6.1: Toxic substances

Division 6.2: Infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive materials.

No subgroup for this class.

Class 8: Corrosive Substances.

There are no subgroups for this class as well. Corrosive substances may cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue such as skin or damage or destroy surrounding materials in case of leakage.

Class 9: Substances and articles which during transport present a danger or hazard not covered by the other 8 classes.

This class encompasses, but is not limited to, environmentally hazardous substances, substances that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and micro-organisms and (depending on the method of transport) magnetized materials and aviation regulated substances.

Importance of Dangerous Goods Classification Symbols

The symbols and signs utilized in the dangerous goods classification are very important because they play a very important role in managing the risks brought about by handling, storing and transporting dangerous goods. The absence of appropriate signage would greatly affect the safety of people working with dangerous goods and increase the risks in the workplace.

For instance, the levels of risks that corrosive substances and flammable liquids hold vary in many different ways. Corrosive substances have the ability to damage materials such as metal, stone and human flesh. On the other hand, flammable liquids have the ability to ignite and cause severe fires. This is where the importance of signs come in.

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Why Dangerous Goods Needs to Be Classified

 Each day, hundreds of people engage in shipping transactions the world over. From gadgets, to food, to hazardous materials, all these have their own guidelines for safe and regulated transport.

In the shipping and packing industries, hazardous materials are often referred to as dangerous goods. By its very definition, dangerous goods are “materials or items with hazardous properties which, if not properly controlled, present a potential hazard to human health and safety, infrastructure and/ or their means of transport.” 

Moreover, dangerous goods classification exists to identify the type of dangerous  materials or items present.

Responsible for regulating the transportation of dangerous include the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO’s Technical Instructions, and the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. 

All these regulatory frameworks from the aforementioned organisations guide shipping and packaging companies and individuals on how dangerous goods are to be packed, handled, labeled, and shipped. These frameworks also created a dangerous goods classification.

Classes of Dangerous Goods

Before we move on to what exactly the purpose of classifying dangerous goods is, Let’s take a look at all the classes:

1.    Explosives

2.    Flammable Gases

2.1 Flammable gases i.e. acetylene and most aerosols.

2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases i.e. oxygen and helium.

2.3 Toxic gases i.e. chlorine.

3.    Flammable Liquids

4.    Flammable solids

4.1 Flammable solids i.e. phosphorous (red).

4.2 Substances liable to (white) spontaneous combustion i.e. phosphorus.

4.3 Substances that, when they come in contact, emit 

5.    Oxidizing

5.1 Oxidizing agents i.e. ammonium dichromate.

5.2 Organic peroxides i.e. ethyl methyl ketone peroxide.

6.    Toxic and Infectious

6.1 Toxic substances i.e. cyanides, arsenic compounds, and lead acetate.

6.2 Infectious substances i.e. vaccines and pathology specimens. 

7.    Radioactive

8.    Corrosives

9.    Miscellaneous

Purpose of Dangerous Goods Classification

Here’s a quick guide on why each of the classes in the dangerous good classification table is very important. 

Class 1: Explosives

Materials that have the ability to explode or detonate because of a chemical reaction are classified under Class 1. It is vital to classify these materials or items as such because exposing them to pressures, speeds, and temperatures that will trigger the chemical reaction will cause deadly damage.

In addition, the chemical reaction might also produce dangerous amounts of light, heat, sound, or smoke. 

Class 2: Gases

Materials or items that contain gases pose a serious hazard during transportation if not properly packed. Gases are highly flammable and have the ability to oxidize their toxicity to people who are near them during the time of transport.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids and 

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Flammable liquids and solids are highly volatile and combustible. This means that they can easily evaporate and catch fire. This poses a threat to extreme conflagrations.

Class 5: Oxidizers; Organic Peroxides

While oxidizers are not highly combustible, they still yield oxygen and can trigger the combustion of other materials. In addition, organic peroxides are prone to explosive decomposition. They also burn fast and are sensitive to impact or friction.

Class 6: Toxic Substances; Infectious Substances

As we all know, toxic and infectious substances pose a significant risk to both human and animal health. Thus, it is important to keep them in the right packaging to avoid contact.

Class 7: Radioactive Material

It is common knowledge that radioactive materials pose severe threats to human health because of ionizing radiation. This is emitted when radionuclides undergo radioactive decay.

Class 8:  Corrosives

Corrosives must be packed accordingly during transport because they might cause extreme damage when they come in contact with living tissue. This can happen when a leak occurs or there is damage in the surrounding materials.

Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Lastly, the items or materials classified under Class 9 are other dangerous goods that have various potential hazards to human health and safety. 

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Alternative Ways to Get Business Financing in Singapore

If you own a startup business, there is a high possibility that you’ll find it difficult to obtain a loan. If anything, the majority of these small businesses in Singapore are rejected by Singaporean and financial institutions. 

For smart entrepreneurs, there is no need to lose hope because there are several ways to get your business financed aside from traditional loans. Below are some business financing options you can look into.

Equity term loan

Homeowners with total or partial equity, you may be able to get a low-rate home equity loan or perhaps a long-term loan as a capital for your startup. Only private properties or commercial properties are eligible to get equity or term loans in Singapore.

How much can you borrow through an equity term loan? It would depend on your property’s current market value, your outstanding mortgage loan amount, and the CPF funds spent and CPF arrears accumulated when you bought your home. 

Just like any business financing, it is considered risky and you can end up losing your property. However, in terms of cost, equity term loan is considered one with the lowest cost.

Loans through family and friends

Friends and family members that trust your capabilities and believe in your business ideas might just be willing to finance your startup or established business. Friends from family and friends is also one of the most common types of loans startups consider. This type of loan is also often the cheapest (as close as $0 cost) and the most flexible when it comes to repayments.

To make this kind of loan work for you, it would be best to have a formal written loan agreement because at times, loans from friends and family may be carried out verbally. Without doubt, it can hurt the relationship significantly if things don’t work out according to plan.  

Venture capital

Small businesses have the option to tap into venture capitalists because these are investors who are looking for high ROI (about 25%). However, only very few startups can ensure the rate of return venture capitalists expect. Most venture capitalists however often invest their money in biotechnology and IT because of the guaranteed high ROI.

Another advantage of dealing with venture capitalists is they offer advice on how to increase the profitability of the business, how to better manage the business operations, and be able to help startup owners connect with experts that can provide valuable inputs.

Angel investors

Angel investors are wealthy individuals that can provide both business expertise and financing for startups in exchange for equity. So what makes angel investors different from venture capitalists? 

The former have a higher appetite for risk and they don’t have a high demand on the stratospheric rates of return, as opposed to the venture capitalists. In addition, they also play an active role in the business.

While angel investors are not always composed of private individuals alone, they can be angel investors as well. Individual angel investors usually invest around S$25K to S$100K, while for the group of angels, they are willing to invest in large amounts.

Crowdfunding

This is also called peer-to-peer lending. This is quite a new and innovative financing option especially for startups in Singapore. Many startup companies are now tapping into this type of loan or lending. 

There’s a steady number of platforms that would match the type of investors your business is looking for to help in financing. In Singapore, P2P or crowdfunding, borrowers can have their loan approved in as early as 3 days!

How much can a company borrow? This would depend on the review of your borrowing capacity and credit rating by the platforms. There are some platforms that would limit the funding of campaigns to protect their investor’s interest and reputations.

In business, there is no best approach since the business landscape is ever evolving. To make the right approach and right decision for your current business stage, it is still better to seek advice or consult a business consultant in Singapore so you’ll be able to create a truly educated decision.

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Safety in the Proper Dangerous Goods Classification

Essentially, dangerous goods (DG) are substances or items that pose a risk to living health, safety, property, or the environment overall, when transported by air, sea, or land. 

In order to ensure safety in the transportation of DG by air, land, and sea, there are several requirements set in place for freight forwarders, shippers, and air operators.  

Here is a list of dangerous goods that have been posted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the ICAO Technical Instructions and classified as follows:

Class 1: Explosives

Class 2: Gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emits flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances 

Most Commonly Shipped Dangerous Goods

No person is allowed to travel with dangerous goods as you can see in airports. They have their own shipping system that should be separated from the passengers. Below are some dangerous goods that are often shipped:

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer

Hydrogen peroxide

Paint

Dye

Chloroform

Medical isotopes

Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries

Insecticides

Oxygen

Acetone

Kerosene

Dry ice

Sulfur

First aid kits

Flares

Matches

Fireworks

Igniters

Airbag inflation devices

Ammunition

Lighters

Primers

Aerosols

Selecting the Packaging

There are various options available when it comes to the selection of packaging for dangerous goods: using an approved packaging or developing a new type of packaging. 

This is where DG packaging agencies can provide a great amount of assistance. You can find a wide selection of differently approved outer packaging, which can be used for dangerous goods. 

However, for those in need of specialty packaging, DG packaging companies can also assist in the creation of custom-made solutions. To determine the right packaging, you  have to refer to the dangerous goods classification.

Using Approved Packaging

Any outside packaging that has been approved for DG has been certified and tested. All testing has been done with a sample of the actual goods that are shipped within the container. 

It is generally acceptable to purchase a type of packaging that has been approved for goods in the same classification. When selecting approved packaging, four pieces of information have to be kept in mind:

Characteristics of the goods to be shipped (solid, liquid, or gas).

Measurements, weight, and volume of the goods.

Type of inner packaging to be used.

Method of transportation to be used.

To pick an approved packaging, DG experts or DG packaging agencies will check first all regulations that apply to the goods that will be shipped. 

If the packaging and its method of transportation are approved for the dangerous goods classification being shipped, you can then look at the range of packaging solutions with your designated DG packaging service to make sure you have a certified packaging.

The DG packaging services will determine the gross weight of the shipment. The certificate for each type of approved packaging will include a maximum weight limit for specific dimensions. If your package does not fall within the allowed weight range and still complies with all regulations, they will help you find a new solution.

Once the correct type of approved packaging has been determined, they will then provide an offer that includes the certificate as well as a copy of all testing done on the packaging. This is to ensure that you’ll get all of the needed information you need to make a decision.

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Different Dangerous Goods Classifications in Singapore

The island of Singapore is about 620 square kilometers and an average population density of about 4,000 people/sq kilometers. For a city with such a high population, it is highly crucial for hazardous substances to be controlled so any public exposure to any accidental release can be avoided.

Furthermore, the large parts of Singapore are used as water catchment areas. This means it is a must to ensure that transport vehicles and chemical storage facilities avoid those areas whenever possible. This can also help ensure pollution is avoided and  drinking water sources do not get contaminated.

This sensitivity of hazards posed a risk to environmental and human health as well as the production, transportation, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals that have taken place in recent years that are results of information on industrial accidents by other developed and developing countries. 

One thing with Singapore is that the government protects its people, always ensuring their health and safety at all times. With that said, the government has implemented measures to control and minimise potential risks from industrial developments that are handling large quantities of hazardous substances. 

Let’s explore these laws deeper and how they relate to dangerous goods classification.

The National Environment Agency's Pollution Control Department (PCD) is the governing body that’s responsible for controlling and regulating any potentially dangerous or harmful substances under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and Hazardous Substances Regulations.

Flammable petroleum products in Singapore are controlled under the Fire Safety Act by the Fire Safety & Shelter Department (FSSD) of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Radioactive substances are controlled by the Centre for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science (CRPNS).

Pollution Control Department’s Control Strategies

Hazardous chemicals that are controlled under the PCD are the following:

Those that set a potential mass disaster

Really toxic and contaminating

Generates waste that cannot be safely and properly disposed of

In Singapore, hazardous chemicals are implemented based on the following measures:

Planning control - PCD tests and guarantees the correct location of new residential and industrial development as well as the stability of the land use around it. PCD also sets environmental pollution management standards to be integrated into construction plans. 

This is done to mitigate environmental impact and minimise pollution. Licensing control - These are implemented under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and the Fire Safety Act. 

Unauthorised individuals are prevented from handling similar substances by licensing controls. Proper safeguards are always taken to prevent accidental release and to mitigate the adverse effects where they happen.

Enforcement - In accordance with the Act and its Regulations, the PCD officers are allowed to conduct regular checks on the following:

Labeling

Records and sales documents maintenance

Search the safe disposal of all hazardous substances

Hazardous chemicals import, purchase, and sale

Storage

Transportation

PCD officers are also authorised to:

Search and premises;

extracts documents and records for investigations; and

perform surprise inspections of road tankers used for transport.

Planning Control

PCD tests and maintains that new residential and industrial projects are appropriately positioned and consistent with the surroundings. The PCD also includes the incorporation of environmental pollution management criteria in the designs to reduce emissions and mitigate environmental effects.

Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and Housing Development Board (HDB) are establishing industrial land and premises agencies and consult PCD on industrial premises allocation. 

In order to ensure that they do not pose unsafe health, pollution problems, and safety problems, PCD assesses and evaluates the environmental impact of the proposed industries. A proposed industry is only permitted when pollutant emissions comply with regulations, wastes are safely monitored and properly disposed of, and factories can be built in a suitable industrial estate.

PCD also requires developers to carry out a pollution control assessment for their plans for major developments. Examples of major developments include industries that use or store bulk quantities of hazardous chemical products, port growth, deposit sites, etc. Study includes an overview of all environmental impacts of emissions and a proposal for steps to minimise similar impacts. 

Proposed developments will not be explained by PCD until its review of the study results will conclude that the effects of emissions can be mitigated at acceptable levels. You can check further details from the Singapore government regarding dangerous goods classification.

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Prepaid Cards: Can They Help You Build Credit?

Prepaid cards are the newest addition to the plastic card family. Just like its other counterparts, prepaid cards provide benefits that are truly hard to miss. In fact, for many, prepaid cards have become the consummate alternative to carrying huge wads of cash.

While prepaid cards look just like credit or debit cards, they have one thing that sets them apart from the rest—they are not connected to any bank accounts. As the name implies, money has to be loaded onto the card first before it can be used for any purchase transactions or ATM withdrawals.

Since prepaid cards are not linked to any bank account, you can’t run up debts on them. In other words, your spending and withdrawals will be limited by the balance available in the card. As soon as the balance has been depleted, the spending stops automatically.

For those who love shopping online, prepaid cards can be a truly wonderful alternative to credit or debit cards. Since your prepaid card has no credit capacity, in the event that it is compromised, fraudsters will be limited to the balance available on the card and will not have access to your bank accounts. If anything, that’s a security feature many people just can’t resist.

Over the years, prepaid cards have become quite popular and have shown no signs of slowing down. However, not many people are truly aware of what their prepaid cards are capable of and how they maximise its use. Below are some of the prepaid card basics you need to know.

Can prepaid cards help me build credit?

As mentioned earlier, prepaid cards are not in any way connected to bank accounts. More importantly, when you use your prepaid cards, you are not borrowing or repaying money. That being said, using your prepaid card won’t be able to help users build credit.

In essence, to build credit, you need to borrow money and repay it back. The creditor will then report your payment record to credit reporting agencies. With prepaid cards, you will be using money that’s available on the card. In other words, all your transactions (purchases and withdrawals) will be deducted upfront from your card’s balance.

Is it easy to obtain prepaid cards?

One of the many things people love about prepaid cards is they are very easy to obtain. Why? Unlike credit cards, prepaid cards don’t come with any credit capabilities. In other words, they pose no financial risk whatsoever to the issuer.

Those who want to obtain prepaid cards won’t have to submit any financial documents or any personal and confidential information. In addition, you won’t also be subjected to any stressful and time-consuming background checks. In essence, obtaining a prepaid card is basically effortless!

Where can I use my prepaid card?

Typically, network-branded prepaid cards also carry the logo of the financial institution they are associated with. That said, it is often accepted and honored at any merchants, establishments, and ATMs where the financial institution it is associated with is honored. In addition, prepaid cards are also honored by most merchants and sellers online.

For many, the ability to do purchase transactions online cannot be overstated. If anything, it will save you a significant amount of time, effort, and even money. That means you won’t need to get dressed, spend money on gas for your vehicle, brave the traffic, and deal with grumpy sales clerks and fellow shoppers.

However, more than anything, it’s the peerless ease and convenience of online shopping that makes it endearing to most people. Come to think of it, all you need to do is visit the website you want to purchase from, pay with your prepaid card, and just wait for your purchase to be delivered to your doorsteps. Now that’s ease and convenience you can’t find anywhere else!

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Swan logo design process. Geometry behind a beautiful shape. 🧡

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The Evolution of Prepaid Cards

Nowadays, it has become almost impossible to go about one’s day to day activities without using some kind of plastic cards. From paying for hotel reservations to even the most basic of purchase transactions, prepaid cards are now being used.

The popularity of prepaid cards nowadays is no longer up for debate. In fact, a 2010 Federal Reserve Payments Study indicated that a whopping 6 billion prepaid card transactions totalling to $140, 000 was done in 2009.

In addition, from 2006 to 2009, prepaid card usage has been reported to increase by as much as 20 percent. Not only that, the value of prepaid card transactions also increased by as much as 22.9 percent yearly.

Prepaid Card Basics

While prepaid cards look similar to debit or credit cards, that’s where the  similarity often ends. For starters, prepaid cards are not linked to bank accounts and are considered “pay as you go” cards. 

Prepaid cards also have zero value until money is loaded onto it. As soon as the balance of the card reaches zero, the card is deemed “empty.”

There are various ways to deposit money on the card: it can be loaded at certain stores,  online, or through direct deposit. Other cards on the other hand are discarded as soon as the balance has been depleted. As prepaid cards became more popular, they’ve  also been used for diverse other products and services.

A survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston revealed that around one-third of consumers use some type of prepaid card. Some of the cards have been designed to meet specific consumer needs. 

For example, general purpose reloadable cards (GPR) are used to replace bank accounts for individuals that are unbanked or underbanked. Payroll cards, incentive cards, government benefit cards, and gift cards are often used to provide a simplified system of money budgeting and distribution.

In some cases, government companies and agencies provide employees and beneficiaries with prepaid cards in lieu of direct deposit payments as well as checks. 

Different Kinds of Prepaid Cards

Closed-system prepaid card - this type can only be used at single merchants or merchant chains

Gift card - this type is deemed closed-system and non-reloadable. Most closed-system prepaid cards are stored-value cards. In other words, the card’s monetary value is stored on the card itself through a small microchip. Oftentimes, there are no external records of the card’s value on any payment networks.

Open-system prepaid card - this type is associated with a particular electronic payment network. The card is identifiable by a logo and can be used at any business that’s within the network. 

In the case of open-system cards, the monetary value is maintained by the issuer of the card. The card is also issued in the account holder’s name and its value is accessed via a unique card number that’s embedded on the magnetic strip of the card.

Advantages of Using Prepaid Cards

Unlike other cards, getting a prepaid card will not require credit checks or having a bank account. Also, prepaid cards will not require interest payments. Individuals with bad credit histories or no bank accounts can still obtain prepaid cards. 

Because of its preset limit, a prepaid card can help cardholders prevent debt accumulation and cultivate better spending habits. In some cases, prepaid cards are also used by parents as an effective tool to teach children about right money management. 

Prepaid cards can also help warrant shady characters won’t have access to the cardholder’s personal information. Unlike most cards, prepaid cards don’t contain any bank account or personal information. Also, there is no open line of credit linked to the prepaid card so the account balance can’t be drained or the credit standing ruined.

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Fancy topping up your knowledge while on-the-go?

We’ve rounded-up our top ‘must-listen-to’ marketing podcasts, so you can get the magic marketing juice you’re searching for. Give your career (or business) the boost it needs…

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Prune your contact list yearlySome people say to do this once a quarter and if you have the time to do it, great, but I usually don’t. I find that the best time to get in touch with people that you haven’t spoken to in a while is to just send them a quick personal email or note once a year, at new years, wishing them a happy new year. Almost everyone celebrates it, it’s politically correct, and if you are lucky it can even rekindle a relationship long dormant, whether its business or pleasure.

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Aim for what you want to achieve! 🙌