Masonry Magazine May 1974 Page. 26
Books...
`"Metric Conversion In Engineering & Manufacturing." 100 pp. with appendix. Publisher: American National Metric Council, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. $10 per copy ($7.50 each to subscribers to ANMC).
The body of this report is an edited transcript of discussions held during a meeting cohosted by the American National Metric Council and the National Bureau of Standards. This format allows the reader to experience the give-and-take of the discussions concerning metric conversion philosophy. Topics include dual dimensioning, rounding methods, use of the computer, timing, vendor interface and standards.
The spirited discussions were between representatives of the most active organizations in the field including Addressograph Multigraph, Caterpillar Tractor Co., Clark Equipment Co., Deere & Co., Eaton Corp., Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Honeywell, Inc., International Business Machines, International Harvester Co., Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, McDonnell Douglas Corp., Rockwell International, TRW Inc., and Xerox Corp.
The appendix includes formal policy statements by 15 leading companies and related metric conversion materials the first time it has been collected in one handy reference.
`"Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design Data," 5th edition, edited by John Hancock Callender; 1,040 pages: 1,300 illustrations; 8½ x 11: $32.50; McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10020.
Exhaustive information on structural design, building materials, components and techniques, and environmental control make up the fifth revision of "Time-Saver Standards" edited by John Hancock Callender.
Expanded and revised coverage of many topics including modular coordination, design loads, waterproofing, termite control, elevators and roof drainage has been incorporated into this widely used text. Sections on wood walls, architectural metals, gas appliances and heating and cooling systems for houses have also undergone extensive revision.
Callender is a well known author, editor and professor of architecture at Pratt Institute, and has taught at Columbia and Princeton Universities.
Watch Out
When Welding
`The following good advice about welding comes from this article which appeared recently in "Roads & Streets" magazine:
Whether arc or gas welding is used, some hazards exist that aren't all that obvious and all that well known.
Never weld near batteries, compressed gases, or inflammable materials. Batteries give off hydrogen, a gas that forms an explosive mixture with oxygen. Compressed gases when heated can explode. Inflammable materials can explode when exposed to the high heat of welding.
There are other hidden dangers. Ultraviolet radiation given off in arc welding can cause ozone to be formed in the surrounding air. In quantity, this gas can suffocate a person, and in smaller quantities can damage the lungs. Carbon dioxide, sometimes used as a shield gas, can be broken down to carbon monoxide, a deadly poison and also explosive in higher concentrations when mixed with the right proportion of air.
Also, ultraviolet radiation can react on chlorinated solvents or vapors and break them down into phosgene gas, a deadly poison.
Painted or coated surfaces may also generate poisonous vapors when heated.
Chrome and zinc in prime coats, cadmium, zinc, and chrome in plated areas and zinc in galvanized surfaces can all prove dangerous. Oil, grease, cleaning, and pickling fluids can all release toxic vapors under extreme heat.
To reduce the danger, provide good ventilation. Know what you are using some fluxes are potential dangers. And clean all surfaces to be welded by grinding, wire brushing, or shot cleaning. Clean with a flame only when outdoors or when positive ventilation exhausts gases to the outside.