STI_SPFA

43 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 12 requesting proposals, repairs and modifications, corrosion awareness, and more. Advanced educational courses are available for members interested in increasing their efficiencies, or for customers who want to develop a path to more effective system repair or upgrading capabilities. Courses and certification opportunities on many other topics related to steel storage tanks are being offered in 2023 as well. A cathodic protection training program offers a practical approach for professionals looking to become cathodic testers, and anyone wanting to better understand cathodic protection readings. The course offers a recognized certification so that regulators can be confident in the abilities of the certified service provider. Says O’Toole, “steel water pipe is just one of the areas that members have told us they would like to see more education. We are developing webinars and an in-person seminar at the Pipelines 2023 Conference as new offerings in 2023. It really comes down to listening to our members and addressing their needs.” The STI/SPFA’s Safety and Health Committee provides a strong framework for the entire organization, as it updates the group about current safety issues and upcoming challenges. On behalf of STI/SPFA, representatives from the Safety and Health Committee also participate in OSHA rulemaking and serve on regulatory committees. It sponsors the annual Safety Awards Program to acknowledge safe and healthy workplaces among its member companies and to recognize the employees who have worked to make them a reality. Among the many useful safety resources provided by the STI/SPFA is its safety library, which gives members access to important safety topics affecting the steel fabrication industry from fall protection and confined space to welding, and the safety purchasing program. This program allows members to buy safety equipment and supplies at savings of 10-30 percent over traditional purchasing methods. Toolbox Talks outline information on relevant safety topics like eye protection and ergonomics for welders.