This commercial site offers information on suppliers, equipment, and services in the material handling industry, including such items as automated storage/retrieval systems, conveyor systems, cranes & hoists, lifting equipment, maintenance items, racking & shelving, software, etc. It also covers ergonomics, safety, and facilities planning.
Resources for FM Professionals
This non-profit trade association represents the material handling and logistics industry. The site includes information and links to news, professional societies, publications, worldwide resources, education, events, and more.
This nonprofit, nationally recognized think tank informs the public about terrorism prevention and responder preparedness. The site includes four MIPT databases: Terrorism Knowledge Base, Terrorism Information Center, Responder Knowledge Base, and Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS.gov).
This facility in Chicago is reportedly the world’s largest commercial building and largest wholesale design center, with sixty percent of the building’s area devoted to wholesale showrooms. The site includes a database of all the tenants and a directory to products and services offered. The main Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) site lists all the properties MMPI manages (buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and office space), as well as the trade shows and conferences MMPI produces.
This site deals with a disease caused by exposure to asbestos, particularly by repeated occupational exposure. It offers extensive research and information on mesothelioma, including the cause, symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment, and more.
Part of the Asbestos.Net Web site (see FMLink entry above), this site offers comprehensive information about the cancer mesothelioma, the only known cause of which is exposure to asbestos, particularly in an occupational setting.
Provides detailed, comprehensive information on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the fatal cancer mesothelioma and related illnesses that are mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Includes information on jobsite exposure as well as exposure during the World Trade Center collapse and Hurricane Katrina.
Mesothelioma.net has a plethora of free resources and information for those suffering from mesothelioma cancer and other asbestos diseases. Periodically reviewed by medical professionals, the site covers treatment options, financial assistance, and help for families of asbestos victims. This page covers the causes of mesothelioma, including various types and sources of asbestos exposure, genetics and radiation exposure. Most of those diagnosed were exposed to asbestos over a period of time in such jobs as HVAC and other building maintenance work, manufacturing facilities and plants, demolition, and other industrial settings.
Nonprofit resource to help prevent mesothelioma and to support those with the disease. It offers thorough explanations of the disease and treatments, with a special section for military veterans and another section identifying which products still contain asbestos today, and how asbestos can be spread through various activities (“Causes”).
A comprehensive resource for information about mesothelioma cancer, caused primarily by repeated occupational exposure to asbestos. Contains research and information on mesothelioma, treatments for the disease, related news, and highlights on occupations at risk, specific companies, and specific products. It also discusses the asbestos industry and related diseases, legislation, removal, and contractors.
Includes information on accessibility features and settings in Microsoft products and assistive technology products available for Windows. Also offers demos, tutorials, guides listed by impairment and guides for business organizations, news and case studies, and information on Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers.
MIMOSA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to developing and encouraging the adoption of open information standards for Operations and Maintenance in manufacturing, fleet, and facility environments. MIMOSA’s open standards enable collaborative asset lifecycle management in both commercial and military applications.
This section of the New York Times Company’s “About” Web site covers electronics and gadgets for use in mobile/home offices, and offers information about teleworking. Extensive topic list includes: laptops, PDAs/handhelds, phones for mobile workers, VoIP, home offices, mobile security, tips for telecommuting, a buyer’s guide, and information on home office/vehicle tax deduction in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K.
This site includes current issues and archives for the Modern Materials Handling magazine, information on and links to industry news, events, research, publications, products, education, job listings, case studies, and more.
This site from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) addresses how to protect individuals from exposure to potentially hazardous but ubiquitous molds and fungi. The site describes methodologies and techniques currently available to conduct assessments of mold growth in residential and commercial buildings, as well as other AIHA resources and outside links. It also offers professional development courses and a listing of consultants that specialize in emergency response.
This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines molds and fungi and describes their associated health effects; lists applicable OSHA standards; explains how to detect them in the workplace; and gives information on control and clean-up of mold and fungal contamination. It also contains links on preventing and cleaning up mold caused by floods and hurricanes.
Motor Decisions Matter is a national campaign encouraging the use of sound motor management and planning as a tool to cut motor energy costs and increase productivity. The campaign is sponsored by a consortium of motor industry manufacturers and service centers, trade associations, electric utilities and government agencies. The campaign encourages commercial and industrial customers to develop a motor plan, with the assistance of their local distributor, repair center or utility representative. A motor plan addresses common motor decisions before they become a crisis and ensures motor availability, enhanced productivity, and lower energy costs.
Offers millions of real estate listings from all over the US, including rentals, allowing owners and managers to reduce marketing expenses. Also offers resources for realtors and rental managers.
The log-in page for the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s tool to create personalized links to OSHA online resources. Users can customize the content of their pages by choosing links to compliance assistance information relevant to their situation.
A comprehensive source of FM documentation and policy examples from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the Planning & Real Estate Management Team, Design & Construction Team, Maintenance Team, and Resources & Budget Team.
A trade association for commercial real estate that provides education, networking, and advocacy to the office, industrial, and mixed-use development community. The site offers information on local chapters, educational programs and seminars, an online membership directory, national forums, advocacy, publications and communication vehicles, industry links, and business development opportunities.
The NAM, “the nation’s largest industrial trade association,” represents small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states, and helps shape a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to U.S. economic growth and favorable to manufacturing. The site includes information on and links to policy issue information, allied associations, manufacturing and trade data, the NAM Buyer-Seller Network with 70,000+ products and services, and numerous member services.
Offers news, an online store, and information on education, government affairs, law & policy, meetings & expo, NAR governance, REALTOR benefits, research, and technology.
A professional organization dedicated to state facilities professionals and suppliers. Members are responsible for the planning, development, operations and maintenance of state facilities including transportation, real estate, natural resources, prisons, colleges, universities, and correctional facilities, and/or private sector suppliers for facilities. The site offers a calendar, a career center, resources, and membership services.
NARAC, located at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in CA, provides tools and services to the federal government that map the probable spread of hazardous material accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, in time for an emergency manager to decide if taking protective action is necessary.
Located at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in CA, NARAC provides tools and services to the federal government that map the probable spread of hazardous material accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, in time for an emergency manager to decide if taking protective action is necessary.
Created in 1997 by the US Department of Education, NCEF provides information on planning, designing, funding, building, improving, and maintaining safe, healthy, high performance schools. Site includes resource lists, news, a calendar, safe school resources, publications, school construction data and statistics, and links.
NCSBCS serves as a forum in the interchange of information and provides technical services, education, and training to its members to enhance the public’s social and economic well-being through safe, durable, affordable, accessible, and efficient buildings.
This site contains information for employers on workers’ compensation insurance matters, including terrorism-related WC insurance issues.
NCQLP was founded in 1991 to serve and protect the well-being of the public through effective and efficient lighting practice. Its site includes information on the Lighting Certification Program and career guidance for lighting professionals. A database of Lighting Certified Professionals is also offered.
NDMS operates under the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Preparedness and Response. It is a federally coordinated, cooperative system that provides a single, integrated national medical response to assist state and local authorities in dealing with the medical and health effects of major peacetime disasters, and provides support to the military in caring for wartime casualties.
NEMA provides a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment, enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective, and compatible electrical products that enhance energy management. The site includes an extensive listing of products and manufacturers.
Provides information on the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition, which occurs in the winter.
Materials and information about the annual National Ergonomics Month promoted by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
NFRC is a nonprofit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. NFRC’s goal is to provide fair, accurate, and reliable energy performance ratings. The site offers product rating information, fenestration facts, NFRC and energy codes, links, FAQs, documents and resources, and a Certified Products Database.
This international organization’s site offers information on scientifically-based codes and standards, research and reports, training and events, NFPA journals and other publications, and the NFPA catalog for up-to-date fire, electrical, and building safety products and services.
A supplier of gypsum wall board, often referred to as drywall. Its site is meant to serve as a central repository of key information and a quick reference for use by the media, vendors, suppliers, builders and consumers. It offers basic facts about drywall, as well as more detailed scientific information and links to other relevant websites.
The US Department of Homeland Security’s NIPP and supporting Sector-Specific Plans (SSPs) provide a coordinated approach to critical infrastructure and key resources protection roles and responsibilities for federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector security partners to help ensure that government, economy, and public services continue in the event of a terrorist attack or other disaster.
Part of the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), this federal agency is responsible for conducting research and providing information and training in the area of occupational safety and health. The site offers news, research, and numerous resources in the areas of industries and occupations, hazards and exposures, diseases and injuries, chemicals, safety and prevention, emergency preparedness and response, and data and statistics.
This US government site is the building community’s connection to the authoritative national source of knowledge and advice on matters of building regulation, science, and technology. NIBS councils/committees include: the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council, the Building Seismic Safety Council, the Facility Information Council, the International Alliance for Interoperability of North America, Multihazard Mitigation Council, the Building Enclosure Council, and the Facility Maintenance and Operations Committee. Each council’s Web page offers news and relevant information. Programs and projects include: HAZUS Multihazard Loss Estimation, National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, Total Building Commissioning, and Whole Building Design Guide.
NOD is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the full participation of America’s 54 million people with disabilities in all aspects of life, focusing on increasing employment opportunities for those who are not employed. The site includes a section For Business Leaders, which offers Employment Best Practices, Assistive Technologies in the Workplace, and Disability and Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace.
NOD launched this initiative after the 9/11 attacks to ensure that emergency managers address disability concerns and that people with disabilities are included in all levels of emergency preparedness–planning, response, and recovery. It offers news, programs, and resources.
This site, launched by the U.K.’s Environment Agency, helps companies in the U.K. comply with the European Union’s packaging recycling regulations. Under the Producer Responsibility (Packaging) Regulations, any company involved in the packaging supply chain that is larger than £2m turnover and which handles more than 50 tons of packaging each year is obligated to recover and recycle a set level of its packaging waste.
Membership association for personal property and fixed-asset professionals who (as opposed to real estate property managers) oversee the effective management of fixed assets at local, state, and federal government agencies, colleges, universities, medical facilities, and private industries. NPMA offers training, certification programs, and educational opportunities. The site offers information on those as well as publications, a vendor directory, chapter support, and research.
A not-for-profit membership organization of recycling professionals and advocates dedicated to maximizing recycling as well as source reduction, composting, and reuse by providing technical information, education, training, outreach and advocacy services to its members. Members can calculate the environmental benefits of their recycling program with NRC’s recycling calculator.
The nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the US Department of the Interior.
The nation’s primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy-efficiency research and development, under the Department of Energy. The site gives information about renewable energy basics and storage, and applying various technologies. R&D areas include: Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal, Building, Advanced Vehicles & Fuels, Electric Infrastructure Systems, Hydrogen & Fuel Cells, Concentrating Solar Power, Basic Sciences, Energy Analysis, and Computational Sciences.
This plan from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) establishes a comprehensive all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the US to manage domestic incidents. It forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector during incidents.
National organization founded in 1934 that represents the interests of licensed professional engineers from all technical disciplines. Offers information on licensure, employment, products & services, education, and government relations, as well as news, a calendar, and online issues of PE: The Magazine for Professional Engineers.