Surplus Record

This source for finding surplus, new, and used machine tools, machinery, and industrial equipment is a comprehensive online version of the monthly Surplus Record Machinery and Equipment Directory. Updated daily, the online directory lists tens of thousands of industrial assets, including metalworking and fabricating machine tools, chemical and process equipment, air compressors, pumps, motors, circuit breakers, generators, transformers, and more. A free bulletin board for buying or selling equipment is also available.

Sustainability Resource Center

This site, launched by the American Institute of Architects, provides sustainability information for architects and the general public. It is divided into four areas: advocacy, tools and resources, initiatives, and knowledge, and includes information such as energy design guides and current government advocacy efforts, as well as links to sustainability-related news, products and information.

Sustainable Building Information System (SBIS) database

This database is designed to provide users with non-commercial and objective information about sustainable building practices around the world. Launched by the International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment (iiSBE) with the support of several organizations, the database offers information in several languages. Individual files include: Advanced Technologies, Methods and Tools, R&D Projects, Policies and Programs, Buildings, and more.

Sustainable Sources: Building

Information and resources on sustainable building. Offers Green Building Professionals Directory, Sustainable Building Sourcebook, a calendar, forums, Sustainable Building Materials Exchange (for usable leftover materials), Green Building: A Primer for Consumers, Builders and Realtors, and Green Building Materials Databases, sustainability organizations, green building programs, rating systems, publications, and case studies.

Sweets [Dodge Data & Analytics]

The building product source for AEC professionals (architects, contractors, and engineers). Sweets offers comprehensive product information, CAD details, BIM objects, specs, catalogs, galleries, green product information, CEUs and more.  With the Sweets Autodesk Revit app plug-in, users can easily search, select and annotate product information directly into projects using the Sweets ProductTAG.

System Reliability Center (SRC) [Alion]

Alion’s SRC provides information, tools, training, and technical expertise in the engineering disciplines of reliability, maintainability, supportability, and quality (RMSQ) for all phases of a product or system lifecycle. SRC START Sheets provide a concise write-up on a topic of immediate interest in the RMSQ field, plus contacts, references, and sources. The Reliability Engineer’s Toolbox provides the reliability engineer with quick, easy access to automated tools and electronic information in support of everyday RMSQ engineering activities.

Terrorism Information Center [MIPT]

This site from the nonprofit, nationally recognized think tank Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism offers an extensive collection of resources related to the prevention of terrorism. Specific topics include: Anthrax; Biological Terrorism; Emergency Management; Lessons Learned; London Bombings; Nuclear Terrorism; Radiological Terrorism; Weapons of Mass Destruction; World Trade Center; and many more.

Terrorism Research Center (TRC)

TRC is an independent institute dedicated to the research of terrorism, information warfare and security, critical infrastructure protection, homeland security, and other issues of low-intensity political violence and gray-area phenomena. The site provides in-depth daily news; intel and war reports; advisories; country and group profiles; terrorist attack archives; counter terrorism profiles; upcoming significant events in various countries; and documents.

TheGreenDestination

This portal from the International Code Council and Delmar, a provider of learning solutions for ongoing career development, provides a wealth of information and support for industry professionals and workers looking to meet compliance issues and stay abreast of the sustainable construction industry. It features green building tips for consumers and industry experts, information on compliant manufacturers, industry news and information, green products, conformity assessment programs and codes, upcoming industry seminars and events, and various resources and tools.

Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program [EPA]

A valuable source of information about toxic chemicals that are being used, manufactured, transported, or released into the environment. TRI is a publicly available database from the US Environmental Protection Agency that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by certain covered industry groups as well as federal facilities.

Tularemia [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) gives information on tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever” or “deer fly fever.” The disease is reportedly extremely infectious, and makes an attractive weapon for use in bioterrorism, most likely in an aerosolized form. The site offers applicable OSHA standards and information on preventing and responding to a tularemia outbreak.

Understanding electric vehicles and their safety ratings

This guide provides basic knowledge for first-time EV buyers and in-depth insight for more experienced EV drivers:

  • The types of EVs, including full electrics, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-fueled vehicles
  • How EVs work – everything from their charge port to regenerative braking
  • The safety ratings of EVs, explained, plus the ratings of the most popular EVs
  • How to charge an EV’s battery safely and drive an EV more efficiently
United States Access Board

Formerly the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Access Board is an independent federal agency committed to accessible design for people with disabilities. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Board is now a leading source of information on accessible design. The Board develops and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, and electronic and information technology. It also provides technical assistance and training. The site includes information on ADA guidelines for facilities, federal facilities, recreation facilities, etc.

Urban Search and Rescue [FEMA]

This site from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information and resources for US&R, which involves the location, rescue (extrication), and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in confined spaces. This “multi-hazard” discipline may be needed for a variety of emergencies or disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, dam failures, technological accidents, terrorist activities, and hazardous materials releases.

US Fire Administration (USFA)

An entity of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this government agency offers public education and training, fire statistics, a Hotel/Motel Fire-Safe List, research projects, and a Subject Directory with a list of training, publications, and other resources in such areas as arson, critical infrastructure protection, fire prevention & planning, incident management, and terrorism.

US Green Building Council (USGBC)

The USGBC is a coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Member organizations partner with industry and research organizations and federal, state, and local government agencies. The site offers news, education, resources, and events, as well as the LEED rating system [see FMLink entry below].

US-Management

Developed by Certified Property Managers, this site offers a centralized database of information for the property management and real estate industries and their related areas of interest. Includes a directory to locate accredited management organization (AMO) real estate management firms; a directory of local chapters of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM); an extensive list of sites on various related topics (“Research”); real estate news; and products and services.

Ventilation [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) links to several OSHA standards that include ventilation requirements. OSHA says that inadequate or improper ventilation is the cause of about half of all indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in non-industrial workplaces. The site explains how to recognize ventilation deficiencies, gives possible solutions for workplace hazards, and links to related resources.

Walking/Working Surfaces [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers OSHA standards for walking and working surfaces that apply to all permanent places of employment. OSHA says slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents, and cause 15% of all accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicles. The site explains the potential hazards and possible controls associated with walking/working surfaces, and gives additional information and resources.

Water Environment Federation

This not-for-profit technical and educational organization founded in 1928 works to preserve and enhance the global water environment. The WEF network includes water quality professionals from 30 countries. The site offers news information on water and sanitation, government affairs, conferences and training, and science and technology resources. It also offers a marketplace for publications, articles, and products and services.