The Knowledge Connection

Industry Watch: Keeping Up-To-Date On Industry Changes

2012-03-02T12:34:00.000-05:00

OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries

Employers who are required to keep the OSHA Form 300 Injury and Illness log must post OSHA's Form 300A from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2012 in a common area wherever notices to workers are usually posted. The summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2011. All establishment summaries must be certified by a company executive. http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/RKforms.html

Gas Cylinders Recalled
Worthington Cylinders Wisconsin, LLC is voluntarily recalling more than 30 million gas cyclinders. 29,026,000 Map Pro, Propylene and MAPP Gas Cyclinders in the U.S. and 1, 371,100 in Canada. The seal on these cylinders can leak after torches or other fuel-consuming equipment is disconnected from them, and this poses a fire hazard according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. No injuries have been reported. For more information, contact Worthington Cylinders Wisconsin toll free at 866-511-8967 between 7 a.m and 7 p.m. EST weekdays.

OSHA Revises Acetylene Standard
A revised Acetylene Standard for general industry goes into effect March 5, 2012. The revised standard requires that in-plant transfer, handling, storage, and use of acetylene cylinders comply with Compress Gas Association Pamphlet G-1-2009, titled Acetylene. The revision also updates references for the provisions addressing piping systems, as well as acetylene generators and filling acetylene cylinders. Copes of the pamphlet are available for purchase from the Compress Gas Association, Inc., http://www.cga.net.com/.

What is I2P2?

2012-02-20T10:38:00.001-05:00

I2P2 is an abbreviation that stands for “Injury and Illness Prevention Program”. In January OHSA released a white paper outlining the benefits of an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program, a potential new rule that would require employers to implement a program to find and fix hazards in their workplaces before accidents occur.

In an attempt to proactively control and reduce the extent and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses, an I2P2 defines the minimum acceptable work practices at a work site and provides a structured system of responsibility and authority to address workplace safety and health hazards on an ongoing basis. The key elements required for a successful I2P2 include:

· Management and leadership

· Worker participation

· Hazard identification and assessment

· Hazard prevention and control

· Education and training

· Program evaluation and improvement

The benefits of an effective system that proactively finds and fixes safety and health hazards can arguably be worth the time and effort required to implement such a program. Companies who participate in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) will find these core elements familiar and may already be well prepared for a potential new I2P2 rule. These basic elements are common to almost all existing health and safety management programs.

When effective, an I2P2 prevents the suffering caused by illness, injury and death at the workplace, as well as the financial costs to both workers and employers. The results of this proactive process can lead to benefits such as higher efficiency, greater worker productivity, and lower costs.

For more information, please see the OSHA white paper.

Simple Safety

2012-01-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

Making their exceptional compliance-focused learning solutions accessible to even the smallest companies, RDC is launching ePILOT™ Simple Safety to provide an affordable option to clients with only limited training needs. Targeted to companies with less than 20 employees, who may require only 2-5 courses, ePILOT™ Simple Safety presents a focused and flexible solution that bundles courses into a client-specific curriculum. ePILOT™ library. For these companies, a library subscription is cost-effective due to the comprehensive selection of titles available. But companies with limited training needs of only 2-5 federally mandated training courses and less than 20 learners will find Simple Safety presents the most cost-effective option. Small companies and independent contractors often do not operate from an office base and personnel may work from home or on the road. Simple Safety is available on demand via the internet so it is accessible to even these types of businesses.

"We recognized that some of our clients have a more limited training requirement for meeting federal mandates and need a simple solution to meet those demands. For instance, a recent client with only 5 employees needed effective training on Confined Space Entry, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Fall Prevention. With Simple Safety, we delivered a cost-saving custom curriculum and they can now simply log on and complete training online," says Brian Cormier, Director of Oil & Gas Solutions at RDC. "This program is designed to cost-effectively simplify compliance with training and safety regulations for these companies."

Most companies benefit from access to the entire EH&S ePILOT library. For these companies, a library subscription is cost-effective due to the comprehensive selection of titles available. But companies with limited training needs of only 2-5 federally mandated training courses and less than 20 learners will find Simple Safety presents the most cost-effective option. Small companies and independent contractors often do not operate from an office base and personnel may work from home or on the road. Simple Safety is available on demand via the internet so it is accessible to even these types of businesses.

All ePILOT™ courses are certified to stringent e-learning standards by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD). Additionally, ePILOT™ is designed to satisfy the training requirements specified by different federal agencies including OSHA, DOT, EPA and BSEE for safe and environmentally sound operations. The 75 ePILOT categories include:
 Emergency Response
 Powered Industrial Equip
 Environmental
 Product/Process Standards
 Hazard Communication
 RCRA/Hazardous Waste
 HazMat Transportation
 Safe Work Practices
 Industrial Hygiene

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Resource Development Company Releases New Online Learning Course for SEMS Compliance

2011-10-31T14:03:00.002-04:00

Resource Development Company (RDC) announces today the release of a new web-based ePILOT learning program designed to help offshore companies comply with the training and documentation requirements of the Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) rule that goes into effect November 15, 2011.

The program covers the 13 elements of the SEMS rule, and is designed to be easily and quickly customized with each company’s SEMS plan. The stand-alone online course can then be accessed by company operators on demand via the internet.

“Our clients bring us their SEMS plan and we incorporate their plan into a consistent learning curriculum. Personnel are able to access safe work practices, operating procedures, and emergency response plans as part of a learning initiative, preparing them to prevent mishaps and to properly respond to situations that occur,” says Brian Cormier, Director of Oil & Gas Solutions at RDC. “Ultimately, how offshore companies apply their SEMS plans will determine their success. This program is designed to maximize employee proficiency and provide documented knowledge verification.”

All ePILOT courses are certified to stringent e-learning standards by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) and the American Petroleum Institute (API). ePILOT is the first web-based operator training curriculum certified by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, allowing learners to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU). Additionally, ePILOT is designed to satisfy the training requirements specified by the mandated standards of six different federal agencies including OSHA, DOT, EPA and BSEE for safe and environmentally sound operations.

About SEMSIn October of 2010, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE), now the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM), issued a Workplace Safety rule requiring offshore oil and gas operators to develop and maintain a Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS). The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will oversee industry workplace safety and SEMS initiatives. Each SEMS Program must identify and address operational safety hazards and impacts. Its goal is to promote human safety and environmental protection. The SEMS Rule covers all offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters and makes American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice 75 (RP 75) a mandatory practice. The SEMS program will enhance the safety and environmental protection of oil and gas drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

About RDC
Resource Development Company (RDC) is a global leader in developing innovative learning solutions. For the past 50 years, they have specialized in providing learning solutions to the oil and gas, refining, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Extensive industry knowledge and advanced web technology allow RDC to deliver unparalleled learning management, performance support and compliance information management solutions. www.rdc.us.com

SEMS IS HERE

2011-09-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Is Your Company Ready?

SEMS introduces new challenges for the process industry. Ultimately, every offshore operator and their contractors must comply with the new requirements for SEMS, Safety and Environmental Management System.

The compliance requirements of these new rules may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, many elements of SEMS align with current Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements for downstream facilities.

That's where we can help.

At RDC, we have over 20 years experience addressing PSM compliance for our clients. As a compliance solution provider in the process industry for more than 50 years, we understand your needs.

Please contact us for an opportunity to see how our solutions can help you achieve SEMS compliance: Call 800-360-7222 or Email: http://www.blogger.com/.

From Customizations to Custom Programs

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

At RDC, we view each client's needs as unique. It is never a one-size-fits-all approach. That is why RDC offers ways to make every solution fit our clients' needs.

Customizations

While the level of customization can vary, most of our clients want to include their specific processes, terminology, policies, and procedures in their courses. These customizations make the content even more applicable to the learners' actual work environment and may even be necessary to meet OSHA requirements for site-specific training.

All ePILOT learning modules can be customized to meet site-specific compliance requirements of regulatory mandates and to optimize training for your site by:

Adding site-specific graphics
Creating links to procedures
Changing terminology, operational parameters, settings, and exposure limits

Custom Modules

Our dynamic and interactive courses have proven effective at over 500 sites in 40 countries. These same courses can also be used as the foundation for a custom solution. By leveraging our existing courses, we are able to release a quality solution in less time than it would take to create learning modules from scratch, saving you development costs. Our Instructional Design team works with you to create site-specific content based on your company practices to transfer knowledge that your learners can immediately apply.

As an example, consider the DOT Security requirements established in paragraph (a) (5) of DOT 49 CFR 172.704. DOT requires organizations to create custom security programs. Using our existing DOT series, we can quickly and easily create a site-specific program for your site.

For more information on customizations and custom programs, contact your RDC representative.

Transferring Knowledge to the Next Generation - SMEEF

2011-09-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society advancing manufacturing knowledge and influencing more than half a million manufacturing practitioners annually. The SME Education Foundation's mission is to prepare the next generation of manufacturing engineers and technologists through outreach programs.

RDC is proud to announce our support of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation (SMEEF) and its newest initiative to bolster U.S. Manufacturing - PRIME (Partners Response In Manufacturing Education). The PRIME program will establish six model school systems in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Chicago, and Dayton. The primary objective will be to give students hands-on exposure, earlier in the education pipeline, to the many career opportunities that exist in several manufacturing segments.

RDC has long recognized the critical need to transfer knowledge and skills to the next generation of workers. For over 50 years RDC has been a recognized leader in providing resources that teach critical operating principles and techniques to the oil, gas, and process manufacturing industries. In the spirit of continuing our commitment, RDC is providing the PRIME program campuses with scholarship access to our ePILOT® instructional programs. Together with the SMEEF, RDC recognizes the urgent need to reinvigorate manufacturing within America and we will continue to invest in inspiring and supporting our next generation of workers. For more information about the PRIME program and other SMEEF efforts, please visit: http://www.smeef.org/

Visit us September 13-15th in Booth #3238 at ChemInnovations in Houston

2011-08-31T15:04:00.003-04:00

2011 CHEMINNOVATIONS CONFERENCE & EXPO

September 13-15, 2011

Houston, TX

Booth #3238

www.cpievent.com

RDC's KnowledgeWeb is featured as an emerging technology at this conference focused on delivering groundbreaking technologies and engineering approaches to the chemical process industries. We invite you to be our guest. If you would like free admission to the ChemInnovations Expo, please send us an email.

Come and Visit us in Booth #338 at PIOGA Eastern Oil & Gas

2011-08-26T15:00:00.002-04:00

PIOGA EASTERN OIL & GAS CONFERENCE

AND TRADE SHOW

August 30-31, 2011

Monroeville, PA

Booth #338

www.pioga.org

This conference is centered on the Marcellus Shale region's exploration and production industry. We are exhibiting our extensive libraries of technical competency and federally mandated training programs that are so critical to safe and productive operations.

It's Not Just About Training: 6 ways a knowledge transfer environment leads the way

2011-06-13T15:43:00.010-04:00

Challenges facing the process industries today include: changing workforce demographics; limited training resources; mounting regulatory compliance; and industry consolidation. These challenges place new demands on the knowledge and skills workers need to perform. In the heavily regulated and intensely competitive process industry, you can either keep playing catch up or you can lead the way.

Many process industry workers are reaching retirement age and taking their years of experience and know-how out the door with them. Limited budgets mean hours available for training are reaching cost effective limits. At the same time, process units and plants are becoming larger through mergers and new acquisitions, challenging an already strained workforce to establish enterprise-wide best practices and align corporate objectives. The result is that organizations must rely on fewer or less experienced workers, often with less in-depth knowledge.

What you’ve been doing is no longer enough. It’s no longer enough for workers to simply be trained and for training events to simply be documented. You can’t meet the demands of the future by doing what was done in the past. That’s why a traditional training paradigm will always leave you struggling to catch up. Keeping ahead requires a thorough understanding of the knowledge each worker needs to reach peak performance – and a strategy that guides each worker to 100% proficiency. This is a knowledge transfer environment.

Knowledge transfer addresses 100% of the knowledge requirements including site- and unit-specifics.

Unlike a traditional training paradigm where learning content is defined by a list of training requirements, a knowledge transfer environment defines specific knowledge requirements regarding units, systems, and equipment at the site.

Knowledge transfer is learner-specific, delivering only the content that learner requires.

A traditional training paradigm delivers training based on a job curriculum in a “one-size-fits-all” manner. The curriculum cannot address the differences in each individual’s skills and experience, but a knowledge transfer environment prescribes a personal learning plan for each individual, based on identified knowledge gaps and proficiencies attained, creating a unique path to 100% proficiency.

A knowledge transfer environment captures existing best practices, institutionalizing that knowledge.

Most companies already have core competency and safety training programs in place, but when job- and process-specific knowledge are necessary, the methods for training become less formal, and more inconsistent. Without a consistent method for providing this crucial knowledge transfer, what workers know and don’t know is unclear. A knowledge transfer environment captures best practices, process- and job-specifics, and standardizes content so that the knowledge can be transferred to an entire population and consistently meet learning objectives.

Learning content is specifically designed to transfer knowledge.

In a traditional paradigm, learning content is often reference material and procedures not designed for learning. In a knowledge transfer environment, learning content is developed through proven instructional design processes for acquiring knowledge, focusing on changing behavior to achieve performance excellence.

Evergreen content is available in an ‘anytime/anywhere’ learning environment.

In a traditional training paradigm, management must schedule learning and access to various resources including instructors, rooms, and materials, but a knowledge transfer environment allows on-demand learner-initiated access to evergreen content and continuous support online.

Knowledge transfer verifies knowledge acquired and certifies proficiency.

A training paradigm merely documents training events, while a knowledge transfer environment documents actual knowledge acquired through individual evaluations and certifies knowledge proficiency.

RDC: Leading the Way

For more than 50 years, RDC has been the leader in learning solutions for the process industries. Combining this industry experience and knowledge transfer expertise, RDC has developed KnowledgeWeb as a comprehensive knowledge transfer environment. RDC’s KnowledgeWeb solutions are used to address job-specific unit operations, core competency and mandated knowledge requirements necessary for safe and efficient operations in process plants at more than 500 sites in 40 countries. A KnowledgeWeb solution optimizes the learning process by reducing time to competency and improving knowledge transfer effectiveness.

Key benefits of a KnowledgeWeb solution that you can’t get with a traditional training paradigm:

Workers achieve 100% proficiency sooner
Knowledge gaps are identified and remediated
Captured and institutionalized workforce knowledge
Consistent Best Practices delivery
Performance Benchmarking
Behavior/Performance improvement
Documented Proficiency

Foster Wheeler Heavy Oil Conference, May 9-11 in New Orleans

2011-04-25T15:37:00.004-04:00

Stop by and see us! We'll be demonstrating our KnowledgeWeb solutions developed in collaboration with Foster Wheeler for their proprietary process technologies. Planned topics include: refining and heavy oil technology, operations, construction, hardward, services and training, as well as advancements that address today's industry issues.

Thanks for a great show!

2011-04-08T15:25:00.001-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the NSC Texas Safety Conference & Expo, March 28-29th. We had a great turnout and many entries for our drawing to win an Apple iPad. I would also like to announce and congratulate our prize winner.

Kim R. of Houston, Texas was selected as the winner in our Apple iPad drawing.

Based on feedback from the show, many of you are struggling with training resource limitations. Please consider our comprehensive online learning library. An ePILOT KnowledgeWeb solution includes over 400 hours of online training in a fully-hosted learning environment, developed according to proven instructional design methodologies. It is certified by IACET, allowing learners to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Additionally, the entire ePILOT EH&S library is customizable. You can easily include your site-specific details, as required by many regulations. You can also:

Enable refresher training and self-initiated learning on demand
Reduce expenses of classroom scheduling, travel, and instructor fees
Achieve compliance goals with compliance-focused management and reporting
Quickly identify knowledge gaps and generate individual pathways to 100% proficiency
Eliminate variations between instructors and locations

With over 50 years of experience developing learning solutions for process industries, Resource Development Company (RDC) can help you avoid pitfalls and meet your needs in ways less experienced companies may not consider.

Please contact us if you would like more information on our KnowledgeWeb solutions, we would be glad to find the right solution for you, and give you a FREE 30 day preview.

Call us at 1-800-360-7222 to begin your FREE preview.

Thanks again! We look forward to doing it again next year.

KnowledgeWeb Aids in BP Whiting Modernization

2011-03-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

Resource Development Company, LLC (RDC) has been selected by BP Whiting to provide a customized KnowledgeWeb implementation for Foster Wheeler SYDEC^SM process knowledge at the Whiting Indiana Refinery.

In 2008, BP began the Whiting Refinery Modernization Project, the largest private investment ever made in the state of Indiana, which is planned to benefit Indiana and the nation for years to come. As part of this project, several new process units are being constructed including a new fully automated delayed coker, the first of its kind. As a first, no experienced workers exist to mentor operators for the new unit. BP chose KnowledgeWeb as a solution that would ensure workers were properly trained in advance of the launch.

KnowledgeWeb fits right in with the innovative modernization, improving performance and preparing workers to 100% competency on the new coker unit. All knowledge required to operate and maintain the delayed coking process and the learning modules that transfer the knowledge will be accessible to workers on demand, online, via RDC's hosted environment.

As the project nears completion, Whiting workers will use the KnowledgeWeb to prepare for a successful start up on the new coker unit and then for years to come as a continuous learning environment.

Assessment: A Learning Opportunity

2011-03-15T13:19:00.001-04:00

To achieve their goals and move their businesses in the direction they want to go many companies are putting more focus on workforce knowledge. Performance, efficiency, safety and best practices are directly related to workforce knowledge and ability. In today’s world, businesses are finding that learning is more important than ever.

One aspect of learning that draws much criticism is testing. Most of us are familiar with testing from our school days as a means to attain a result. The result is pass or fail; qualified or not; certified or not. However, when viewed as a way to assess knowledge, a "test" serves more purpose than merely notating a final grade. Assessments and quizzes can be used to promote learning and shape the learning path.

Assessments and quizzes make learning stick. As a learning aid, answering a series of questions or responding to a quiz after covering a topic is a great way to monitor one’s own learning – it gives instant feedback so you can find out what you know and what you don’t. Reviewing which sections were missed helps one learn by focusing on what is needed and allowing for self-correction. These challenges make learners participate more actively in the learning process and create memory. During the assessment, the learner actively recalls the details from short-term memory. These "practice recalls" help the information to transition from short- to long-term memory, ultimately reinforcing learning.

Assessment can also be useful in planning. Used as an individual predictor, an assessment identifies where knowledge gaps exist so that individualized learning paths can be created to meet each learner’s specific needs. As an aggregate predictor, assessment results identify where groups of learners need feedback or additional learning.

Testing contributes to creating a pathway to 100% competency for each learner. RDC’s solutions rely on different levels of assessment. For example, a Mastery Assessment first identifies any gaps in required knowledge. This information is then used to create a Personal Learning Path for each learner. Then, learners are presented with the module content, which includes pre- and post- assessments and quiz questions, all designed to give learners practice in recalling what they are learning. This prepares the learner for the Final Assessment, where they can demonstrate knowledge transfer. This combination of assessment and feedback sets up a cycle of learning where 100% competency is truly attainable in a cost- and time-effective manner.

Stop by for a Chance to Win a FREE Prize!

2011-01-31T13:21:00.016-05:00

Heading to the National Safety Congress Texas Safety Conference & Expo March 28-29? Be sure to stop by our booth #517. We'd love to show you the latest instructional technologies at RDC. Plus, registered attendees will be eligible to enter a drawing to win an Apple iPad. But you've got to stop by the booth!

RDC and Foster Wheeler Partner to Offer Clients Comprehensive Knowledge and Learning Solutions for Process Technologies

2011-01-03T08:00:00.011-05:00

(BIRMINGHAM, MI) Jan. 3, 2011 – Foster Wheeler and Resource Development Company, LLC (RDC) have announced a strategic collaboration to develop online learning and knowledge management solutions that provide immediate operational benefits to process industry clients and support safety and compliance initiatives. The first offering in a series of custom, process-specific knowledge management and learning environments is the KnowledgeWeb™ for the Foster Wheeler SYDEC^SM Process, a comprehensive knowledgebase of Foster Wheeler’s Selective Yield Delayed Coker process technology.

As a global engineering and construction contractor and power equipment supplier, Foster Wheeler has been successfully designing and engineering delayed cokers for more than 50 years. Process facilities need knowledgeable operators with a solid foundation in each technology to create safer operations, maximize return on investment and mitigate non-compliance.

RDC’s learning and compliance solutions are used in more than 40 countries at over 500 sites by companies in regulated process manufacturing industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical. RDC’s KnowledgeWeb is a knowledge management system for capturing, organizing, accessing and institutionalizing all knowledge related to a process. This innovative technology is also a highly effective knowledge transfer environment. Through proven instructional design methodology and advanced web technology, KnowledgeWeb maximizes knowledge transfer effectiveness and reduces time to competency, a process RDC calls “learning optimized.”

Together, Foster Wheeler and RDC have created a custom knowledge environment for SYDEC delayed cokers that profiles knowledge specific to delayed coking operations, systems, equipment, consequences of deviation, and process hazards.

"RDC is proud to have been selected by Foster Wheeler for this initiative, and we look forward to working with them to develop additional KnowledgeWebs for other process technologies," said Tom Connaughton, President of RDC. "Our experience in the industry, and particularly in compliance, e-learning and knowledge management solutions for process and production operations makes this collaboration a natural fit. Maximizing operator performance and institutionalizing best practices are key to staying competitive in today’s market. Our KnowledgeWeb technology enables this and we’re excited to be an integral part of bringing this solution to the industry."

Resource Development Company (RDC) is a global leader in developing innovative learning solutions. For the past 50 years, they have specialized in providing learning solutions to the oil and gas, refining, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Extensive industry knowledge and advanced web technology allow RDC to deliver unparalleled learning management, performance support and compliance information management solutions. For more information about RDC, please visit http://www.rdc.us.com/.

Take Part in Program Development - Upcoming HazCom Changes

2010-10-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

Now that OSHA has wrapped up their hearings after the public comment period, the final rule that adopts the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals with OSHA's Hazard Communication System is being prepared. You can learn more about these changes at OSHA's website:

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/global.html

We are tracking these changes closely in order to provide our clients with the appropriate learning program well in advance of the effective date. If you would like to participate in the program development process as a committee member, please contact us to express your interest. Please provide a brief summary of your background in Hazard Communication. This committee is formed by volunteer SMEs from leading oil/gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies. Development work will begin once OSHA publishes their final rule, expected in 2011.

Visit us in Calgary at Coking.Com

2010-09-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

The Coking.com Delayed Coking Seminar will be held in Calgary, September 13-16th. RDC will be presenting with Foster Wheeler and will host a hospitality suite where we will be able to show you first hand the features of the KnowledgeWeb™ for the Foster Wheeler SYDEC^SM Process and answer questions. Stop by for refreshments on Wednesday evening. We hope to see you there!

CEUs and Certificates

2010-09-01T08:28:00.001-04:00

Did you know that you and your workers can earn continuing education units (CEUs) through our courses? RDC is proud to be an Authorized Provider certified by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Our certification means that our programs have been validated and approved, and follow established adult education theory and instructional design practices. Upon successful completion of RDC courses, you can request your CEU transcripts to use in your continuing education and training activities. Colleges, universities and professional associations all recognize the IACET CEU.

Motivational Certificates of Achievement and hardhat decals are also available for successful completion of PILOT and ePILOT courses. Contact http://www.resourcedev.com/ for more information

New Release: Process Safety and Fatigue Management

2010-09-01T08:05:00.001-04:00

In August, RDC announced the addition of a new online learning program to the ePILOT EH&S library. "Process Safety and Fatigue Management" is designed to help users meet the basic training requirements of ANSI/API's Recommended Practice 755. This module will provide a useful addition to any process facility's fatigue management program. The course is accessible via the internet and includes information regarding fatigue risks, shift work sleep disorder, and how to obtain quality sleep. Read the press release.

RDC and Foster Wheeler: KnowledgeWeb for SYDEC Process

2010-09-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Foster Wheeler and Resource Development Company are collaborating to create custom process-specific KnowledgeWeb environments for Foster Wheeler technologies. The KnowledgeWeb™ for Foster Wheeler's SYDEC^SM Process is now ready for release.

The complexities of process technology require a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the equipment and support the process. Together, Foster Wheeler and RDC have created a custom online environment profiling all knowledge specific to delayed coking operations, systems, equipment, instrumentation, fundamentals and process safety. Each KnowledgeWeb is further customized for each site to include site-specific parameters and graphics. Topics are addressed via personal learning paths and differential learning to maximize knowledge transfer effectiveness and reduce time to competency. More than just a knowledge transfer environment, the KnowledgeWeb institutionalizes knowledge by capturing, organizing, managing and maintaining all information related to the knowledge requirements so it is easily accessible and structured to improve performance.

3 Tips for Getting the Most From Your Training

2010-05-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

Employees can attend training sessions, but having gone to training doesn't mean they learned. When it comes to safety, productivity and performance, what your employees know is more important than what their records may say. To truly know a topic, there must be understanding of concepts, attachments to prior knowledge and the ability to apply the new knowledge. How can you be sure your employees have the knowledge they need?

The first step is to reach your employees by using learning content that is designed specifically for them, adult learners in process industries. Adult learners prefer to learn new relevant information, gain proficiency in a short period of time, and realize a sense of accomplishment. Content customization provides the ability to blend site-specific information with training content so that learning is relevant. Eliminating unnecessary training allows employees to learn relevant topics more quickly. On demand training gives employees self-direction and convenience in the learning process.
The next step is assessment. Assess and validate knowledge prior to beginning training so employees can focus time on learning only material they need. Upon completing a learning module, assess again to verify that learning has taken place. Answers should be automatically graded and revealed to learners to aid in self-direction and remediation.
Finally, use a dynamic learning methodology to adapt the training to each learner's needs based on the assessment. Dynamic learning selects and delivers only content that the employee still needs to master. The sequence of assessment, training, assessment, continues until the employee reaches 100% proficiency. Dynamic learning expedites individual learning eliminating unecessary or redundant content.

Use this learner-specific, closed-loop approach to help your employees reach 100% efficiency as quickly as possible.

PILOT Series Celebrates 50 Years!

2010-05-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Since our origins as the exclusive developer of Programs In Learning Operating Techniques (PILOT) for the American Petroleum Institute we have expanded from workbooks, to video, to online modules and more.

Today, we offer over 200 courses and more than 600 hours of industry-validated PILOT and ePILOT modules. It is the most comprehensive training and compliance solution available today. Courses have been certified to stringent learning standards by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) and the American Petroleum Institute (API).

New Release: Steam Boiler Operations

2010-04-15T11:07:00.001-04:00

RDC recently announced the addition of a new online learning program on steam boiler operations as part of the ePILOT Core Competency library. With the course, "Introduction to Steam Boiler Operations," users will learn about types of steam boilers, water chemistry, and basic operations. This program expands the ePILOT learning content on Fired Heaters. Current ePILOT Core Competency subscribers will receive an automatic seamless update to their subscriptions and the new program will be be included in their library.
The online course covers important topics such as process flow, steam tables, blowdown, thermal shock, and safe warm up.