Handling industrial fluids safely helps prevent workplace accidents. These fluids are essential in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and chemical processing. Knowing how to store, transfer, and use these fluids correctly can improve both safety and productivity.
First, train employees about the different types of industrial fluids. Workers need to know the properties and dangers of these fluids. This helps them spot risks and take the right safety measures. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is also essential. Wearing gloves, goggles, and masks can help create a safer work environment.
Storage Solutions
Use the right containers to store industrial fluids safely. Containers must be made from materials that resist the chemicals inside. For example, corrosive fluids need special containers that won’t break down. Clear labelling helps you identify contents quickly and prevents dangerous mix-ups.
Consider the environment where you store these fluids. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful fumes. Keep storage containers away from heat or flames to reduce accident risk.
Transfer Practices
When transferring industrial fluids, use the right tools to minimize spills and ensure safety. Pumps designed for the specific fluid type can make the process safer and more efficient.
Using check valves can also improve safety during transfers. These devices prevent backflow, ensuring fluids flow in the correct direction and reducing the risk of spills and contamination. They help maintain system integrity and improve workplace safety.
Emergency Preparedness
Even with good safety measures, it’s important to be ready for emergencies. Employees should know how to respond to spills, leaks, or fluid exposure. Regular drills help everyone understand their roles in these situations and promote preparedness.
Keep spill kits available for quick response during accidents. These kits usually contain absorbent materials, containment booms, and protective gear to handle fluid spills and minimize harm.
Training and Awareness
Ongoing training is essential for keeping safety knowledge current. Regular workshops on fluid handling, personal safety, and equipment use help improve skills. Promoting a safety-first culture positively influences how employees work.
Staff should share their thoughts on safety practices and report any unsafe conditions. Open communication encourages a proactive safety approach and helps employees feel empowered to protect themselves and their coworkers.
PVC Check Valve
A key component in fluid handling is the PVC check valve. This valve allows fluid to flow in one direction and prevents backflow. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install.
PVC check valves work well in systems that handle water and other non-aggressive fluids. They ensure reliable fluid flow and help maintain system pressure. Their easy maintenance and longevity make them a great choice for efficient operations.
Ventilation and Environment
Good ventilation in storage and working areas is crucial when handling industrial fluids. Poor ventilation can cause harmful vapours to build up, creating health risks. Simple actions, like installing exhaust fans and improving air circulation, can greatly enhance safety.
In addition to proper ventilation, keeping fluid-handling areas organized improves safety. A tidy workspace reduces clutter, creates clear pathways, and lowers accident risk. Regular inspections of storage areas and equipment help spot potential hazards before they become serious.
Fluid Compatibility
Understanding how fluids interact is crucial for safe handling and storage. Different industrial fluids can react badly when mixed, which can cause dangerous situations like chemical reactions, fires, or toxic spills. Always check compatibility charts and guides to ensure that chemicals stored together are safe. Train employees to recognize unsafe combinations and understand the need for keeping materials separate during storage.
Conduct regular audits of stored fluids to identify potential incompatibilities and prevent mistakes. Businesses should also implement an inventory management system to track fluid types and quantities in real time. This proactive step reduces the risk of mixing incompatible substances and promotes a safety-focused culture at work.
Regular Maintenance of Equipment
Regular maintenance of equipment used for handling industrial fluids is key to ensuring safety and efficiency. Regularly inspect and service pumps, valves, and storage tanks to find wear, tear, or potential failures before they become serious problems. Schedule maintenance checks based on equipment use and manufacturer recommendations to prevent accidents caused by equipment issues.
Employees should learn to notice warning signs like unusual noises, leaks, or pressure changes in systems. Keeping a maintenance log helps track service history and ensures timely action. By prioritizing maintenance, organizations can extend equipment life, improve operations, and boost overall workplace safety, supporting reliable fluid-handling practices.
Mindful Disposal
Careful attention to regulations is vital when disposing of fluids to protect the environment. Many industrial fluids are hazardous waste, and improper disposal can lead to legal issues and environmental harm. Organizations should stay up to date on local disposal regulations and manage waste properly.
When possible, recycling programs are a responsible way to handle fluids. Many industrial fluids can be reclaimed and reused, reducing waste and supporting sustainable industry practices.
Overall, a proactive approach is key to handling industrial fluids safely. By promoting safe practices, investing in the right equipment, and fostering a culture of safety, organizations can lower risks and create a safe working environment for all employees.
The post How to Handle Industrial Fluids Safely appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
SUCCESS
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Goldman Sachs lowers Whirlpool stock price target
Valued at a market cap of $1.8 billion, Whirlpool stock is down 82% over the past decade. The stock is down 63% in 2026 and continues to disappoint Wall Street.
Replacement demand was the steady core of the company’s business and was the part appliance makers could always count on.
Longbow Research analyst David MacGregor put it at roughly 55% to 60% of total demand during Whirlpool’s (WHR) Q3 earnings call.
Lately, even that core has started to wobble, and Wall Street noticed. Goldman Sachs responded with a note that shows how analysts now see the road ahead.
Appliance shoppers hit pause
In Q3 of 2026, Whirlpool reported net sales of $3.7 billion, down 8.8% year over year due to soft demand in North America.
Demand across the North American appliance industry fell 3.3% in the third quarter. Whirlpool expects industry demand to finish the year down about 5%.
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CEO Marc Bitzer explained where the drop is coming from. The market is now mostly a replacement market, he said, and the decline is tied to discretionary purchases.
Discretionary purchases, like upgrades and premium models, are where Whirlpool benefits from higher-margin products.
When shoppers only buy what they must, the company sells more basic models at thinner margins.
Some households are also choosing to repair instead of replace. Bitzer said he has seen this before and pointed to the 2008 financial crisis, when shoppers held back on items like dishwashers or a second appliance.
Goldman cuts Whirlpool stock price target
Goldman Sachs (GS) lowered its price target on Whirlpool to $35 from $41, according to TheFly.com. The firm kept its Neutral rating after the third-quarter earnings miss and the guidance cut.
The research note says consumers are delaying appliance purchases because of the macro backdrop, which includes replacement units, thereby impacting volumes and product mix in North America.
However, Goldman said that as operating conditions get tougher, Whirlpool’s focus on protecting profitability and liquidity should help position it for an eventual recovery.
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Given consensus estimates compiled by TIKR, Whirlpool is projected to improve free cash flow from $78 million in 2025 to $228.7 million in 2028.
If the stock is priced at 8.33x forward FCF, which is in line with its five-year average, it could gain 5% over the next 15 months.
Out of the nine analysts covering WHR stock, six recommend “Hold” and three recommend “Sell.”
The average Whirlpool stock price target is $27, 1.5% below the current price.
Price hikes are the big bet
Whirlpool is trying to price its way back to healthier margins.
It raised prices in April and July, while retail price data shows gains of 8% to 9% over January 2025 levels.
Bitzer admitted the company “had to course correct a little bit” in the third quarter after aiming very high in June and July.
Whirlpool announced a 7% increase effective Nov. 1 in Canada and Dec. 3 in the U.S., while Latin America will see increases of up to 10%.
One analyst asked whether rivals had followed Whirlpool’s summer increases. Bitzer said he could not speak for competitors, but noted he had seen competitor price moves in October.
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He added that Whirlpool will lead when costs justify it and said market share has held steady all year, helped by new products.
Several factors impacted profit margins for Whirlpool in Q3:
Price increases in North America and Latin America more than covered weaker product mix, adding about 250 basis points.
Tariffs pulled margin down by about 225 basis points, mainly from new Section 232 tariffs in the U.S.
Higher steel, resin, and base metal costs took away another 75 basis points.
Steel is a major cost pressure. Bitzer said North American steel prices rose about 50% over the past 12 months.
He called that increase disconnected from reality, since iron ore and international steel prices fell. Whirlpool has locked in two of its three long-term steel contracts at what he called fair prices.
Whirlpool’s own cost cuts are the other half of the plan.
Plant upgrades, supply chain changes, and a 25% cut in local distribution centers add up to $290 million in structural savings, most of which arrives in 2027.
In Q3, Whirlpool reported a loss of $0.21 per share, while the EBIT (earnings before interest, and tax) margin stood at 2.6%, an increase of 80 basis points sequentially, but lower than consensus estimates.
Here is what the company now expects for 2026:
Organic revenue down about 1.5%
Ongoing EBIT margin between 2% and 2.2%
Free cash flow of about $300 million, or roughly 2% of net sales
Year-end net debt below $4.5 billion, better than the earlier target of under $5 billion
Gross cost savings of about $250 million, with net savings below $150 million
Cash and debt give Whirlpool a cushion
The third quarter was rough on cash. Whirlpool burned through about $1.1 billion more than it generated.
Part of the hit came from Grupo Casas Bahia, a major Brazilian retailer that filed for bankruptcy reorganization in August. Whirlpool had not yet collected money tied to that retailer.
Bitzer said the fourth quarter is typically when cash flow flips from negative or low to positive.
Whirlpool expects to collect about $100 million of the Casas Bahia money, plus most of its related insurance payments.
CFO Roxanne Warner said the company has more than $3 billion of available liquidity, and Bitzer said the revolving credit line has not been touched since August.
Bitzer was candid about the trade-off. “I’m prepared to carry a little bit too much liquidity around us because we’re living in a very uncertain environment.”
Whirlpool is wrestling with slowing consumer demand.Bloomberg / Getty Images
My take on Whirlpool stock
I read Goldman’s Neutral rating as fair.
The 2027 setup has three things going for it:
First, price increases carry over. Bitzer said Whirlpool exits the year with several points of positive pricing heading into 2027.
Second, about $290 million in structural cost savings arrive, mostly next year.
Third, inventories are low at both Whirlpool and its retailers, so the company does not need to cut production further.
The small appliance business adds a lift. It posted an 18.6% EBIT margin, and its October U.S. orders were up about 40%.
But the plan needs a lot to go right. Prices must not weigh heavily on product demand and commodities prices should cool off.
Further, shoppers who are putting off a new washer or dishwasher cannot trade down to cheaper models in large numbers.
Bitzer put the priority plainly. “Our clear focus for Q4 and also for next year is margin expansion, period,” he said.
Whirlpool will share 2027 guidance on its January call. That is when I will judge whether this waiting room has a door out.
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Costco faces major food court complaints
Costco has built a reputation on low prices, bulk deals, and member-exclusive perks. But one of the warehouse club’s most recognizable attractions is also one of its most controversial: the food court.
For many shoppers, a trip to Costco isn’t complete without a $1.50 hot dog and soda, a slice of pizza, or another inexpensive bite after navigating the warehouse’s crowded aisles.
The food court has become an important part of the Costco experience, reinforcing the retailer’s value-focused image and giving members another reason to shop.
The hot dog deal, whose $1.50 price point has been locked in since 1985, is particularly iconic.
Former Costco CFO Richard Galanti told Fortune in 2024 that the retailer sells approximately 199 million food court hot dogs annually, describing the hot dog and the company’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken as “foundational” to its business.
But not every customer is happy with the food court experience. And recent complaints highlight a challenge for Costco: maintaining the low prices that attract customers while delivering a convenient experience that keeps them satisfied.
Costco shoppers complain about crowded, dirty food courts
Cleanliness and overcrowding are two of the most persistent complaints about Costco’s food court, Tasting Table recently highlighted.
Some shoppers say finding a clean table can be difficult, with customers often leaving behind trash and food debris.
“I have yet to find a clean table at a Costco,” one Reddit user said.
Other customers have raised concerns about food court employees’ cleaning practices. In one anecdote cited by Tasting Table, a shopper said they witnessed an employee using a broom that had been used on the floor to sweep a tabletop.
Meanwhile, the food court’s popularity can create another headache. Customers contend that crowded dining areas, long lines, and limited seating make it difficult to enjoy a quick meal, particularly during busy shopping periods.
The menu itself is also drawing criticism. Although Costco offers inexpensive comfort food, including pizza, hot dogs, and chicken bakes, some customers would like more nutritious alternatives.
“I love Costco, and I would eat at the Costco food court so much more if they had actual somewhat healthy options,” said another Redditor.
Other customers have questioned the taste and quality of certain items, with some describing Costco’s pizza as overly greasy and expressing disappointment with the food court’s sandwiches.
Costco customers have complained about dirty, overcrowded food courts.Shutterstock
Slow service and confusing systems frustrate members
The food court’s ordering and pickup process is another source of frustration.
For some customers, having to order at a digital kiosk and then wait in another line to receive their food is a deal-breaker. Shoppers have also attributed delays to understaffing and inefficient order handling.
The result can be a lengthy wait for an inexpensive meal, undermining the convenience customers expect from a quick-service operation.
These seemingly minor problems can make an already crowded food court feel more chaotic, particularly for families shopping together.
Ultimately, complaints like these underscore the balancing act Costco faces. Its food court remains a major value driver, but low prices alone cannot eliminate frustrations over cleanliness, convenience, and quality.
For Costco, improving the experience without undermining the affordability that made the food court famous could help preserve one of its most recognizable customer perks. And it could also help the company grow its membership base.
During Costco’s most recent earnings call, CFO Gary Millerchip noted an uptick in younger members.
“You may have seen actually there was a recent article that talked about for younger consumers, how they’re really engaging and excited about experiences and the opportunity that Costco presents to be in a brick-and-mortar retail environment and to enjoy the treasure hunt experience and engage in whether it’s the food court or the nonfood items that we offer,” Millerchip told investors.
Fixing problems with the food court could further drive younger member engagement, which is another reason for Costco to prioritize it.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
Related: Costco is getting a new kind of member
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Here’s How Much Money You’d Have if You Invested in Costco 5, 10 or 20 Years Ago
A lot can happen in 20 years. In 2006, the first iPhone hadn’t even hit stores yet. Twitter was just getting started. And Beyoncé had just dropped B’Day.
But if you’d put $1,000 into Costco stock in 2006, you’d have more than $19,000 today — and that’s before accounting for dividends.
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That’s a solid return for a company known for bulk groceries, bargain hunting and a famous $1.50 hot dog combo. Then again, 20 years is a long time to hold a stock. So what if you’d invested more recently?
Here’s how much a $1,000 investment in Costco five, 10 or 20 years ago would be worth today.
How much would $1,000 invested in Costco be worth today?
Over the past decade, Costco’s stock has climbed more than 550%, turning a $1,000 investment into roughly $6,576 based on share-price growth alone.
To calculate these hypothetical returns, Money compared Costco’s historical closing prices with its closing price of $992.13 on Tuesday (Oct. 27, 2026). We divided the latest stock price by the price on each historical date, then multiplied that figure by $1,000 to estimate how much the original investment would be worth today. The figures reflect stock-price growth only and excludes dividends, taxes and trading fees.
Five years ago
A $1,000 investment in Costco on Oct. 27, 2021, would be worth about $2,028 as of press time. That’s a gain of roughly $1,028, or 103% — more than doubling the original investment.
10 years ago
Investing $1,000 in Costco on Oct. 27, 2016, would have grown to about $6,576 by present day. That’s an increase of approximately $5,576, or 558%, meaning the investment would be worth more than six times its starting amount.
20 years ago
Go back to Oct. 27, 2006, and that same $1,000 investment would be worth about $19,336 today. That’s a gain of about $18,336, or 1,834% — more than 19 times the original investment.
The takeaway for long-term investors
Costco’s stock performance shows how much an investment can grow when a company’s share price rises over time. In this case, investors who held the stock for longer periods saw substantially greater gains.
Still, there’s no guarantee that Costco will deliver similar results over the next five, 10 or 20 years. Individual stocks can be volatile and past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns. Investors who want to reduce their exposure to any one company can consider diversified funds, which spread investments across multiple stocks.
For everyday investors, the takeaway isn’t necessarily to find the next Costco. It’s to think long term, stay diversified and remember that investing comes with risks as well as potential rewards.
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How Solo Creators and Side-Hustlers Use 3D AI to Turn Ideas into Sellable Digital Assets
A game developer requires a street food cart for a night market scene. Someone else likes small furnishings for a tabletop display. Neither buyer wants to spend the entire weekend modelling a single product. For a solo creator – demands like this can indicate a modest digital product.
Your first job is deciding what someone would buy. Attractive previews help but the downloaded files must work.
Start With a Problem Someone Is Already Trying to Solve
Before opening your modelling tool, spend twenty minutes browsing a marketplace. Search for a specific item rather than typing “3D assets.” Try “low-poly camping equipment” or “printable miniature bookshelves” and study the existing listings.
Read the practical questions that paying customers ask in listings. Do buyers want separate pieces for changing their scene? Are they requesting an STL file instead of an OBJ? Do complaints mention missing textures or objects with the wrong scale?
Choose one small customer problem you can handle yourself. Five matching campsite props make a clearer first product than fifty unrelated objects.
How 3D AI Fits Into a One Person Workflow
An AI 3D model generator creates a mesh based on a written description or reference image. Instead of starting with an empty workspace – you will have something to modify.
For example: Meshy supports text-based and image based generation in its browser platform. Its tools also cover texturing, remeshing and automatic rigging. Free and paid plans let you try the workflow first.
Its free plan currently includes 100 generation credits each month. Downloads on that plan are limited to 10 untextured Meshy 6 Lite models monthly. Finished textured exports and Meshy 7 downloads require a paid subscription. Check those limits before planning a product for sale.
From an Idea to Your First Downloadable Pack
1. Write a Tiny Product Brief
Suppose you choose a campsite kit for indie game developers. Write down six objects:
tent
lantern
cooking pot
stool
backpack
wooden sign
Keep your chosen art style consistent throughout the collection. Choose one scale and the game engine you want to support.
Now you have a checklist instead of endless prompts.
2. Generate With the Final Buyer in Mind
A prompt such as “camping lantern” leaves too many decisions open. Describe your object’s shape, materials and visual style instead. Try “small iron camping lantern, rectangular glass panels, low-poly game prop, isolated object.”
Check every side of your model before accepting it. Handles may merge into the body or surfaces might be distorted.
For objects with different details on every side, reference images help. Meshy 7 offers Multi-View through paid plans, accepting one main image plus three additional angles. Keep your framing consistent across all the reference pictures.
3. Do the Unexciting Cleanup Work
Open the result in Blender and check its geometry. Remove loose fragments and any unwanted surfaces hidden inside the object. Adjust the number of polygons to suit its intended use.
Test your finished textures under several different lighting conditions. A nice preview cannot tell you how the material behaves inside a customer’s project.
For printable products, test thickness and repair open surfaces. Run the file through slicing software before advertising it as print-ready.
4. Add Rigging Only When the Product Needs It
Your campsite prop kit needs no skeleton or animation. A fantasy creature pack could need both, especially for games.
Meshy’s Auto Rigging works with both humanoids and traditional four-legged characters. Smart Rig (Beta) can also handle custom or fantastical creatures that do not fit into any of the standard groups. It can generate a skeleton, however smart-rigged models are not currently compatible with Meshy’s animation library.
Check your final rig inside the intended game application. Never advertise playable animations without testing them yourself first.
5. Package Files People Can Understand
Meshy supports eight export formats, including GLB, FBX, OBJ and STL. Choose formats based on the buyer’s actual workflow – rather than supplying everything indiscriminately.
For game assets, FBX is widely used with Unity and Unreal. GLB can keep textures inside a single file – making previews easier to share. STL works for geometry intended for 3D printing but it does not contain color textures.
Keep your models and previews in two separate folders. Add a short readme stating dimensions and tested software. Name objects individually so your customer can find the lantern without guessing.
6. Make the Listing Answer Real Questions
Your cover image should show the entire pack together. Follow it with closeups and an imported scene from the software you tested.
Put the useful details near the top of the description:
Number of individual models included in the download
File formats and supported applications you personally tested
Approximate scale and polygon counts for game assets
Texture information and any installation instructions
License conditions and limitations buyers should know
Do not market an untested model as game ready. A few accurate details do more work than dramatic claims.
Where Can You Sell These Digital Assets?
Fab caters to game developers looking for props and environment kits. According to Epic Games, publishers receive 88% of the sales revenue. You still need to meet the technical standards and pass the listing review.
Etsy may be suitable for printable decorations and original digital designs. The normal listing charge is $0.20, and the transaction fee is 6.5%. Other charges – such as payment processing fees – may apply. Etsy also demands AI usage disclosure in relevant product descriptions.
Choose the marketplace that best meets the demands of your buyer. A printable tabletop piece draws a different customer than an Unreal Engine prop kit.
Can You Sell Models Generated on a Free Plan?
Yes. But check the license attached to each file. Meshy’s free plan outputs use the CC BY 4.0 license. This permits commercial use with attribution. Paid plans provide private asset ownership without that attribution requirement – subject to the platform’s terms.
Use your own artwork or reference images you have permission to use. A familiar movie character might attract searches but it can introduce copyright problems.
How Do You Know What to Make Next?
Start with one entire pack and record actual customer enquiries. Record any requests from buyers for a matching table or a different export format. These requests can help steer the next product rather than making arbitrary assumptions.
The goal is straightforward: sell something people can use instantly. Your modest pack could outperform a gallery of incomplete experiments.
The post How Solo Creators and Side-Hustlers Use 3D AI to Turn Ideas into Sellable Digital Assets appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
Alphabet Inc. Q3 2026 Earnings: Live Updates of $GOOGL Earnings Call, Stock Forecast
Google parent Alphabet Inc is set to report after the closing bell on Oct. 28, 2026, joining AI peer Microsoft in a tech-heavy after hours slate which could provide clues on the health of AI demand.
These are the top and bottom-line figures expected from today’s report, with consensus estimates tabulated by Reuters:
Revenue: $128.2 billion, +25% YoY
Earnings per share (adj): $3.02 / share
Live updates from the company’s earnings report and call will be posted on TheStreet.com as they come available. Check back periodically for the latest.