Jan newsletter 2014 web

THE ENGINEERING EDGE

EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER

Volume 6, Issue 1

January 2014

ALVIN D. “AJAY” THORNTON Thank You for Your Service and Best Wishes on Your Retirement

To access the electronic version of this newsletter, visit: http://www.ecbc.army.mil/news/ENG/ APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: pg.1|Alvin D. “AJay” Thornton: Thank You for Your Service and Best Wishes on Your Retirement

SharePoint Tip: My Tasks Want to see only your tasks in a tasks list? Click on the List tab at the top-left of the screen, and then click on My Tasks under the Current View box. Then you will see only the tasks to which you have been assigned.

pg.4-7|Alvin D. “AJay” Thornton: Saluting the Directorate’s Chief for His Leadership and Service to the Nation pg.8|Putting Their Heads Together: ADM Collaborates with R&T Directorate on Wireless Testing Capability pg.10|Business Development is Everyone’s Business: Engineering Directorate Lays Groundwork for Implementation of New Annual Business Development Plan at November 2013 Engineering Offsite pg. 10|Congratulations to Eugene Vickers for Patriotic Employer Award for Support of the National Guard and Reserve pg.11|Employee Spotlight: Dick Hughes pg.12|ECBC Rock Island Annual Safety Trivia Contest

Ask a Tech Tip: Engine Oil and Cold Weather Mike Kauzlarich, of the Pyrotechnics and Explosives Branch, reveals how the techniques and lessons learned in labs can help you solve your household problems. Submit a question to him at usarmy.APG.ecbc.mbx.engineering-directorate@mail.mil.

Should you use thinner oil in an automobile during the cold weather months? In the old days, that was an easy question to answer. With today’s electronicallycontrolled engines, the answer is more complicated.

This newsletter was published through the Balanced Scorecard.

For article suggestions, questions or comments please contact Ed Bowen at ed.bowen8.civ@mail.mil.

The majority of engine wear takes place during the first few seconds you are turning the engine on to start. Lubrication is critical during this period. Keep in mind that oil thickens in cold weather, so it does make sense to use a lighter oil during the winter. But modern engines already run with light oils (for example, 5-20 in my pick up).

The easiest guide is your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. It will recommend oils based on temperature so that you can keep your car running in top condition.

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THE ENGINEERING EDGE |January 2014| 3

Awareness: Space Heater Safety Reminder for All Employees As snow, ice, brutal winds and bitter cold temperatures affect the Aberdeen area this winter, you may be using a portable space heater to warm your work space. But be careful – these heaters have been known to cause fires when not used properly. This is a strong reminder from the Directorate leadership to abide by the following safety guidelines when using electric heaters in your work area.

• Portable space heaters are to be used as a last resort for heat and must carry the marks of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listing.

• Heating units must not exceed 1400 watts or 11.5 amps.

• Space heaters shall be equipped with a safety tip-over switch and be plugged directly into a wall outlet. The use of an extension cord or power strip is prohibited.

• There must be at least 36 inches of clear space around the heater.

• Electrical cords must be positioned to eliminate the possibility of tripping and upsetting the device by contact with the cord.

• The area around the heater must be free of all combustibles. The use of portable space heaters under desks or tables is prohibited.

• Never leave space heaters unattended. Turn it off whenever you leave the room. Unplug it when you leave your office and never leave it on overnight.

• Electrical appliances that have frayed cords, broken insulation, or where the insulation has been pulled away from the attachment plug (exposing live wires) must not be used.

From Fire Department Regulation APGR 421-1, Chapter 4, Requirements for Electrical Installation and Use.

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ALVIN D. “AJAY” THORNTON

Saluting the Directorate’s Chief for His Leadership and Service to the Nation The Engineering Edge bids a fond farewell and best wishes to Mr. AJay Thornton as he retires this month from more than 30 years of government service. He takes a look back on what inspired his career, provides thoughts on where the Directorate is headed in the future, and gives a hint about his plans for retirement.

Engineering Edge (EE): When did you know you wanted a career in science? Who or what inspired you?

AJay Thornton (AT): You tend to gravitate toward things you like, and I always liked numbers and was good at math. I was interested in engineering, but it wasn’t offered at Morgan State when I attended, so I chose to concentrate in physics and later changed my major to geography.

My parents encouraged me to keep my studies grounded in science and math. It is a good thing that I listened to them because this gave me the foundation for my career.

EE: You were a math teacher very early in your career. What was the transition from teaching to working in the chem-bio industry like?

AT: The transition was actually fairly easy, given my background in math and science. One of my professors at Morgan State, Dr. Oliver, had given me the opportunity to be his understudy as a student aide. During that time, I was exposed to general chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and genetics. Working in the chemical/biological field was a natural continuation.

EE: What are some of your favorite memories from your career in government service?

AT: There are so many memories, so many wonderful people I’ve worked with – Too many to list! I will tell you about a turning point in my career.

It was when Mr. Vervier was Technical Director, and he was looking for someone to transition the Executive Development Training Program from Headquarters U.S. Army Materiel Command to Headquarters Department of the Army (Pentagon). It was a fairly daunting challenge with a lot of responsibility, but I was interested. He said, ‘You are pretty young and early in your career – Are you sure you are not biting off more than you can chew?’ I responded, ‘But if you don’t bite it, how do you know you can’t chew it?’ Thankfully, he laughed, and he had confidence that I could handle the position.

EE: What were your first goals when you became Director of the Engineering Directorate?

AT: One of my first goals as Director was to identify and tap into new sources of revenue, outside of the traditional sources. New revenue sources are important to the Directorate being a highly-reimbursable component of ECBC. Another goal was to develop a strategy for becoming a more customer-focused organization. We must have a plan for delivering on our customer commitments.

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Alvin D. Thornton to Receive SES Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Stars & Stripes Dinner on 7 February 2014 Engineering Director Alvin D. “AJay” Thornton will receive this year’s SES Award from U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine.

Thornton will be honored at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Stars & Stripes Dinner on 7 February 2014 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. The annual Stars & Stripes Dinner is one of the nation’s largest events honoring both active and retired African American admirals, generals and members of the Senior Executive Service. Each year, the featured service of the Stars & Stripes event alternates between the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The U.S. Army is the featured service of the 2014 Stars and Stripes event.

Thornton was nominated for Black Engineer of the Year in 1989 and for Black Engineer of the Year for Professional Achievement in 1999.

EE: Why do you think you have been able to relate to the workforce so well, despite not being an engineer by trade?

AT: I think having the ‘science-y’ background has positioned me to better relate to the workforce and bridge that gap. I always wanted to understand how things work and if they failed, why; as well as finding solutions to make them better. That’s why I gravitated toward a career in test and evaluation, and the test jobs I have had over the years are among my favorites. I have respect for engineers and for the engineering profession.

EE: It is well known that one of your favorite expressions is, “It is what it is.” What does that phrase mean to you?

AT: To me, it means that there are some things you can’t change – They exist no matter what, even with your best efforts put forth.

It is important to stay the course even when those ‘it is what it is’ challenges arise.

EE: What is the biggest “change of mind” you had as Director of Engineering?

AT: I am a perfectionist and sometimes I want to do everything myself. But as Director, I had to learn to step back, to lead, set the example, and provide the framework for the Directorate to be successful. I had to be supportive and open-minded. It was a big change for me to learn to give people flexibility, without stifling them. For example, when I was Deputy Director, the Detection and Decontamination Division needed to grow their business. I provided direction, but I did not take control. Humberto Galarraga and his team grew the work from $10 million to over $30 million in a few years. The people in Engineering are very good at what they do, so that helped make this change easier for me. In turn, I have learned a lot from them.

EE: One of your legacies is the Directorate’s strategy. How will the strategy and mission/vision guide the Directorate in the coming years?

AT: Many years have been spent developing the strategy, and formalizing and socializing it within the Directorate. Moving forward, remember that the people have to buy in and maintain ownership of the plan. Throughout the process, we have engaged the workforce and I hope that they stay actively engaged toward continuous improvement and making a positive difference.

EE: In your opinion, what is the “next big thing” in chem-bio defense and what is Engineering’s role?

AT: ‘Bio’ is the next big thing – proteomics and systems biology. We recognize that our capabilities are not as robust in bio as they are in chem. We must expand our expertise, capabilities, and customer base in bio in order to be a comprehensive organization.

EE: You dedicate your personal time to your alma mater Morgan State University. How have you stayed involved?

AT: I have enjoyed participating in career days at the university, and speaking with students about job opportunities with the government.

I also take time to engage with professors about R&D opportunities at ECBC. Not only have I been able to give my time to the university I love, but I have also provided the faculty and students insight into the work we do at ECBC. EE: Next month’s issue of the Engineering Edge will highlight young professionals in the workforce. What is your advice for junior employees who are interested in advancing their careers at ECBC Engineering?

AT: Be an active part of the solution. That is my best advice for anyone, no matter what stage they are in their career. Be proactive and take personal ownership of your career. Although your supervisor may be held accountable for your work, you should have a strong sense of accountability and ownership as well. Make sure you have an Individual Development Plan. It is your career roadmap and provides checks and balances to guide you toward success.

EE: The big question: What are your plans for retirement?

AT: My immediate plans are to take some down time for reconstitution, to really think about what I want to do next. I am going to develop my bucket list and lay out a plan for checking each thing off. Besides family, work has been the predominant focus of my life. I can’t just turn that part of me off completely. I will keep that door open to the possibilities. The next chapter of my life is waiting to be written.

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Thank You for Your Service and Best Wishes on Your Retirement For colleagues, friends and for young professionals, Mr. Thornton has been the epitome of what a role model and leader should be: constant, professional and human.

AJay’s ability to represent his organization, and his talent as an engineer and leader, are only equaled by his acumen in connecting and uniting people. He will be missed.”

–Joseph D. Wienand, Director, ECBC

My admiration of AJay’s dedication to ECBC and all of the workforce and its progress throughout his decades of service are only improved by my memories of him always being the bestdressed employee in the room or wearing a New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion hat at a senior level meeting.”

–Carol Eason, ECBC Risk Manager

AJay has that perfect balance of leadership qualities to include dedication, compassion and a sense of humor. He understands that leading is serving and he was in it to do just that.”

–Nannette Ramsey, Associate Director, Engineering Directorate

When I worked for AJay in the Directorate Office, he and I used to joke about how often he would say, ‘It is what it is.’ I even bought him a plaque with that quote to hang in his office.”

–Trina Dowell

Mr. Thornton is wise well beyond his years, freely sharing his ‘fatherly’ counsel and encouragement. As a result of his guidance, the individual and organization is better equipped to take on current and future challenges.”

–Ron Pojunas, Associate Director, Engineering Directorate

AJay is a great collaborator with an uncanny ability to bring people together. He has unwavering courage of conviction. Hands down the best proof reader in the universe! He has been a great boss, but more importantly, a good friend that I will miss.”

–Randy Laye, Deputy Director, Engineering Directorate APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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AJay’s legacy is promoting diversity – the Women in Science & Engineering event was a huge success during his tenure. He will be remembered for his ability to work well with everyone, enhancing the partnership with one of our biggest customers (the JPEO-CBD), and for being a real task master. AJay and I started within six months of each other back in 1982 in Detection. We both worked in the basement of E3330, where office doors were shut the majority of the time and it was difficult to meet people. Somehow, we met each other and our friendship began. He’s been my cohort, mentor and friend, and I will miss him immensely.”

–Suzanne Milchling, Director, Directorate of Program Integration

AJay is a true leader, not just a supervisor. AJay embraced the strategic visions of the Directorate and of the Center and moved us forward towards achieving both of them. He has a unique combination of endless knowledge and willingness for continuous learning that made him an exceptional leader. Most of all, he’s a great person.”

–Bill Klein, Associate Director, Engineering Directorate

Mr. Thornton is a world-class leader in the counter WMD arena. His commendable career is filled with multiple contributions in chemical and biological defense that will have an impact on our national security, and that of our children, for many years. It has been an honor to serve with him and to have him as a friend.”

– Dr. Joseph Corriveau, Director, Research & Technology Directorate

AJay has a tendency to lean into his computer screen, his nose inches away. He said that if you place your nose close enough to the screen, a desktop computer will sound remarkably similar to an M42 alarm. Don’t ask questions – just know that AJay will never forget when he found this out! ” AJay will be missed. Back in 2008, ECBC was sending me on a one year developmental assignment to support Mr. Jean Reed, ODATSD (CBD/CD) at OSD in the Pentagon. Perhaps a bit concerned, AJay sat me down and gave me a few pointers. The one that was the most useful was very simple: He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Ya know Phil, when you are asked a question, STOP, count to ten; then if you still want to say it, go ahead – just don’t be in a hurry to reply.’ This turned out to be the best advice I have received in a long time and has served me well. Sometimes less IS more.”

–Ernest Leschke

–Phil Rankin

I have often heard AJay say, ‘If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all’ and ‘It is what it is.’”

–Sally Edler

Alvin ‘Don’t call me AJay” Thornton, AKA 1AI78F, wishing you the best. Mirror, mirror on the wall…Many laughs. From your Sands 5AI78F. Congratulations!”

–Fred Godette

AJay will be remembered as a ‘man of the people.’ As a leader, he was proud of ECBC and stood ready to represent the organization and its workforce whenever needed. On a personal level, good times were had both on and off the field. Best wishes for a happy retirement!”

–Mary “B” Martinez, ECBC Workforce Management Office Chief

In working with AJay for nearly 30 years, I have found him to be a man of high standards and one who is truly committed to doing the right thing for the right reason. The things I will miss most when AJay retires is his big smile, positive attitude and his deep concern for people.”

–George Collins, ECBC Safety Director APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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Putting Their Heads Together

ADM Collaborates with R&T Directorate

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ollaboration between the Engineering Directorate’s Advanced Design and Manufacturing (ADM) Division and the Research & Technology Directorate’s (R&T) Respiratory Protection Branch has resulted in the development of a wireless capability for the PortaCount mask fit tester for chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection systems, which allows for data collection and analysis in real time and at a lower cost. This is one of the latest developments in the ongoing design and testing of the next generation of CBRN respirators.

The Respiratory Protection Branch is continually pursuing ways to reduce the weight and bulk of CBRN respirators, while concurrently increasing fit, comfort, and protection characteristics. For this latest test, researchers have added an internal fan generating internal overpressure to bolster the respirator’s protection characteristics.

Also this ambient air inside of the face piece has been shown to improve Warfighter comfort. Most current positive pressure respirators include a body worn attachment to the mask (with a blower, blower motor and hose connected to the face piece). This new design has a small battery pack in the mask that operates the blower and eliminates the need for the additional equipment. All of these parts would be minturized and internal to the mask, to lighten the load for the Warfighter.

To test this design modification, the team used a PortaCount mask fit tester connected to a wireless router that is able to send protection data directly to researchers and engineers for immediate analysis. Engineers from ADM’s Electronic Design and Integration Branch were called upon to create the wireless system. “A colleague within ADM provided Daniel Barker from the Respiratory Protection Branch with my contact information as someone who could discuss possible software and electrical additions to the existing system,” explains Mark Colgan, Electrical Engineer and Team Manager for the Unmanned Systems Team, Electronic Design and Integration Branch. “Based on the system needs and the component capabilities available, ADM provided a proposal to develop a low-cost system to greatly enhance the mask testing program.”

The delivered system consists of a wireless serial server, battery pack, serial data cable, and LabView software. ADM engineers provided operational concepts, hardware recommendations, a LabView software application, and configured the two prototype systems. The delivered system documentation package enables the Respiratory Protection Branch to expand the initial capabilities as well as produce additional systems. “The system provided by ADM fit our needs exactly and offered us greater flexibility in how we pursue current and future respirator assessments,” says Daniel Barker of the Respiratory Protection Branch.

while simultaneously recording data for further analysis such as simplifying testing and ensuring that the system is operating correctly from a distance. Adjustments can now be made during the testing process, rather than afterwards, consolidating the time it takes to perform the tests.

The wireless system was adapted from data relay systems used on the Husky Mounted Detection System Surrogate (HMDSS) training system, also developed by ADM. One of the focus areas of the Division’s Unmanned Systems Team is remote data collection, transmission, integration and display. The concepts and technologies employed in this wireless capability can be expanded to address a multitude of laboratory and engineering challenges.

As for the contribution made to the R&T Directorate’s ongoing mask testing, “this wireless capability resolves issues with the data logger system previously used, and enables the Respiratory Protection Branch to monitor and evaluate mask performance in real-time without further encumbering or restricting the test subject,” notes Colgan. “This wireless system is expandable and could include additional sensors to monitor heart rate or environmental conditions.”

For scientists and engineers at the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, reaching across Directorates, Divisions, and Branches to collaborate on a project maximizes benefits for the customers and Warfighters – and for the engineers themselves.

“As an engineer, the most pronounced benefit of cross-Division and cross-Directorate collaboration is the opportunity to step outside familiar territory,” says Colgan. “Communicating and understanding not only the immediate task, but how it fits into the day-to-day work of a different group allows you to better understand the complementary skills and capabilities within the Directorates and across the whole Center.”

With a shared mission and dedication to Warfighter safety, collaboration across Directorates is efficient, advantageous, and as easy as taking a short drive around post. “There are so many different groups at ECBC,” says Colgan. “Reaching across the Center enables you to address needs in-house, providing a solution faster than contracting. It’s easy to drive a few buildings over to receive support, ask questions, and establish future collaborations.”

Thanks to the wireless capability, the performance of the mask system can now be observed in real time on a wireless laptop,

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on Wireless Testing Capability

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Business Development is Everyone’s Business: Engineering Directorate Lays Groundwork for Implementation of New Annual Business Development Plan at November 2013 Engineering Offsite

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he rollout of the Engineering FY14 Business Development (BD) Plan was the focus of the Directorate’s quarterly strategic management offsite meeting, held on Nov. 20, 2013.

To help minimize the financial impact of implementation, the Directorate has adopted a viral BD process and marketing campaign where “business development is everyone’s business,” said Genna Rowe, Business Operations Coordinator, Strategic Planning and Business Operations Branch. Division Chiefs and Branch Chiefs were brought together for the quarterly gathering to dive deeper into how the BD plan will be implemented at the Division level.

The BD plan was presented on behalf of Humberto Galarraga, who spearheaded the plan for the Directorate. The plan is organized into three main goals: 1.) maintain core business; 2.) grow adjacent work; and 3.) develop white space. The Directorate solicited input from each capability area at the Division level, ensuring that the focus of FY14 BD is reflective of the organization’s diverse market reach and capability set. A best-practice example was provided for populating the FY14 BD plan information for each Directorate/capability.

Divisions were asked to provide their final updates in two weeks.

Next steps in executing the plan are Phase IV: Implementation of FY14 Engineering BD Plan and Phase V: Sustainment. Phase IV includes milestones for establishing metrics and implementation support. Phase V continues the implementation with evaluation, integration with human capital, semi-annual review, and development of the FY15 BD plan.

Following the presentation, the group broke up into smaller focus groups by Division to discuss initial execution plans for implementing the BD process in their Division using existing tools

and resources. Groups came back together to present their early thoughts. Suggestions included emphasizing customer interaction in everyday business; capitalizing on word-of-mouth success stories; tracking performance (starting with repeat customers); surveying customers for their feedback; partnering and collaborating across the Directorate and Center; engaging and retaining young talent; and expanding outreach to the Air Force, Navy, and non-traditional customers as appropriate.

Rowe provided a detailed overview of the upcoming BD Training that will be offered across the Directorate.

“The world is changing, and we need to change with it,” said Rowe.

“There is more competition and a smaller budget. You may think of marketing as selling something that people may not need. What it is really about is learning about our clients, learning about their organizations, figuring out their needs, and telling the story of what ECBC and the Engineering Directorate can do to fill those needs.”

The training will cover the BD process, employee roles and participation, information on the marketplace, how to identify client needs and requirements, key messages and methods of communication, and opportunity planning (including customizable tools), as well as give practical examples. Training begins on 30 January 2014 and the Branch Chiefs will be the first group to receive training.

Associate Director Bill Klein concluded the meeting by thanking everyone for their participation in the development of the BD plan and advised to “be deliberate, be flexible” when conducting business development at the Division level.

Congratulations to Eugene Vickers for Patriotic Employer Award for Support of the National Guard and Reserve

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CBC Engineering Directorate congratulates Eugene Vickers, Chief, Engineering Test Division, for being awarded the Patriotic Employer designation by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

The ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. The ESGR sponsors an awards program designed to recognize employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees’ participation in the National Guard and Reserve. All employer recognition and awards originate from nominations by individual Reserve component members.

Vickers was nominated by Environmental and Field Test Branch Chief Stephen Harper, a Black Hawk instructor pilot in the Pennsylvania National Guard. “I have been deployed three times while working at the Center,” said Harper. “Each time I left the Center, when my deployment was over I was able to come right back like I had never been gone. To me that speaks volumes about Mr. Vickers and the Center.”

“I was surprised and honored to receive this award,” Vickers shared.

“I served three years on active Duty in the Army and three years in the Army Reserve, so supporting this cause is part of me and part of my life.”

The Center leadership has strived to support its Reserve and Guard members. In 2011, ECBC was awarded ESGR’s Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes employers at the state and local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty of their employees.

ECBC has 34 employees currently serving in the Guard and Reserve.

These employees serve as a vital connection to ECBC’s ultimate customer – the Warfighter. “We will do everything in our power to support the Guard and Reserve members that work at ECBC,” ECBC Director Joseph Wienand said. “The Center is dedicated to our men and women in uniform.”

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Employee Spotlight:

Dick Hughes

This month’s Engineering Edge Employee Spotlight is on Dick Hughes, Engineering Directorate Executive Officer, Lead Environmental Scientist and avid outdoorsman.

What are some of your responsibilities as Executive Officer for the Engineering Directorate?

As Executive Officer, my primary role is to ensure that command-level taskers get completed in a timely fashion. Another important job is to elevate and highlight Engineering Directorate events and activities across the Center. I also coordinate tours and visits of Engineering facilities with the ECBC Public Affairs Office, and assist the Director and Associate Directors with various tasks.

What is your background with ECBC, including any other positions you have held?

I have been working at ECBC for 19 years, as a student contractor, ORISE, government contractor, and now as a federal employee.

Although my background is in environmental science, I have also worked in the safety, health, surety and security fields. One of my roles is Risk Construction Coordinator for new construction or major equipment projects at the Center, and includes task management, personnel and funding.

What has been your experience in your developmental assignment?

The assignment as Executive Officer has given me a better understanding of what the Engineering Directorate provides for the Army Soldier and how that fits in with the overall mission of the Center. It has even given me a new perspective on what my own Directorate does for the Army and how all of the Directorates fit together, complement each other and support the larger mission.

Having that higher-level understanding of how the Center supports the Soldier has been very valuable.

What have you learned so far that you plan to take back to your job in DPI?

helping solve those problems – that has been so valuable to learn in this position. You also learn the leadership and management staff better, get to know who they really are and understand their thinking as they tackle these challenges. Another bonus of this position is the networking aspect. I am making great contacts and connections and forming future working relationships that I will carry back to my job in DPI. Do you have any advice for junior employees who are interested in advancing their careers?

Take advantage of every opportunity you have to grow your expertise and network. Participation in the Center’s cohort programs is highly recommended for young professionals looking to try new things and expand their skill sets.

What is one of the most exciting projects you have worked on at ECBC? It is exciting to work on the building of the high-containment facility. I started working on the project with the design phase over four years ago, and now it is in the verification and validation stage. It has been neat to see this process through from the beginning. It will be a oneof-a-kind facility perfect for ECBC’s unique capabilities.

Tell us more about yourself. What are your hobbies outside of work?

My love for the outdoors – fishing, hunting, crabbing, trapshooting – is what inspired me to become an environmental scientist. Some people may know that I am the Maryland State Director for the Academics, Integrity, and Marksmanship (AIM), the official youth program of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. I am also a coach for a local team for Harford and Cecil counties. Teaching my students about safety is of number one importance – just as safety of the ECBC workforce is of top importance in my job. Some of the same safety rules and concepts apply to both.

Looking at challenges from a broader perspective and how truly impactful the engineering and the science the workforce does is

Want Us to Tell Your Story?

Articles from The Engineering Edge newsletter are used to tell internal and external audiences about the capabilities and expertise available in our Directorate. Are you willing to share your story? Please send all article suggestions to Ed Bowen at edward.c.bowen8.civ@mail.mil.

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ECBC Rock Island Annual Safety Trivia Contest On Dec. 3, the ECBC Rock Island site held its annual safety trivia contest. This contest serves as the safety briefing for December and contains questions compiled from the year’s monthly safety briefings and presentations. The contest has become a popular event for the workforce. Here is a sampling of the trivia questions. Do you know the correct answers?

1. Which item(s) do you need in your Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit? a. Antifreeze and ice scraper

5. What does the acronym HEPA stand for? a. Hydrostatic Electrical Pollen Adsorption b. High Efficiency Particulate Air

b. Old rugs and cat litter

c. Hydrogen Elimination Polymer Activation

c. Jumper cables and blankets

d. High Electron Protective Agent

d. All of the above 2. Complete the following statement on fire extinguisher safety: The novice should be able to extinguish a ______ square foot fire, while an expert could put out a _______ square foot fire with the same extinguisher. a. 480/1200

6. Which is NOT a symptom of heat exhaustion? a. Pupils constricted b. Pupils dilated c. Moist and clammy skin d. Normal or subnormal body temperature

b. 350/1100 c. 275/775

7. Which of the following is NOT a filtration mechanism?

d. 560/1300

a. Chemical impaction b. Inertial impaction

3. Before a test site visit, the test lead will coordinate with the site and the_______. a. Safety Office and the OSHA Manager

c. Interception d. Diffusion

b. Safety Office and the Industrial Hygienist c. Safety Office and the Laboratory Manager d. OSHA Representative and the Emergency Services coordinator 4. In test site safety, MOPP stands for: a. Mission Oriented Protective Posture b. Mission Operational Protective Procedure c. Mission Only Property Protection d. Mission Operational Personnel Protection

Answers: 1.) d; 2.) a; 3.) b; 4.) b; 5.) a; 6.) b; 7.) a; 8.) a APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE