AFRL Directorate stands down for laboratory safety

  • Published
  • By Jeremy Gratsch
  • AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The staff of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate gathered during a Safety Down Day Jan. 22 to reevaluate safety and security procedures and their application in accomplishing the Air Force mission.

Deputy Director Col. John Gloystein called for staff to refocus and examine all aspects of operation to ensure the directorate functions at peak efficiency.

The Materials and Manufacturing Directorate develops materials, processes, and manufacturing improvements that enable advancements in Air Force technology. It also provides unique technical expertise critical to sustaining the current aircraft fleet.

The organization operates more than 300 dedicated laboratory modules with thousands of specialized test and equipment items, including 700 high-powered lasers. It is also responsible for maintaining control and accountability of 30,000 chemicals, one of the largest Air Force laboratory chemical inventories.

Wade Brower, Chief of the Directorate's Engineering Services and Support Branch, said that safety is vital due to the variety of work taking place in the facility.

"We have one of the most diverse levels of research in the Air Force," Brower said. "With the mixture of scientists, engineers, administrative and support personnel everyone must be made aware of the necessity for safety both inside and outside of the labs."

Dr. Brandon Howe, a materials engineer whose research of new materials provides advancements in military electronics, said researchers are often exposed to risks that must be mitigated to provide a safe and effective work environment.

"We go out of our way to educate ourselves on chemical, laser, and in general best lab practices to ensure not only our airmen are safe, but also the people behind the scenes developing that next solution to further enable the warfighter," Howe added.

Staff members attended briefings and workshops focused on fire prevention, emergency management and continuity of operations, chemical safety, and cyber and facility security.

In addition, several subject matter experts were on site providing environmental, safety and occupational health information and demonstrating the latest in office and laboratory safety and security equipment.