VSRA News

The Robotics Team from James Blair Middle School won the SECOND Annual VSRF Ship Repair Industry Awareness LEGO Competition yesterday (4/30/2008), besting five other talented teams representing the middle schools of Meadowbrook, Northside, and Norview.

The competition was stiff, with few points separating the schools.  Second Place went to Meadowbrook Team 2, with Meadowbrook Team 1 capturing Third.

Each team spent the last several weeks researching the ship repair industry and the many occupations necessary to accomplish this most important work.  Since the primary customer of the ship repair industry in Virginia is the U.S. Navy, the repair work is vital to our national defense.  Each team then utilized LEGO software to design a ship or portion of a ship.  The design had to incorporate something innovative that was not found to currently exist through their research.  The teams then produced a PowerPoint presentation on their project, which they then orally presented to a team of five industry and technical experts who were the judges in the competition. Thank you to Chris Challoner , Main Industries, Inc., Tyrone Goodman,  Norfolk Public Schools, Buck Hodges, Auxiliary Systems, Inc., Frank Jemmison, Valco Piping Products, Inc., and Brian Miller, Earl Manufacturing.

Blair's winning design was a cruiser which incorporated a wind turbine as a supplemental power source.  As part of the turbine design, they included a proximity sensor as a safety feature which stopped the turbine if a large object approached.

In addition to a $500 check won for their school, VSRA will send the Blair design to LEGO where it will be kitted.  The school will then produce their ship in the LEGO pieces as their trophy.  The second place team secured a $250 check for Meadowbrook.

The poise, innovation, and imagination of all the students were extraordinary. Our sincerest thanks to the teachers, mentors, and parents of all the teams.  A special thanks goes to Dr. Stephen Jones and the Norfolk Public Schools for their strong support of this competition. 

The First Place Blair Robotics Team members pictured above with VSRA President, Malcolm Branch are Pedro Cain, Joshua Carter, Mitchell Cleary, Walker Cleary, Deion Dean, Samantha Ford, Carson Merritt, Schyler Vedros, Chris Whetzel, and Khamani Williamson.  Team Leader/Teachers are Mrs. Nanette Dean and Mr. Paul Abramson.  David Burt with AMSEC, LLC served as Technical Advisor.

Second and Third Place went to Team 2 and Team 1 of the  International School of Studies at Meadowbrook.  Both teams were led by teacher, Mr. Alex Witowski.  George Pyles with Metro Machine, Inc. served as Technical Advisor. Second Place Team 2 members are Jamile Adams, Brandon Allison, Richard Dizon, Briana Robinson, Alden Rohrer, and Denzel Thomas.  Third Place Team 1 members are Eric Harris, George Plank, Nate Tedrow, and Griffin Watts.

!!! PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THAT WE KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND !!!

REGISTRATION/PROPOSAL MILESTONE IS 30 MAY 2008

1. The 2008 SSRAC meeting will be held 29 July - 1 August 2008, at the University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, on the University of North Florida campus on the southern edge of suburban Jacksonville, Florida. Further information is available on the SSRAC web site at http://www.sermc.surfor.navy.mil/ssrac1/jul08mtg/jul08mtg.htm. 

2. Attendees must be trade oriented and familiar with the Standardization Program and SSRAC objectives. Those who meet the requirements should submit a request to attend, using the 2008 SSRAC Registration Request Form (also available on the SSRAC web site at the web address listed above).

3. E-mail completed Registration Form to linda.mayle@navy.mil (preferred), or FAX to (904) 270-5729 NLT 30 May 2008. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT REGISTRATION REQUESTS IN ANY OTHER FORM.

4. Each participating private industry partner organization is requested to limit attendee requests to one per subcommittee.

5. The Milestone for submission of change proposals using the official 2008 SSRAC Proposal Form is also 30 May 2008.

Joey Cartwright

NAVSEA SSRAC Coordinator

SERMC Business Office Code 1250

Ph: 904-270-5722

joey.c.cartwright@navy.mil

Linda D. Mayle

Asst NAVSEA SSRAC Coordinator

SERMC Business Office Code 1220/Standards Coordinator

Ph: 904-270-5593

FAX: 904-270-5729

linda.mayle@navy.mil

EPA is making federal environmental regulation more transparent by providing on-line information as soon as the agency begins the development of a new rule.
Starting today (4/14/08), EPA is using Action Initiation Lists (AILs) to notify the public about new rules and other regulatory actions. AILs will be posted on the EPA Web site at roughly the end of each month; each will describe those actions that were approved for commencement during the given month. Formerly, the public had to wait for EPA's Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, which is updated only every six months, to learn about new regulatory actions.
The AILs provide summaries, agency contacts, and other information about the rules EPA has approved for development. For example, the March 2008 AIL announces the agency's plans to issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for greenhouse gases in late spring. This notice will solicit public input as EPA considers the specific effects of climate change and potential regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary and mobile sources under the Clean Air Act. The March AIL also announces the agency's plans to propose a rulemaking that builds on EPA's existing renewable fuels standard program. The expansion of the program was mandated by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.
The February and March 2008 AILs are now available. EPA expects to release the April AIL around April 30.
Action Initiation Lists: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/search/ail.html  
EPA's Semiannual Regulatory Agendas: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/search/regagenda.html 
 

Eastern Virginia Energy Conservation Conference 2008 (EVEC 2008)
Join us for the Eastern Virginia Energy Conservation Conference on May 14-15, 2008, at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, VA.	Old Dominion University with support from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) would like to invite you to participate in the Eastern Virginia Energy Conservation Conference (EVEC 2008) to be held on May 14 and 15, 2008, at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Virginia.   The conference will focus on the proper management of available energy and developing effective energy management programs that positively impact the bottom line. In conjunction with the conference is a great opportunity to view new products and watch product demonstrations from the energy conservation arena.   Conference proceeds will be used for free energy surveys and to fund scholarships.   Learn more about the Eastern Virginia Energy Conservation Conference by visiting www.evec2008.com. About EVEC 2008   Did you know that you could save money on your energy bill by simply unplugging the charger after you've removed your cell phone? Wall warts -- or small transformers with plugs attached, like cell phone chargers that hang from electrical outlets -- account for up to 4% of electrical consumption in some environments.  They continue to pull electricity, even after the device they were powering has been disconnected. And, this is small compared to what else you will learn...   While we all know it is important to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to minimize energy expenses, we may not realize what little things can do to save big energy dollars in our buildings and offices.  Join us at the Eastern Virginia Energy Conservation Conference 2008 to learn more about; wasted lighting in facilities and manufacturing environments, the EPA's Energy Star initiative, motor controls and computerized energy management systems, HVAC efficiency, wall warts, and many other energy conservation topics.  For more information, and to view our agenda, please visit www.evec2008.com. Where Ted Constant Convocation Center 4320 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23508   When May 14-15, 2008 Registration Information To receive the Early Bird pricing at the special Government & Government Contractor price (save $100.00) register before Friday, April 25, 2008.     VSRA Early Bird Pricing: $95.00 (includes admission for both days, all meals, reception, breakout sessions, and parking)   To register, visit www.evec2008.com to download the appropriate forms.  Please include on the form registration code VSRA95 next to the General Admission pricing.
Old Dominion University VATPDC 4111 Monarch Way Suite 106 Norfolk, VA 23508 (757) 683-5479 (757) 683-5509 (Fax)	If you need more information please contact Kendra J. Briscoe, Program Manager, at (757) 683-5479 or kbriscoe@odu.edu.   Sam A. Manning, Conference Director, can be reached at (757) 683-3825 or smanning@odu.edu.

Below please find the following OSHA compliance assistance products that may be of interest to the shipbuilding and repair industry from the first half of FY 2008.  For more information, see the New Compliance Assistance Products page on the OSHA Compliance Assistance Web page at www.osha.gov/complianceassistance.

Publications Page

• Redesigned Publications Page (Nov. 2007). This page allows users to find OSHA publications in several ways, including by the publication number or keyword, from an alphabetical listing, by industry or topic, and by publication type.
  

eTools

• Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors. Installation and Repair and Prefabrication Modules (Oct. 2007) (developed through the OSHA and the Independent Electrical Contractors Alliance)
• $afety Pays (Jan. 2008)
  

Fact Sheets

·       Hazard Alert: Combustible Dust Explosions (Mar. 2008) 
.       Personal Protective Equipment Payment Standard (Nov. 2007)
·       Remarks by Assistant Secretary Foulke Summarizing the Personal Protective Equipment Payment Standard (Nov. 2007)

·       Seasonal Influenza Vaccination—Important Protection for Healthcare Workers (Nov. 2007)

Posters

• Combustible Dust Poster (Mar. 2008)
  

Safety and Health Topics Pages

• Combustible Dust (Mar. 2008)
  

II. Products Developed by Alliance Program Participants

The following products were issued by OSHA’s Alliance Program participants as part of the Alliance Program in the first half of FY 2008. For a complete listing and links to the products, see the Alliance Program Participants Developed Products page at www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/alliance_products.html.

Safety Alert

OSHA’s Alliance with the Shipbuilders Council of America, American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Shipbuilding Association, National Shipbuilding Research Program, and American Society of Safety Engineers

• Electrocution and Shock Hazards in Shipyard Employment
  
  

UPDATE - VSRF is now accepting nominations for the 2008 VSRF Junior and Senior Ship Repair Tradesman of the Year - Deadline is Friday (4/25)!
The Ship Repair inudstry the best of more than 30,000 workers in Hampton Roads who work every day towards one mission: keeping the fleet on line. They are truly the “The Strength Behind the Fleet.” The award honors one trade worker from each of two categories. The categories are: Junior with less than five years of experience, and Senior with more than five years of experience. VSRF received nineteen applications from nine companies last year.  Winners will be judged on their level of expertise, leadership qualities, safety records and quality of work.
Nomination Form Deadline:  April 25, 2008                                                                                                You may submit a typewritten completed VSRF 2008 Junior Tradesman of the Year Nomination Form and/or VSRF 2008 Senior Tradesman of the Year Nomination Form  in one of three ways:

1. E-mail:  ahowell@VirginiaShipRepair.org
2. Fax: 757.233.7035
3. Mail:  VSRA, 150 Boush St., Ste 802, Norfolk, VA 23510

If you have any questions please contact the Nomination Review Coordinator, Michelle Carrera at mcarrera@VirginiaShipRepair.org or by calling 757.810.8607.

 

 

The US Coast Guard issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding its enforcement of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.

The following information was received from the Navy announcing the details of the 2008 SSRAC meeting.

1. The 2008 SSRAC meeting will be held 29 July - 1 August 2008, at the University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, on the University of North Florida campus on the southern edge of suburban Jacksonville, Florida.

2. Attendees must be trade oriented and familiar with the Standardization Program and SSRAC objectives. Those who meet the requirements should submit a request to attend, using the attached Registration Request Form (also available on the SSRAC web site at http://www.sermc.surfor.navy.mil/ssrac1/jul08mtg/jul08mtg.htm). E-mail completed forms to linda.mayle@navy.mil (preferred), or FAX to (904) 270-5729 NLT 30 May 2008. WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT REGISTRATION REQUESTS IN ANY OTHER FORM. 

3. Each participating private industry partner organization is requested to limit attendee requests to one per subcommittee. The seven subcommittees of the SSRAC are:

Environmental/Safety/Health

Hull/Preservation

Machinery/QA

Piping/Boiler

Electrical/Electronics

4-E/Phraseology

General (non-trade-specific issues)

The subcommittees review proposals on issues relating to their technical/trade specialties and provide recommendations to the Steering Committee with supporting rationale. The Steering Committee acts on the recommendations of the subcommittees and handles issues that either cannot be resolved by the subcommittee or are beyond the scope of any one subcommittee.

4. No conference fee will be charged.

5. Milestone dates for the meeting are as follows:

a. 30 MAY 08: Final registration deadline.

b. 30 MAY 08: Final submission of proposed agenda items to SSRAC Coordinator utilizing an official Microsoft Word SSRAC Proposal Form (attached and also available on the SSRAC web site at www.sermc.surfor.navy.mil/ssrac1/meetings.htm. Please be sure to indicate whether the proposal is considered to be "Major" or "Minor" and whether or not there is a cost impact.

Submissions should be e-mailed to linda.mayle@navy.mil but may be FAX'd to (904) 270-5729 in the event the use of e-mail is unavailable. The SSRAC Coordinator will take action on minor administrative changes, but all "major" proposals will be given a SSRAC Number and will be referred to the appropriate subcommittee for action.

The milestone for proposal submission must be strictly adhered to. No submissions will be accepted at the meeting except in the case of safety/health related issues.

c. 27 JUN 08: SSRAC Coordinator will provide draft agenda to scheduled attendees, identify subcommittees, designate subcommittee chairmen, and provide proposed changes and backup data. Prospective attendees will be notified when the information is available on the SSRAC web site.

d. 29 JUL 08: Convene SSRAC meeting. 

Joey Cartwright

NAVSEA SSRAC Coordinator

SERMC Business Office Code 1250

Ph: 904-270-5722

joey.c.cartwright@navy.mil