Industry News New ASPE student chapter formed at Wentworth Institute of Technology ChiCAGO — The American society of <strong>Plumbing</strong> engineers (AsPe) announced the recent formation of a student chapter at the Wentworth institute of Technology (Wentworth) in Boston. The student chapter held its first meeting on January 31, 2012. The chapter is currently comprised of 13 students representing Bachelor of science programs in mechanical engineering technology and architecture. students participating in the chapter will have access to AsPe technical presentations and publications, mentoring opportunities with practicing engineers and designers and networking connections that will be with them their entire careers. Frederick Neth, eiT, AsPe Boston chapter vice president, technical and lead mechanical engineer at Parsons Brinckerhoff, has taken the lead in working with the faculty and students of Wentworth to help form the student chapter. Neth notes, “As a proud alumnus of Wentworth, i understand the importance of mentoring and working with today’s students to help them set a strong foundation for future success in the field of plumbing engineering and design and, more importantly, helping them to be successful in all aspects of their lives.” Neth thanks Ryan eisenhauer, a student at Wentworth, who was elected president of the student chapter. “Ryan has been the driving force in helping bring the student chapter together,” Neth says. “his enthusiasm and passion are the two critical components that led us to our first meeting, and i am confident that he will lead the chapter to continued success in the future.” The Wentworth-AsPe student chapter will have direct support from the AsPe Boston chapter. Richard Dean, CPD, AsPe Boston chapter president and senior plumbing designer at Vanderweil engineers LLP, states, “Many of our Boston chapter members received their engineering degrees from Wentworth, and we are committed to giving back to the Wentworth community by supporting the new student chapter. i am particularly excited about working with all stakeholders in the plumbing community, including manufacturers and contractors, to set up internship programs for the student chapter members.” AsPe president William F. hughes Jr., CPD, LeeD AP, FAsPe, comments, “There is no doubt that the future success of our profession is largely based on encouraging engineering and technology students to consider entering the field of plumbing engineering and design. AsPe is committed to working with all of our local chapters to build strong relationships with universities and colleges to create a national network of student chapters.” Fire-safety hazards of lithium-ion batteries featured in latest NFPA Journal QUiNCY, MAss. — The latest <strong>issue</strong> of the NFPA Journal, the official magazine of the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org), focuses on concerns related to fire-safety hazards of lithium-ion battery use in its cover story, “elemental Questions.” NFPA has conducted research and established several partnerships to study and address fire-safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, a fuel source used for hundreds of millions of devices. The electric vehicle industry has invested heavily in lithium-ion technology to power its products and the rise in the number of electric vehicles on roads presents new challenges for emergency responders. A recent incident involving a Chevrolet Volt which caught fire a few weeks after passing a crash test brought closer examination to <strong>issue</strong>s related to lithium-ion batteries in vehicles and NFPA is working with government agencies, insurers, and car manufacturers to address these <strong>issue</strong>s on a national scale. Education, entertainment on tap for 2012 NFPA Conference & Expo The 2012 NFPA Conference & expo is a four-day opportunity for fire and life safety professionals to share best practices, find solutions to safety challenges and stay abreast of technological innovations in their fields. The conference will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas June 11–14. The annual conference and expo is the year’s largest and most important event for the fire protection, life safety and electrical industries. Attendees will have more than 130 education sessions to choose from in 12 tracks, plus opportunities to learn more about the latest fire and safety-related products presented by 300 exhibitors. This year’s featured presentation, “9/11: Leadership Before and After the Crisis,” given by Chief Jay Jonas, a deputy chief in the New York City Fire Department, will take place on Tuesday, June 12. Jonas is one of only 20 people who remained inside the Twin Towers when they collapsed and survived the incident. The Association Technical Meeting, a collaborative forum for experts to set the stage for new safety and building standards, will begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13. ASSE releases white paper to address, minimize potential water heater scald hazards WesTLAke, OhiO — The American society of sanitary engineering (Asse) has released a white paper intended to educate and give guidance on minimizing potential water heater scald hazards. “Understanding Potential Water heater scald hazards: A White Paper” was developed by the American society of sanitary engineering scald Awareness Task Group; a group comprised of 36 industry professionals who have dedicated their time and expertise to the development of this paper. The Asse scald Awareness Task Group was formed More Industry News on page 10 Page 8/<strong>Plumbing</strong> <strong>Engineer</strong> April 2012
Circle 5 on Reader Reply Form on page 69
Change language