A LITTLE BACKGROUND:
Back on Sept 18th a dangerous chemical spilled at a plant in Curtis Bay Baltimore and created a toxic acid cloud over some neighborhoods, forcing some people to shelter inside their homes for two hours.
The cloud threatened neighborhoods near a chemical plant and caused everyone to shelter in place. While there was no fire, often in situations like this, something happened that could have been prevented.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the agency's board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They investigate the root cause of chemical incidents, and make recommendations for prevention. During this presentation, Board Member Manny Ehrlich will take you through the important work that they do, including safety videos for chemical incidents around the country, and knowing what you don't know.
IF YOU: (1) Secretly think you'd make a good detective (2) Have an interest in chemical fires and safety; (3) Like watching digital reenactment videos with explosions or (4) Have a friend or family member who's a fire fighter.... We invite you to come and geek out with us. You don't have to be a member of Baltimore Women in Tech to attend this event. All are welcome.
Manuel “Manny” Ehrlich is a Board Member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Member Ehrlich was nominated by President Barack Obama in January 2014 and confirmed by the Senate in December 2014. Before joining the CSB, Mr. Ehrlich spent much of his career with Baden Aniline and Soda Factory (BASF) Corporation. During his time at BASF, Mr. Ehrlich worked in a variety of roles, including plant management and eventually leading emergency response efforts across North America.
Prior to joining BASF, Mr. Ehrlich served as the on call chemist for the Chemical Transportation Emergency Response Center (also known as CHEMTREC) in the U.S., a 24-hour service that assists responders on the scene of chemical incidents. He also served as a member of the National Fire Protection Association’s committee that develops competency standards for chemical emergency responders. Mr. Ehrlich attained his B.S. from Drexel Institute of Technology; completed graduate studies at Temple University, St. Joseph’s College, New York University and attained his Ed.M. and M.A. from Columbia University.
Vanessa Allen Sutherland currently serves as the Chairperson and CEO of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Chairperson Sutherland was nominated by President Barack Obama in March, 2015 and confirmed by the Senate in August, 2015. Prior to her appointment as Chairperson, Ms. Sutherland served as the fourth politically appointed Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. (read more)
Manuel “Manny” Ehrlich is a Board Member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Member Ehrlich was nominated by President Barack Obama in January 2014 and confirmed by the Senate in December 2014. Before joining the CSB, Mr. Ehrlich spent much of his career with Baden Aniline and Soda Factory (BASF) Corporation. During his time at BASF, Mr. Ehrlich worked in a variety of roles, including plant management and eventually leading emergency response efforts across North America. (read more)
Kristen M. Kulinowski, Ph.D. is a Board Member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Member Kulinowski was nominated by President Barack Obama in January 2015 and confirmed by the Senate in August 2015. Prior to joining the Board, Dr. Kulinowski was a Research Staff Member in the Institute for Defense Analysis Science & Technology Policy Institute. (read more)
Rick Engler is a Board Member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB). Member Engler was nominated by President Barack Obama in January 2014, and confirmed by the Senate in December 2014. Before joining the CSB, Mr. Engler was founder and Director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council. He is also the founder of the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health and served as an elected Vice President of the NJ Industrial Union Council, AFL-CIO. (read more)