November 2024 – Dinner Meeting

November 2024 Dinner Meeting

Agenda:

5:00 p.m. Networking/Cash Bar

5:30 p.m. Before Dinner Session:

Topic: Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Investigations

Lithium-ion batteries/LIBs are indispensable in powering today’s portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. However, their susceptibility to fire incidents poses significant safety challenges. The presentation seeks to share information regarding the components of LIBs, the causes of fire incidents, and the analytical approaches in LIBs fire investigations.

Speaker: Eugenia Mirica

Eugenia is the Laboratory Director of the Materials Science Laboratory at EMSL Analytical, Inc in Cinnaminson, NJ. Eugenia received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2002. She joined EMSL at the end of 2002 and she has been with the company ever since.  Her expertise involves complex analyses employing a large variety of analytical techniques, utilized for the identification and the comprehensive characterization of various types of materials.

6:30 p.m. $45 – Buffet Dinner

7:15 p.m. After Dinner Session:

Topic: Understanding the GSA Order Results, Data Trends and Mitigation Strategies

On November 16, 2023, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Public Building Service (PBS) issued and order that established requirements for effectively managing and overseeing drinking water (DW) to help ensure the well-being of building occupants, contractors, and visitors in federally owned facilities and leased space under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of GSA.In Fiscal Year 2024, initial baseline DW quality testing was conducted by a qualified professional as required for all active and occupied federally owned facilities that are greater than 1,000 square feet, have DW systems, and fall under the jurisdiction, custody, and control of GSA. Specifically, at least 10% of cold water outlets primarily designed for human consumption, such as drinking fountains, bottle fillers, and kitchenette faucets, were tested for lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and total coliform bacteria [including Escherichia coli (E. coli)] as well as a representative number of hot and cold water outlets for the presence of Legionella.This presentation will provide an overview of the findings and trends for Legionella, Lead and Copper data as analyzed by Pace Analytical Services.  Mitigation strategies and corrective actions for the domestic water distribution systems will also be discussed in an effort to reduce tenant and occupational exposures to these contaminants of concern.

Speaker: Robert DeMalo, M.Sc, Vice President of Operations, Pace Building Sciences

Preregistration is appreciated so we can give an accurate headcount to the venue. Walk-ins are also welcome. You may register using the below form, or via email to Ronnie Tutty at njaiha@ptd.net.