PPD/ES&H Open House—May 29!

Did you find this newsletter helpful?  Does it have the kind of information you are looking for?  Your feedback is important.  Please continue to use the electronic safety concern database, the suggestion boxes in your area, or send comments to Eric McHugh, emchugh@fnal.gov

PPD/ES&H May Newsletter

Part of the 2009 PPD/ES&H Plan is to host another open house poster session concerning off-the-job ES&H. 

This year’s open house will be May 29 at 2:00 pm.  There will be lots of information available about a variety of topics (see invitation to the bottom-right).  ES&H Group members will be available to answer any questions. 

There will also be refreshments!  So mark it on your calendar, and come hang out with us on the afternoon of May 29!!!

Outdated Pharmaceuticals?

Can a Pizza Box be Recycled?

What’s Cooler than Being Cool?

ArgoNeuT!

Inside this issue:

Thank You PPD!

Well PPD, from now on when you see me wandering around with a clip board it will not be as a PPD employee.  I’m heading to the ES&H Section!  I have accepted a position in the ESHS/Environmental Protection Group, starting May 18. 

My new office will be on the seventh floor, east side of Wilson Hall.  I have an awesome view!  Please stop by any time for a visit. 

Thanks so much to everyone for your support and cooperation.  A special thanks to my co-workers:  Rob Bushek, Jose De La “O”, Eric McHugh and Wayne Schmitt.  I have learned so much by working with you guys!  And have enjoyed many laughs (at you?? or me???)!

I will miss you, PPD!

Thank you!

Amber Larson

 

tamber@fnal.gov

x2977

Raffle Winners of the September 2007 Open House

Back Row: Brian Ellison, Tom Sperry , Jim Schellpfeffer , Karen Kephart, TJ Sarlina, Rolando Flores  Front Row: Ingrid Fang, Etta Johnson, Jody Federwitz. Susan Saxer , Carol Johnson, Pete Simon.

These chemicals have been linked to causing reproductive defects in fish, and environmental exposure to antibiotics has also been linked to the development of drug-resistant germs. 

These trace amounts of chemicals are not at a level to cause harm to human health...yet.  One concern is that the Baby Boomer generation is going to be consuming more and more medication in the coming years, and perhaps disposing of more medication down the sink or toilet. 

The IEPA is partnering with many communities to prevent an increase of pharmaceuticals in water ways.  There are many locations throughout the state that have an annual drop-off of Household Hazardous Waste (including unwanted pharmaceuticals).  There are also four long-term facilities that accept drop-offs anytime.  Click HERE for the details.

 

Check out IEPA’s fact sheet about proper medication disposal.

ArgoNeuT, or T 962, is a “small scale” Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (TPC) that has been installed down in the MINOS Hall.  The apparatus is small in comparison to the MINOS and MINERvA detectors, but stands proudly between the two. 

ArgoNeuT will be observing Neutrino interactions in the TPC.  The TPC is made up of three wire planes, and flooded with 175 liters of liquid argon.  The wire planes will allow scientists to see the position and trajectory of the neutrino interactions.  It is flooded with liquid argon because it provides high quality images with minimal background. 

Liquid argon is a cryogen, and must be kept very cold to remain liquid (87 Kalvin).  This presents a hazard as the expansion ratio of argon is 1:840.  Meaning 1 liquid liter of argon expands to 840 liters of gas as it warms up.  Since we are not able to breath argon, there could be an Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH). 

However, ArgoNeuT was designed so the ODH hazard class would remain zero.  Class Zero is the lowest ODH classification and does not require training, personal monitoring or carrying an air pack to enter the area.  Even so, several ODH monitors have been installed in the MINOS Hall to notify personnel in the area of any possible problem.  Occupants of the MINOS Hall should evacuate immediately if the ODH alarm sounds. 

ArgoNeuT is an exciting experiment that is paving the way for larger versions of the design.  Experiments such as MicroBooNE and DUSEL will learn vast amounts from ArgoNeuT. 

Check out ArgoNeuT’s webpage for more details on how the detector was designed and more.  Be sure to look at the pictures:  HERE.

ArgoNeuT’s orange containment box.

The TPC inside the cryostat.