Vanadium Safety Readiness Program Designed to Ensure
July 9, 2009
Workers’ Health and Safety
CHARLESTON, SC – July 10, 2009 – The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), an SCRA affiliate, announces a new program for the U.S. Army that is designed to address occupational health issues and safeguard the health and safety of military, civilian and industrial workers in the critical defense sector of vanadium technology. ATI is bringing overall program management, including budgetary responsibility and technical deliverables to the one-year, $2.57M agreement, which includes performance-based contract options up to $10.5M over a five-year period.
Vanadium has a myriad of applications for military and civilian use. This important and well-established alloy is utilized in virtually every structural military application where steel products are employed. It can increase steel yield strength by more than 25 percent, allowing smaller structures to accomplish outcomes that once required more mass. For instance, vanadium microalloyed steel reduces the weight of combat and tactical vehicles and it is used in the construction of tactical bridges, material handling equipment, air and watercraft, and other in-theater steel structures.
The processing and manufacture of vanadium substances is of integral importance to the military. Since there is only limited data available about many vanadium substances, the Vanadium Safety Readiness Program will employ an assessment analysis to establish science-based occupational health standards and safe work practices. Safe air exposure limits, safe handling practices and industrial hygiene controls will be established through the program. These practices will ensure that no adverse health effects result from vanadium manufacture and use in the workplace.
“The Vanadium Producers & Reclaimers Association (VPRA) and the Vanadium International Technical Committee are both pleased that this important research program is about to commence. Our entire industry is committed to the well-being and safety of our workers, our customers and the environment,” said David White, Chairman of the VPRA Health, Safety & Environment Committee. “We look forward to partnering with such highly esteemed scientists and laboratories to develop a comprehensive health safety and environment database of knowledge on vanadium compounds.”
The program leverages a world-class team of toxicologists, scientific researchers and industry experts who are well-versed in vanadium applications, chemistry and occupational health.
ATI brings deep domain expertise in metals and advanced materials that translate into reduced costs, enhanced readiness and increased safety for its military and commercial customers. The Vanadium Technology Program, in partnership with the vanadium industry, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Tank Automotive and Armaments Command and commercial users of steel, is demonstrating the higher strength, lower cost benefits of vanadium microalloyed steel. Program case studies show that the weight of Army support structures, temporary and intermediate bridges, vehicles, trailers, barriers and buildings can be improved in protection and mobility through vanadium alloying and hot rolled steel technology.
”We are proud to see ATI once again deliver assured outcomes for the U.S. Army in support of national initiatives, and bring both greater efficiency and financial returns into this emerging market,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO . “The program will undoubtedly further advance metals technology and ensure safe practices for the health of the industry’s workforce.”
