Most people tell kids to be careful around computers, but a group of 60 second-grade students from Berkeley’s LeConte Elementary School who visited the Lab last week were encouraged to take them apart and learn how they work. The exercise was part of an effort by the IT Division to teach children how computers and computer networks enable science. Using analogies to the human body (i.e. the CPU is like a brain) and comparing networking to the Post Office, volunteers imparted somewhat complicated concepts using hands-on activities. “A lot of U.S. students are falling behind in science education, so I’m glad the Lab recognizes that we have to develop this interest at an early age,” said Alan Wang, a parent of one of the students. Lab volunteers included Helen Cademartori, Gary Jung, Tammy Campbell (pictured), and Ted Sopher. Go here to watch a video capturing the sights and sounds of the event.
After the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11, terror and confusion reigned as the building's occupants tried to escape the burning structures. Now imagine being a person without sight trying to navigate the chaos to safety. That’s exactly what Michael Hingson, along with his guide dog Roselle, had to do. Hingson will visit the Lab to discuss his experience, the strength of the human/animal bond, and what’s it’s like to be blind in a “sighted world” on Thursday, June 3, at noon in the Building 50 Auditorium. His talk will be followed by a Q&A session. The Lab’s Diversity Council is sponsoring the event as part of its newly launched “Perspectives on Diversity” lecture series.
Employees in the Building 90 complex were evacuated yesterday morning starting at 10:10 a.m. in response to reports of a noxious odor. The source was quickly identified as paint fumes from a basement room that entered the ventilation system. There were some complaints of minor throat irritation, nausea and headaches. One employee fainted, was taken to a local emergency center for treatment, and subsequently released. At approximately 11:12 a.m., following a floor-by-floor inspection carried out by an industrial hygiene and hazardous materials team, employees were allowed to return to their respective offices.
As a start to her special “Geek Week” series, Rachel Maddow, who hosts a political talk show on MSNBC, had Energy Secretary Steve Chu as a guest. In the first of a two-part interview, Chu and Maddow discussed efforts to wean America from fossil fuel and promote renewable energy sources. In part two they talked about possible solutions to stanching the BP oil leak, the future of offshore drilling, and the Obama administration’s response to the disaster.
Special Event: Wellness Fair Next Thursday; Includes 'UC Walks' Event The Lab’s Health Care Facilitator will host its annual Wellness & Meet the EAA Clubs Fair next Thursday, June 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the cafeteria. The fair will feature information booths staffed by UC-sponsored benefit and financial providers, the Lab's Health Services and Environment Health and Safety Ergonomics Team, and UC Berkeley's CARE Services and the Retirement Center. Staff can also participate in the UC Walks Day at the Lab event. Sign-up at the Health Care Facilitator’s table no later than 1 p.m. and go on a 30-minute walk around the Hill. Show your employee ID badge to get a free t-shirt (while supplies last).
An abbreviated version of EHS0348 (Chemical Hygiene and Safety Training) has been created to better meet the needs of those who work with chemicals in a non-laboratory setting. This new online course is called EHS0362 – Safety for Non-Laboratory Use of Chemicals. Those who are required to take this course will be notified via e-mail that their JHA has been updated. This course provides information to Lab staff on the hazards and controls associated with chemicals that may be encountered in their work area. Go here to access the course. Contact Larry McLouth (x5286) for more information.
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