This project included the biological decontamination (including research and feasibility study) of invasive sonography equipment for a national medical supply organization. Etiological decontamination procedures for infectious fluid contamination of intricate sonography equipment was performed, including research and development (in conjunction with public health and CDC guidelines and university personnel) of an appropriate decontamination procedure and sampling protocol to ensure decontamination of equipment in various east coast locations; and legal testimony.

Under an award from the PA DOH in 2017, our Emergency and Risk Management division designed and facilitated a tabletop exercise for a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary audience, with a goal of evaluating the current response strategy and efficacy of coordinated response plans.  The exercise design incorporated stakeholder input and tested integration of local, state, and federal response efforts to nationally-recognized standards, guidelines, and best practices.  The tabletop exercise was part of a series of events that escalated the complexity of the response required to provide public health to the impacted area, inclusive of risk assessment, outreach and communication, vector control and mitigation, and overall resource coordination.

This project included the development and management in regional and county-wide emergency response tabletop, functional full-scale exercises, and drills.  In addition, seminars, workshops, and tabletop exercises were conducted with multiple Counter-Terrorism Task Forces.  Exercises were multidisciplinary (EMS, Fire HazMat, Government, etc.) and included evaluation after-action reports and best practices identified in compliance with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).

This project included the development of written programs for petroleum distribution and chemical facilities throughout the U.S. in accordance with OSHA’s PSM for Highly Hazardous Chemicals and the EPA’s RMP regulations. Responsibilities include facilitating and compiling/documenting (via specific software) Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies, developing element programs and providing applicable operator training.  This project also required the expertise of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Toxic Catastrophe Protection Act.  Our team facilitated more than 100 PHA studies, via methodologies including HAZID, HAZOP, modified FMEA, and “What If”/NFPA Checklists

Food and Feed Safety: Since 2013, this project involves the management of multiple U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants awarded to a state agency, under-preparedness, and regulatory compliance programs.  The Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standard (AFRPS) project’s primary role is to coordinate the assessment and/or development of policies and procedures in areas of inspection, enforcement, emergency response, training, auditing, and outreach.  Areas of primary focus include regulatory compliance, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Inspector Safety, Stakeholder Engagement, Multi-Agency Coordination, and Public Health.  A separate grant awarded to the PDA’s Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Service is designed to coordinate the development and sustainment of a Rapid Response Team (RRT).  The RRT is charged with providing a multi-disciplinary response to food or feed-related incidents across the Commonwealth.