Design and fabrication of mobile systems that are fully integrated for
science, risk assessment, engineering controls and human factors for both
chemical and biological operations; customer education and consultation
services to other laboratories and organizations. Methods are developed
for chemical and biological analyses and tests are designed, performed
and validated.
Overview:
Over
15 years ago, long before the tragedy of September 11, 2001, or the widespread
anthrax panic that followed, ECBC researchers recognized the need for an
off-site chemical, biological and hazardous materiel analysis capability.
Technicians concluded the platform needed to allow for irrefutable testing
and validation and the safe handling of dangerous materials. Since that
time, ECBC has developed and fielded mobile labs for a broad spectrum of
clients and uses. These mobile laboratories have the ability to support
on-site chemical and biological forensic analysis of explosive materials
or samples containing chemical or biological material. They are equipped
with fume hoods, filtration systems and power backup systems that exceed
standard requirements for field operations.
ECBC has supported a variety of federal agencies through its mobile labs.
Two mobile laboratory systems were designed, staffed and deployed by ECBC
to provide support at the 2001 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City,
Utah. In a separate project, ECBC personnel delivered a self-supporting,
trailer-mounted vehicle including a suite of new analytical systems to
the FBI Explosives Unit.
ECBC works closely with customers to determine needs, recommend specific
equipment and integrate and fabricate unique configurations using industry
standards and equipment. The staff also assists customers to develop methods
and standards for the uses of the equipment.
ECBC has built five variants of the mobile laboratory, used to provide
safe, reliable, transportable engineering controls certified for the safe
containment and examination of the most hazardous materials. These labs
have supported numerous programs and provide a variety of capabilities
including atmospheric monitoring, on-site chemical analysis, soil extraction,
and surface water analysis. In addition, laboratory operators can generally
perform these investigative functions within a 24-hour turnaround time.
