|
Singapore Chapter
System safety, especially in the area of software safety, is beginning to grow in prominence and application in Singapore. In an effort to enhance the
knowledge and experience of system safety practitioners in Singapore, the Singapore Chapter, in conjunction with Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engg) and the Defence
Science & Technology Agency (DSTA), engaged the services of the University of Washington to conduct a series of software safety engineering courses at Singapore Technology
Electronics (a subsidiary of ST Engg). The instructor was Steve Mattern, who is also the Director for Education and Professional Development for the System Safety Society.
Sixty participants attended the two courses, which ran from February 21 to March 4, 2005. The courses were well received. Some of the comments were, “The
instructor has successfully conducted an otherwise dry course in an interesting and enlightening manner,” “Lots of real-life examples,” “Clear explanation, good video
examples,” “Systematic approach to system safety and software safety, especially on Impact diagram for causal analysis tracing,” and “The use of numerous good examples from
the military and commercial aspect.”
The Chapter will continue to be a catalyst to help bring system safety to the forefront of safety management in Singapore.
|
|
|
|
Sixty participants attended software safety engineering courses sponsored by the Singapore Chapter in February and March.
|
Tennessee Valley Chapter
On March 16, 2005, the Chapter conducted its scheduled monthly meeting, hosted by CAS, Inc. Dave West, Chapter President, reviewed the
Treasurer’s report, in addition to some other Chapter issues, and had James Blanteno give a short update on his work with the Marshall Space
Flight Center (MSFC) on the Great Moonbuggy Race. In the professional development portion of the meeting, Gary Braman of CAS, Inc. and the
President-Elect of the Tennessee Valley Chapter, gave a 30-minute presentation on lessons he has learned since becoming involved in system
safety while working in Huntsville. Fourteen members and guests attended the luncheon meeting.
On April 20, 2005, the Chapter conducted its scheduled monthly meeting, hosted by CAS, Inc. Dave West stated that the proposed change to the
Chapter’s charter (now encompassing Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi) had been approved. The general consensus was to leave the
Chapter’s name unchanged. James Blanteno then gave a report on the outcome of the Great Moonbuggy Race. During the professional
development portion of the meeting, Keith Vaughn of CAS, Inc. gave a 20-minute presentation on the Web-based Hazard Tracking System he
developed in support of the Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO). He said the system will track hazards, produce reports and make briefing
charts. Twelve members and guests attended.
Chapter members John Frost, Tom Pfitzer, Pat Clemens and Dave West recently traveled to Washington DC to attend the 110th meeting of the
Government Electronics and Information Technology Association (GEIA) G-48 System Safety Committee, and to report on the results of the Huntsville-based ad hoc G-48 subcommittee’s work on improving the draft
Revision E of MIL-STD-882. While in Washington, they were welcomed as guests at a luncheon meeting of the Washington DC Chapter by Chapter
President Mary Ellen Caro. Members of both chapters benefited from a healthy exchange of ideas.
On May 18, 2005, the Chapter met at the Huntsville office of SAIC, where Chapter President Dave West gave an informative briefing on the efforts
undertaken since January 2005 by the G-48 Committee and its ad hoc subcommittee to prepare an improved Revision E of MIL-STD-882. James
Blanteno was welcomed as the interim Chapter Treasurer, appointed to complete the term of Chad Thrasher, who has relocated to Louisiana for a
new job with NASA at the Michoud Assembly Facility.
Washington DC Chapter
The Washington DC Chapter meeting on April 19 was hosted by Anteon
Corporation in Dahlgren, Virginia. The presentation was provided by Robert Fondren and Frank Albert of the Naval Surface Warfare Center and Clif
Ericson of EG&G. Members present received an informative briefing on initiatives and challenges of arming unmanned vehicles and efforts to
identify safety precepts for development and use of these vehicles. The information primarily focused on land vehicles, but many of the precepts
could be adapted for other types of unmanned vehicles, including small surface craft and underwater vehicles. Members of the Chapter’s Executive
Committee also had the opportunity to attend the GEIA G-48 meeting on June 3-4 at FAA Headquarters. Updates and changes to MIL-STD-882E
were one of the main agenda items discussed at the meeting. This was followed by an informal luncheon meeting, with further discussions among
those at the G-48 meeting and DC Chapter members.
Winners Circle Chapter
The newly formed Winners Circle Chapter, representing Kentucky and Indiana, held its first organizational meeting on May 13 in Columbus,
Indiana. At this meeting, the following slate of officers was proposed and elected: Niles Welch, President; Steven Denney, Vice President; Bud
Lipscomb, Secretary; and Ted Leach, Treasurer. The group also discussed goals for the Chapter. These include having four meetings per year,
increasing membership every year, inviting speakers to provide education-related presentations at meetings, organizing safety tours of
area facilities, and possibly arranging CSP study groups.
The Chapter’s second planning meeting was held on June 15 in Louisville, Kentucky. This meeting also marked the adoption of the Chapter’s charter.
Having now met all the requirements to become an official chapter, The Winners Circle will be represented at the System Safety Society’s Executive
Council meeting at the 23rd ISSC in San Diego.
The Chapter extends its thanks to Ann Waterman and to Director of Chapter Services Jerry Banister for their help in getting organized so quickly.
|
)
)
