Radiation Safety Officer, Steve Grimm, Retires

On June 28, we bid farewell to Steve Grimm, our exemplary Radiation Safety Officer, whose dedication and expertise were invaluable to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Steve is a Georgia Tech alumnus who worked for Emory's Radiation Safety Office, then returned to Georgia Tech for the last nine years.

Throughout his tenure, Steve was instrumental in managing all aspects of radioactive material and x-ray machine use. He was diligent in ensuring compliance with regulations from both the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Community Health. Steve also worked closely with the Radiation Safety Committee, Institute Council, GTPD, I&S, PIs and radiation workers from across campus, and NRE/MP faculty, staff, and students. In addition to assisting with the laser safety program, he also assisted in the configuration and management of the many training platforms we've used over the years, as well as EHSA.

Moreover, Steve's innovation and process improvements allow EHS to work smarter, leveraging EHSA, Genius, and other technology to improve their efficiency. These changes have allowed EHS to focus on providing excellent customer service and support to stakeholders on campus, while keeping records up to date and accessible.

We extend our gratitude for Steve's exceptional service and dedication. His presence is deeply missed, but his legacy of safety and excellence, as well as his practicality and wit, continue to inspire.

Laser Alignment Training to be Offered Early 2025

The Georgia Tech Laser Safety Officer will begin offering a hands-on laser alignment safety training beginning in early 2025.  This training will not be required but is being offered as an aid to any personnel that are new to performing the alignment of benchtop optics for laser beam paths. Alignment procedures are typically the most prone to laser eye injury.  

The training consists of six exercises that each introduce the hazards and methods of control that are unique to those particular types of optics.  Attendance scheduling will be handled through Georgia Tech's Genius LMS platform.  Please look for a future e-mail from Gary Spichiger announcing when the sign-ups are available in Genius.