Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM The goal of the Operators Challenge is to provide a fun but educational experience. There are four challenges to choose participate in; Laboratory, Maintenance, Safety, and Operations. The event will be in the main Exhibit Hall. The event won’t cost you a dime, you just have to register at the Head Judges Table.
The lab team is busy researching an analysis that will be educational and common enough that all should be familiar. Each participant will be required to don the provided goggles, lab coats, aprons, and gloves. Emphasis will be placed on procedure, technique, set up and clean up. The challenge criteria for grading will be on different aspects of the analysis. Judges will be knowledgeable and stringent, just like the regulators!
The Maintenance challenge will again utilize a SCADA system to identify various operational and maintenance scenarios. The other aspect to this challenge will test participants’ knowledge and skill with a typical piece of equipment found at a treatment plant. As with previous years, grading will include aspects of the job such as preparations, maintenance techniques, clean up, and use of or lack of profanity. Judges are industry professionals and equipment representatives, so be on your toes!
The Safety challenge will directly relate to the equipment used in the Maintenance challenge. Participants should brush up on their lock-out-tag-out skills and how to perform maintenance in a safe manner. The new IWEA Safety Committee Chair will keep participants on point with his keen eye toward safety. Not much profanity or arguing will be tolerated!
Sharpen up your wits! The Operations challenge is a quiz developed by the high academics at the Environmental Resources Training Center. These guys say the quiz will challenge even the most knowledgeable and astute operator. The quiz is short, but will make you think!
The grade sheets will be submitted to the Head Judge table. There, in a top secret high security area, the knowledgeable judges will tabulate the results. The winners will be announced at the end of the event. Each participant will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement. The winners of each event will receive a plaque and the undying respect and adulation of the crowds.
This event is for individual participation. Individuals may choose to enter just one challenge or all four. This makes it easy and flexible for anyone who is interested in participates.
