AUBURN ENGINEERING FACULTY APPOINTED CHAIR OF NEW STATE SAFETY PROGRAM

AUBURN - Auburn University's David Dyer has been appointed chair of the new Alabama Board of Boilers and Pressure Vessels by state labor commissioner Jim Bennett.

"When we established this program in February, we sought the best person for the job," said Bennett. "Dr. Dyer came highly recommended to us by many of his former students who are now professionals in the field. We are very grateful he has agreed to serve."

Currently chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Dyer began his career at AU in 1965 as an assistant professor. He received his master's and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech. His research interests are boilers, combustion, energy conservation, and mechanical design.

Dyer is registered with the State of Alabama as a professional engineer and is a member the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.

"The potential impact of Alabama's new safety code is huge," Dyer said. "For Auburn, this is an important public service in which the university can provide its expertise to the state."

According to department of labor statistics, Alabama has an estimated 44,000 boilers and pressure vessels. Under the law, boilers and pressure vessels operating in the state must be inspected and certified as being in safe operating condition. Alabama joins 49 states in adopting a boiler safety code.

"The major impact of this code will be within the school systems," remarks Dyer. "This will lead to a safer environment for Alabamians to live and work in. As chairman of the board, I will work to continue to improve the regulatory environment."

Auburn University is a comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama's largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.
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