Two day INDO - US conference on Hazardous Materials Management
12 - 13^th February 2024, Jnana Sangama, VTU, Belgavi, Karnataka, India

Two day workshop on
Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Safety & Environmental Practices
(Empowerment Program for Policy Makers, Practitioners, & Facility Managers)
10-11, May 2024 at Marriott Fairfield, Rajajinagara, Bengaluru

ACHMM - AHMP - IEHMM Reunion

Program was not conducted due to COVID

Indo - US Workshop & Training Course on Hazardous Materials Management
10 - 12^th February 2020, AMC Engineering College, Bangalore

Indo - US Workshop on current trends & Future trends in Waste Management and Waste to Energy
12^th February 2020,Tejaswi Auditorium, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Bangalore

3 - Day Instruction course on Hazardous Materials Management
M. L Verma Bhilwara Textile and Engg. College, Bhilwara, Jodhpur

3 - Day Instruction course on Hazardous Materials Management
JSS University, Mysore

Two day Indo-US workshop on 
Hazardous Materials Managemet
November 14-15, 2018
Sandip University, Nashik

Activities of ACHMM-India Chapter for the Months of November and December, 2018
A Summary
By: Dr. B S Jai Prakash, Vice-President, ACHMM-India Chapter

I am delighted to present a summary of the activities of the ACHMM-India Chapter for the months of November and December 2018.

A delegation from the United States comprising eight CHMMs arrived in Mumbai, India, on November 10, 2018. The names of the delegates were:
          1. Dr. Rampur Viswanath, Team Lead
          2. Ms Kendra Schroer, Asst. Team Lead
          3. Ms Adriane Borgias
          4. Dr. Brandan Borgias
          5. Ms Catherine Werner
          6. Mr. Steven Ross
          7. Ms Carla Heck
          8. Ms Lavanya Raju

The delegation was taken to Sandip University, Nashik, about 100 miles from Mumbai, where a three-day Indo-US Training Course/Workshop on HMM was organized. Dr. Sandip, chancellor of the university, and Col. Dr. Ramachandran, vice-chancellor of the university, assured a long-standing relationship with AHMP (USA) and the ACHMM-India Chapter and declared the opening of the Sandip University Chapter of Hazardous Materials Management under the patronage of the ACHMM-India Chapter, affiliated with AHMP (USA). The delegates from the United States taught 16 modules on various aspects of HMM prepared by the ACHMM-India Chapter and the Institute of Environment and HMM (IEHMM), Bangalore, India. The workshop was attended by 350 students from different universities and colleges and 25 participants from local industries. There were many inquiries from students and industry representatives about the CHMM certification by IHMM (USA). The delegation visited one of the largest rock-cut monastery temple cave complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ellora, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments and artwork dating from the 600–1000 CE period. A visit to the largest vineyard in India was also arranged by the organizers. The U.S. delegation deeply appreciated the astounding hospitality provided to them by Sandip University, Nashik.

On November 16, 2018, the delegation took a flight from Mumbai to Bangalore and participated in the Indo-US Workshop on E-Waste Management at Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) on November 17. During the inauguration, the BIT Chapter of Hazardous Materials Management, affiliated with AHMP (USA), was declared open, and to this effect, an organization certificate was presented to the principal of BIT. Mr. Steven Ross presented an overview of e-waste management. On the same day, the ACHMM-India Chapter joined hands with the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM), New Delhi, to create the Karnataka Chapter of ISHWM, with an objective to suggest engineering control measures to mitigate hazards arising due to hospital wastes.

On November 18, the delegation visited Don Bosco Institute of Technology (DBIT), where two talks were given by Ms. Adriane Borgias and Mr. Steven Ross. The principal of DBIT announced the creation of the DBIT Chapter of Hazardous Materials Management under the patronage of the ACHMM-India Chapter, affiliated with AHMP (USA). Then, the U.S. delegation was accommodated at the Guest House of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) at Bangalore to participate in the two-day (November 19–20) International Conference on Climate Change, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering at Bangalore University. Dr. Rampur Viswanath, Ms. Kendra Schroer, and Ms. Adriane Borgias delivered plenary lectures. On November 20, the U.S. delegation visited BIOCON, Bangalore, one of the world’s largest manufacturing units of insulin and other chemicals by bioroutes. Several issues related to hazardous materials were discussed. BIOCON officials welcomed the proposal from the India Chapter, under the patronage of AHMP (USA), to organize Indo-US workshops on HMM, as annual events at different industries, through a consortium of the industries in Bangalore. An MOU between BIOCON and the ACHMM-India Chapter is in the process of being signed. On November 21, the U.S. delegation visited HIKAL Co. Ltd, Bangalore, another pharmaceutical industry. After learning about activities of the ACHMM-India Chapter, the officials of HIKAL CO. Ltd. discussed the problems associated with pharmaceutical industries in India. They agreed to become a corporate member of the India Chapter and consented to join the consortium of industries to organize workshops on HMM every year through the India Chapter and AHMP (USA). Delegates then visited Mysore on November 21 and 22 and saw the world-famous Brindavan Gardens and Mysore Palace. The Mysore tour was arranged by the RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Bangalore.

On November 22 and 23, the delegation participated in the two-day Indo-US Training Workshop on HMM at RVCE. The U.S. delegates taught 13 modules on HMM to about 400 students from different colleges and universities and representatives from many industries. Many students expressed interest in the CHMM certification offered by IHMM (USA). The management and principal of RVCE announced the formation of the RVCE Chapter of Hazardous Materials Management under the patronage of ACHMM-India Chapter, affiliated with AHMP (USA). An MOU is in progress between RVCE and the ACHMM-India Chapter to organize international workshops on HMM and to conduct student projects on HMM and industrial safety aspects. After this event, the U.S. delegates returned to their destinations.

On December 20, the ACHMM-India Chapter organized the first meeting of the Karnataka Chapter of the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management (ISHWM) at Bangalore. Prof. GC Ranganath, secretary of the ACHMM-India Chapter as well as secretary of the Karnataka Chapter of ISHWM, highlighted the hazardous nature of hospital wastes. He suggested organizing workshops to discuss the hazard assessment in hospitals to bring awareness to hospital workers and also to recommend the best practices to mitigate problems, particularly with respect to the ETP from Hospital Ots, which are not adopting correct treatment procedures.

Two day Indo - US
Workshop on "Revisiting Industrial Chemical Disaster"
Management and Mitigation, New Challenges, Opportunities, Strategies and Surveillance  
December 4 - 5, 2017, National Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS), IISC campus, Bangalore

Three day training program
6 - 8^th December 2017, Manipal University, Manipal

Report on the
Seminar and Training Course Held During October 2016
in
Bangalore and Mysore, India
Posted by: Rampur Viswanath, Ph.D., REM, CHMM, on January 5, 2017

ACHMM-India Chapter with the support of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and Institute of Engineers India, Karnataka Centre organized a two-day Indo-US Seminar on Current and Future Trends in Environmental Management from October 20-21, 2016 at Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore, the silicon city of India known for its air-conditioned weather.

The themes for the two-day seminar were Measurement of Volatile Organic Carbon Compounds (VOCs) and Transport of Dangerous Goods. Ten CHMM delegates from the United States arrived on October 20, 2016. On October 21, the delegates visited Poornapragna Institute of Research Center near Bangalore. Ms Adriane Borgias, US Fulbright Scholar-2010 gave a presentation to the research workers of the Institute on contamination of PCBs in rivers. After the program, delegates left for Nandi Hills which situated at an altitude of about 5000 ft to enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding area.

On October 22, 2016, the seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Vijay Bhaskar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Department of Environment and Ecology. In his inaugural address, while wishing the seminar a great success, Mr. Vijay Bhaskar complimented such activities by educational institutions and assured to take positive action on the reasonable and implementable recommendations submitted to his office as outcome of the seminar. Dr. Rampur Viswanath, AHMP-International Ambassador; Founder & President, ACHMM-India Chapter; US Fulbright Scholar-2015 who led the US delegation, initiated the discussion and emphasized the immediate need for VOCs measurements in all major cities including Bangalore to address serious health effects. Dr. Anjali Srivastava, retired Chief Scientist and Head, New Delhi Zonal Center of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute made a presentation on Issues in VOC Monitoring and Reporting, Ms. Kendra Schroer talked on Exploring Unexpected Sources of VOCs. In the panel discussion that followed, Dr. Anjali Srivastava suggested an easy method of evaluation of Total VOCs using a GC which could go as a recommendation to the Government. The two-day seminar was attended by 60 participants representing academia, industry and officers from the enforcement and policy making bodies.

On October 24, 2016, the seminar theme was on Transportation of Dangerous Goods. Mr. Sasi Cehmmenkottil, Vice President, Total Oil gave an overview of Transportation of petroleum products at his industry. Delegates from USA including Mr. Joe Jenkins, President, AHMP, USA; Mr. Bruce Donato and Mr. Richie Spangler talked extensively on other aspects of the theme covering Shipping, Packaging, Marking, Labelling and Placarding.

On October 23, 2016, the delegates left for Mysore, an historical place ruled by the Maharajas (Kings) of Mysore for more than 500 years. Mysore is a relatively small town known for palaces, silk garments, sandal wood articles, jasmine flower, Carnatic music, paintings, KRS dam, Brindavan gardens, centuries old market place & University colleges and beautiful administrative buildings and clubs constructed during Maharajas time by British architects. From October 25-27, a three-day training course on Hazardous Materials Management was held at the JSS University. This was organized by ACHMM-India Chapter jointly with the JSS University Department of Environment Engineering. During the inauguration of the course, the Vice-Chancellor of the University expressed his intention to start an AHMP Chapter at the University to hold seminars, workshops and courses on HMM every year by inviting CHMMs from the USA. Different topics on HMM were presented by the US delegates comprising Dr. Rampur Viswanath, Ms Kendra Schroer, Ms Adriane Borgias, Mr Richie Spangler, Dr. Brandan Borgias, Mr. Joe Jenkins, Drs Bruce and Karen Donato. 150 Participants representing students of B. Tech and M. Tech in Environmental Engineering, research scholars and teaching faculty of Department of Environmental Engineering of the University attended the program. Ms Kendra Schroer, Assistant Team Lead meticulously planned the session’s time table for the three-day course. Participants deeply appreciated the efforts by the US delegates and showered their affection after the program by taking selfies while talking to them for half a day.

Variety of delicious South-Indian spicy food items were provided to the delegation at the prestigious Sports club, Golf club and Race club built by Britishers under the patronage of the Mysore Maharajas. Delegates visited the world famous Mysore palace, Mysore Silk manufacturing unit, Chamundi hills, and 800 year old architectural wonder at Somanathapur near Mysore, known for rock sculptures. On 25^th October, the delegation left by bus for Ooty, a hill station situated at about 7000 ft and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the place with gardens and tea estates all around. A train journey to Botanical Gardens at Koonoor was also arranged. Ms Katherine Allred, an environmental activist and a Rotarian who accompanied the delegation was a great company with her wit and subtle humour. Mr Ramesh, a member of the chapter who accompanied the tour took pains to make all the arrangements both at Ooty and Mysore. Ramesh’s family members who are residents of Ooty hosted lunch and dinner. On 29th October, the delegation left for Bangalore airport by bus. On the way, they were taken for a Safari ride at the Wild Life Sanctuary at Bandipur forest. Hospitality transport and stay at Mysore and Ooty were all sponsored by the JSS University, many thanks to Professor Manoj Kumar.

Dr. B S Jai Prakash
Vice-President, ACHMM-India Chapter
Director, Institute of Environment and HMM, Bangalore, INDIA

Welcome to India!
Posted by Joe E. Jenkins, CHMM, PG, CPESC, on October 29, 2016

October 20, 2016

Kathy Allred, Joe Jenkins, and students at the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research plant a sapling.
The trees in the background were planted 6 years ago when the Institute began.

This was our rest day. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the food court on the ground floor of the hotel (Cross Roads Inn) Non-Vegetarian food is not served in this hotel. Arrangements could be made for delivery in the room or be taken to a nearby hotel for non-vegetarian food. Alcoholic drinks could also be served on demand to rooms on payment.

October 21, 2016

We took a tour of the Poorapajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR), a 6 year old research institute staffed by 25 of the top scientists, engineers, and students who research nanomaterials, polymer membranes, catalysis, microbiology, and quantum information. We were welcomed by Dr. A B Halgeri, Director of PPISR. Then, the US delegates were introduced by Dr. Rampur Viswanath. Ms. Adriane Borgias and other US delegates spoke on environmental issues. It was a fascinating day meeting many of the students and professors capped off by a tree planting ceremony. Our group planted 4 trees to go with trees planted by a previous delegation that had toured the research institute.

The Delegation at the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research Delegation members are Adriane Borgias, Karen Donato, Kathy Allred, Bruce Donato, Joe Jenkins, Richie Sprangler, Brandan Borgias, Rampur Viswanath, and Kendra Schroer. Also pictured are Dr. Jai Prakash (6th from right) and Dr. Bhat 4th from right). More names to come.

Joe Jenkins was excited to interact
with the native animal population.

Monkey at Nandi Hills enjoying a
protein bar from Bruce

October 22, 2016

After Breakfast at Cross Roads Inn, we went to the Bangalore Institute of Technology, where we enjoyed an inauguration and a session. We then had a Cocktail Dinner at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)–Diamond Box, hosted by Institute of Engineers (India), Karnataka Centre.On the first day of the Indo US Seminar on Current and Future Trends in Environmental Management, Joe Jenkins, President of AHMP, was invited to sit at the dais (stage) and participate in the lighting of the flame ceremony that officially began the seminar. Mr. Rampur Viswanath, AHMP International Ambassador and coordinator for the India information exchange is pictured.

Stopping by The Dr. Rampur Viswanath office where he completed his Fulbright Nehru Senior Research Scholar (2015-2016)

On the dais with the hosts at the Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT), Dr. Jai Prakash, Joe Jenkins, Prof. R.M. Vasagam, Mr. T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, Dr. A.G. Nataraj, Dr. Rampur Viswanath, and
Dr. Aswath M. U.

What an incredible honor for Mr. Joe Jenkins to be invited to participate in the lighting of the flame ceremony at the inaugural ceremony for the seminar.

Ms. Kendra Schroer presented a fascinating look at unexpected sources of VOCs.

At the Cricket Club for dinner after a full day of classes

October 23, 2016

We went to the Bangalore Institute of Technology at 8:45 am, attended sessions from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, then enjoyed a cocktail dinner hosted by ACHMM-India Chapter.

Richie Spangler presented the majority of the daylong seminar on Transporting Dangerous Goods.

October 24, 2016

After Breakfast, we checked out of our hotel in Bangalore to head three hours away to Mysore, India.
When we got to Mysore around 12:30 pm, we had lunch, then set off to visit Mysore Palace. We also walked around the market place then had dinner at Mysore Race Club.

Touring Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace

October 25, 2016

We left the hotel at 7:00 am to have breakfast at the Golf club before a day full of workshops at the University of Mysore's Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE). We attended workshops and sessions from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm and then visited the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Dinner was at the Mysore Golf Club. We returned to the hotel at 10:30 pm.

Breakfast at the Golf Course and Race Club

Jockeys practicing while we ate breakfast.

Adriane Borgias presenting on environmental issues

October 26, 2016

After indulging in breakfast at the Golf club and sessions at the SJCE, we headed to the Chamundeshwari Temple located atop the Chamundi Hills above Mysore and learned the story of Mahishasura.

Mysore at night during the festival of Diwali.

Bruce and friend at Chamundi Hills above Mysore.

October 27, 2016

We enjoyed breakfast at the Golf club and sessions from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. After lunch, we visited the Mysore Silk Weaving Factory between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm, then went to Chennakesava temple, a historic Somanathapura heritage temple (800 years old known for its fine architecture and carved sculpture in stone). We returned for dinner at the golf club and went back to the hotel at 10:00 pm.

The educational delegation and our students and sponsors at Mysore University.

At Chennakesava temple, we had the temple to ourselves at sunset. The Chennakeshava Temple was built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana. Belur, which was an early Hoysala capital, is in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India.

Chennakeshava Temple

October 28, 2016

On our last day in Mysore, we checked out of the hotel at 7:00 am, had breakfast at Golf club, and got to the Ooty Preethi Classic Towers in Ooty at 12:30 pm. At 1:00 pm, we had lunch at Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, an old British style officers club and golf course. Then, visited the Botanical Gardens and had Cocktail Dinner at Ooty Gymkhana Club hosted by Sri. Balalingiah.

Lunch at Ootacamund Gymkhana Club

Before dinner at the Ooty Club, we played snooker at the place and on the table the game was first played. “The term 'snooker' was given to the game by Colonel Sir Neville Chamberlain in 1875 whilst serving in the Army. ... After being wounded in the Afghan War, he moved to Ooatacamund and the game became the specialty of the 'Ooty Club', with rules being posted in the billiards room.” www.snookerclubs.com/history-of-snooker.htm.
Pictured is Bruce Donato taking a shot.

Dinner at the Ooty Club hosted by Sri. Balalingiah seen speaking with Joe Jenkins and Kendra Schroer.

October 29, 2016

One of the many tea plantations around Ooty. Sunset in the mountains above Ooty.

October 30, 2016

At 7:00 am, we packed our breakfasts for our 2-hour safari through the Bandipur national park. We saw elephants, spotted dear (Chital), black faced monkeys (langur), and wild boar. We also saw grand eucalyptus forests and coffee and tea plantations. At 11:00 am, we headed back to Mysore to have a quick lunch at the race club and then headed to Bangalore Airport (a number of us headed north to New Delhi for more sightseeing).

Eucalyptus forests on the drive from Ooty to Bandipur National Park. Chital (spotted deer) and langur (black-faced monkeys)
were some of the animals seen in Bandipur National Park.

Last Days in India
Posted by Joe E. Jenkins, CHMM, PG, CPESC, on October 28, 2016

After October 30, we all dispersed. Bruce, Karen, and I toured the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Jaipur, where we rode elephants up to the Amber Palace.

Taj Majal

Elephant traffic jam at Amber Fort

Joe Jenkins and Karen and Bruce Donato had a blast riding elephants at the Amber Palace in Jaipur.

Additional Pictures

Mr. Bruce Donato shopping after classes.

Bangalore Institute of Technology Seminars Program

Kabaddi Tournament at BIT

Adriane and Brandan Borgias meet Mr. Surender at Jaipur.
He is featured on www.afghanboxcamera.com

Will be posted Soon

Two -  Day International Seminar on

Alteranative Fuels and Raw Materials for Co-processing in Cement Industries
14 - 15^th February 2014, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

Three - Day Instruction Course on
Hazardous Materials Management in collaboration with Environment Pollution Control Organization,
Juris Consultants, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, at Bhopal
17 - 19^th February 2014, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

Will be posted Soon

Indo US Seminar on
Waste Minimization, Waste Treatment, Waste Recovery,
Risk and Hazard Management and Best Practices
in
Pharmaceutical and Electroplating Industries, Solvent Recycling and Lead Acid Battery Processing Units
and
Common Effluent Treatment Plants
27 - 28^th July 2012

and 

Instruction Course on Hazardous Materials Management
29 - 31^st July 2012

Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

Will be posted Soon

Indo US exchange Program on

Development of Compendium on Hazardous Materials Management in collaboration with Adriane Borgias Full Bright Scholar,
at Department of Civil Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

December 2009 to March 2010

Seminar on

Environment, Safety, Security, Health & Hygiene
Inaguaration of Institute of Industrial Hygiene, Health & Safety
Training Course on Hazardous Materials Management
November 22-25, 2010

February 1-14, 2009: A 15 - day Indo-US Workshop was held to prepare hazardous materials management course material relevant to the Indian context and Indian environmental regulations. Eight experts from the United States and twelve from India collaborated to complete the framework for the course material

September, 2009: Members of the ACHMM-India Chapter Participated in the AHMP conference held at San Diego, California. The delegates presented technical papers, received the organization’s “champion of Excellence” and the “Sponsor Appreciation” Awards. Held discussions with James Gaidry, IHMM Executive Director, to further explore establishing CHMM examination centre in India. Also held discussion with Cindy Savage, IHMM vice chair, about the possibility of collaborating with IEHMM in establishing an hazardous materials managers certification for the Indian Professionals.

February 1-5, 2008: The ACHMM Overview course, “Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management” was presented for the second time at BIT followed by the “National Seminar on Hazardous Materials Management”. The Seminar and the Overview Course received broad support from KSPCB and reputable industries such as ACC Ltd (formerly Associated Cement Companies Ltd), Mangalore Refineries and petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL), the GMR group, Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (MCFL) and BASF India Ltd. Twelve volunteers from the US (CHMMs representing industry, consulting, and government) taught the course.

February 4, 2008: Institute of Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management (IEHMM) was inaugurated.

August-September, 2008: A delegation from the ACHMM-India Chapter Participated at the ACHMM National Conference held at Minneapolis, USA. Three of the Chapter members received the ACHMM “champion of excellence award”. The delegation had a lunch meeting with the IHMM board and held discussions with the IHMM Board of Directors and further explored establishing CHMM examination centers in India.

Conducted Seminar for Industry Staff on
"Hazardous Waste Management Rules"
May 18, 2007 at M/s., ABB Ltd., Peenya Industrial Estate, Bengaluru

August - September, 2007: A delegation of India Chapter members participated at the ACHMM National Conference on Hazardous Materials Management held at Washington Dc, USA. Chairman, KSPCB and members of the India delegation discussed with IHMM board to explore ways and means to establish CHMM examination centers in India.

February 6: Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM) - India Chapter, the only international chapter of ACHMM, headquartered in Rockville, MD, USA, was inaugurated at the Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT), Bangalore. The India Chapter has 50 life members, 15 associated life members from India and 15 life members from USA as of January 2010.

February 6-9, 2006: The ACHMM Overview Course, “Essentials of Hazardous Materials Management” was presented for the first time at BIT for personnel from industries and Government agencies; Sponsored by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The Course, which focused on US environmental laws and regulations was presented by a delegation often volunteers from the US.

September, 2006: A delegation from the ACHMM-India Chapter Participated at the ACHMM National Conference in Orlando, Florida, USA. BIT received the “Sponsor Appreciation Award” for the year 2006.

U.S. Hazardous Materials Management Professionals Teaching Course in India

A delegation of nearly a dozen environmental, health and safety professionals will be traveling to India in February as part of an official delegation to teach a 4-day course about hazardous materials management.

Members of the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM) leadership will travel to India Feb. 6-12 to teach its National Overview Course (NOC) and to participate in several special events surrounding the opening of its first-ever international chapter.

"This delegation is a historic step in expanding international awareness and recognition for the Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers," said ACHMM President John Mitchell, CHMM. "We look at this journey as the first of many to heighten interest in the certified hazardous materials managers credential to a larger and more diverse audience as well as expand awareness for good stewardship and management of hazardous materials."

"ACHMM is excited about this unique opportunity to meet with fellow hazardous materials management professionals, discuss similar issues in the environmental, health and safety community and promote the standard of excellence within the industry – the CHMM credential," said ACHMM International Ambassador and Bangalore native Rampur Viswanath, CHMM.

ACHMM delegation members will teach the 4-day National Overview Course at the Bangalore Institute of Technology. The sessions, which will be taught in English, provide a comprehensive review of environmental laws and regulations and applicable health and requirements.

Last fall, ACHMM started a chapter in Bangalore, India in conjunction with the Bangalore Institute of Technology led by B.S. Jaiprakash, Ph.D. The India chapter comprises professionals working in the hazardous materials management, environmental, health and safety industry in India as well as U.S.-based CHMMs of South Asian (Indian Subcontinent) heritage and any hazardous materials management professionals working in or interested in starting to conduct business in South Asia.

ACHMM and India have a unique history. On Dec. 3, 1984, the CHMM credential was officially incorporated in Rockville, Md. On the same day, Bhopal, India experienced a major hazardous materials disaster as 40 tons of methyl isocyanate leaked from the local pesticide manufacturing plant. About 10,000 people died and more than half a million were affected by the hazardous vapor cloud.