Join a technical tour and diversify your conference experience by exploring industrial hygiene issues close-up. Due to the popularity of the tours, participation is limited to professional registrants; one tour per person. Shuttles leave and return to the Minneapolis Convention Center at approximately the times listed. CM points are awarded equal to 0.5 CM point per half-day tour. Tickets are $40 if purchased by April 28; fees may be refunded until this date.

On all tours…

Valid photo identification, i.e., driver’s license, passport, military ID, is required. Food, beverages, weapons, pharmaceuticals and personal electronic items (cameras, i-pods, cell phones with photographic capability, PDAs and other like items) are prohibited. Briefcases, backpacks and totes are discouraged. Appropriate attire including slacks (no shorts or skirts) and flat, closed sturdy walking shoes are a must! Additional requirements are indicated for select tours.

TT-01 St. Jude Medical

Monday, June 2, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 40

St. Jude Medical manufactures carbon mechanical heart valve components. Participants will observe the heart valve machining area, heart valve coating area, chemical storage bunkers, and wastewater treatment area. In addition, state-of-the-art hazardous gas monitoring systems, chemical containment systems, and air pollution control devices will be toured.        

Signing of a non-disclosure form is required; forms will be sent after registering and must be returned to AIHA by April 21.

TT-02 Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC)

Monday, June 2, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 40

The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) is a municipal waste combustor capable of burning 1,212 tons per day and generating 39 megawatts of electricity. This tour will focus on mechanical combustion and energy recovery systems, air pollution and odor control systems and employee health and safety. A walk-through of the tipping hall, furnace and turbine/generator, control room, dry scrubber, baghouse, and ash/ferrous load-out is included.

TT-03 Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant SOLD OUT

Tuesday, June 3, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; limit 40

The Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant houses two pressurized water reactors generating 1,100 megawatts of capacity. Prairie Island Unit 1 began commercial operation in December 1973; Unit 2 in December 1974. Participants will learn about industrial safety, water chemistry, and environmental and radiological monitoring and protection. 

Cotton clothing recommended. Full name and social security number required. For security reasons, tour enrollment deadline is April 21.

TT-04 Marathon Petroleum Company

Tuesday, June 3, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; limit 40

Marathon has an extensive refining, marketing and transportation operation and is ranked as the fifth-largest crude oil refiner in the U.S. Marathon’s Minnesota refinery has a capacity to produce 70,000 barrels per day. Crude oil is processed into gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, jet fuel, kerosene, propane and asphalt. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at this massive operation.

TT-05 Black Dog Power Plant

Tuesday, June 3, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 25

Black Dog is a coal- and gas-fired generating station. Recently, the 1950’s coal fired boiler/turbine systems were replaced with a natural gas combined-cycle unit, boosting output by more than 100 megawatts and resulting in greater operating efficiency and cleaner power production. Participants will learn about industrial safety, environmental monitoring and protection, and water chemistry.

Participants must bring their own steel-toed shoes; stair climbing and walking. No wheelchair access in certain areas.

TT-06 3M Cottage Grove Corporate Incinerator

Tuesday, June 3, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 30

Participants will receive a brief overview and a tour of the incineration process including waste generator requirements, transportation, receipt, storage, processing, air pollution control methods and environmental, health and safety systems.  

TT-07 The New Twins Stadium SOLD OUT

Wednesday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. – Noon; limit 25

Industrial hygiene, ergonomics and fall protection are some of the potential exposures on a construction site. Participants discuss these potential exposures, their evaluation and how they are controlled in building a high profile project in a major metropolitan area. This tour is offered in conjunction with RT214 Safe at the Plate: Safety and Health at the New Twins Ballpark.”

TT-08 Monticello Nuclear Power Plant SOLD OUT

Wednesday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; limit 40

The Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant is a single-unit reactor (BWR-3) rated at 600 megawatt capacity. Monticello was a turn-key plant that reached initial criticality in 1970 and commercial status in 1971. The plant uses the inverted light bulb with torus design. Participants will learn about industrial safety, water chemistry, and environmental and radiological monitoring and protection. 

Cotton clothing recommended. Full name and social security number required.
For security reasons, tour enrollment deadline is April 21. 

TT-09 Gopher Resource Corporation

Wednesday, June 4, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; limit 20

Gopher Resource Corporation recycles lead acid batteries and other lead bearing materials. The tour begins with a review of operations including GRC’s ISO14000 program and compliance with the OSHA Lead Standard and environmental regulations. Participants follow the lead flow beginning with the battery breaking operation, through de-sulfurization, the furnace and refinery areas, the ventilation systems and finally, shipping/receiving. 

Participants must bring their own ½ face respirator with dust/fume cartridge.

TT-10 Ford Motor Company SOLD OUT

Wednesday, June 4, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 15

After a short safety video, this tour follows the assembly line in building the Ford Ranger Truck from start to finish. Ford produces approximately 400-500 trucks per day under rigorous health and safety processes. Participants will see first-hand how Ford implements OHS excellence.

Leather shoes required.

TT-11 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway

Wednesday, June 4, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; limit 40

The BNSF Railway Diesel Shop tour begins with an historical overview of the railway and a safety briefing of the site. Participants will tour the diesel locomotive maintenance and repair shop; the locomotive reliability center; the “wash rack,” previously used as an asbestos removal facility; and watch a demonstration of robotic welding (time permitting).

Stair climbing and walking.