A safety expo organized last week by members of the In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program (ISCVN) drew hundreds of shipbuilders who tested their knowledge on everything from proper paperwork to correct use of fire extinguishers.

Jaiden Carthorn (X33) served as co-lead for the event along with Lewis Archer (K45), a foreman. Carthorn said the various displays and exercises were based on feedback from Safety Task Team members, and from issues emphasized in crew talks and stand-downs.

The event moved at an upbeat tempo inside Bldg. 227 (Applebee’s), allowing participants five minutes at each station before moving to the next one. At each stop, subject matter experts taught and tested shipbuilders on their safety knowledge.

At one station, Garrett Creekmore (O27), a health and safety analyst, offered instruction on the proper way to wear safety harnesses. Fire safety was also high on the list of priorities, with shipbuilders being asked to identify flammable and nonflammable material before walking outside to practice with a fire extinguisher, putting out a propane-fueled fire.

Some lessons were simple, such as knowing not to stand on an unstable plastic bucket. “As soon as I stand on it, it’s a hazard,” said Carthorn.

The organizers needed only about two months from concept to end product to stage the expo, said Aniyah Ashley (X32), a Safety Task Team lead. The feedback was positive.

Participants said they expected to learn something new during the expo, but it also helped remind them of safety tips that have been discussed before.

“It brings a lot of insight into things we’ve already talked about,” Kenneth Powell (X32). “It reinforces what we already know. Hopefully I can learn some more.”

“It’s not only a refresher,” said Lacricha Lawrence (X33). “You get safety advice on different areas, not just your own.”