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Black Box Downloads Vehicle Black Box and Event Data Recorder Services & Flat Rate Fee for Colorado's Front Range Customers Veritech is proud to announce a flat rate service fee of data downloads for customers within the Front Range of Colorado. Please click on the link below for more information: Local Downloads Vehicles have evolved into very sophisticated machines which utilize numerous computerized systems to ensure the vehicle operates correctly. Modern vehicles are equipped with multiple computer systems which monitor and control various systems such as airbags and passenger restraint systems, traction and stability control systems, anti-lock brake systems, and engine control systems. Federal regulation CFR 49 part 563 mandates that every passenger car and truck manufactured after September 1, 2012 (with some limited exceptions), make pre-crash data accessible using commercially available equipment. However, for vehicles manufactured prior to September 1, 2012, only select manufactures have elected to make pre-crash data available for download. Please reach out to Veritech for information on supported vehicles with model years prior to 2012, to see if they have data recording capabilities. ​ What is a Black Box? Most vehicles on the road today contain a “black box”, which is a common term for a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR, for short), Airbag Control Module (ACM), or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Most commonly, a vehicle’s ACM is able to record digital information that can be retrieved after an accident has occurred. The ACM is designed to constantly monitor various system parameters which are used to determine whether a supplemental restraint device (SRS, such as an airbag) should be deployed during a crash or rollover incident. In the event of a crash, these system parameters are captured and stored within the ACM. ​ ​ ​ With proper training and equipment, the stored pre-crash data can be retrieved and used to help understand the specifics of a crash . Black boxes are found in many types of vehicles, including the majority of passenger vehicles on the road today, semi tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, trains, aircraft, and even some motorcycles. Accident Reconstructionists and law enforcement professionals alike have come to acknowledge the usefulness of the data stored on these devices when analyzed properly. ​ Some of the useful incident related data that is often stored on an ACM includes: ​ Vehicle speed Brake application Throttle application Steering inputs Seat-belt usage Impact related delta-V (impact severity) ​ Additionally, this data may be captured by the ACM even if the impact was not severe enough to deploy the airbags in the accident. Contact us for more information on your specific vehicle. ​ Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Truck Event Data Recorders The engine control modules (ECM) utilized in most commercial vehicles have the ability to record and store potentially valuable pre-crash information. While downloading a truck’s ECM may provide information related to the vehicle’s speed, braking and other parameters prior to an accident, it is important to understand that the ECM was not designed as a data recording device for accident reconstruction purposes. Rather, its primary purpose is for the management of engine functions. As such, the extraction and interpretation of data from an ECM requires specialized knowledge and experience in order to avoid some of the common errors associated with these recording devices. ​ In addition to ECM data, many newer model commercial vehicles and heavy trucks now contain auxiliary modules that record event related information, such as a vehicle’s brake control module. The information stored on these auxiliary modules can be useful to a reconstructionist, however proper analysis and interpretation is necessary, as always. The systems used to control these trucks are very complex and require specialized education in their capabilities and limitations in order to properly authenticate the data, and to correlate the given data to a subject accident. ​ ​ ​ ​ Data Limitations for Black Box, Event Data Recorder, and Engine Control Modules Data from passenger vehicle black boxes or commercial vehicle ECMs include some limitations. With the rise of digital information stored within a vehicle’s electrical system, there remains the issue of validating the data with real-world analysis. As with any data, proper interpretation and analysis is crucial. It is common for untrained users that obtain black box or ECM data to mis-interpret the information, or worse, come to conclusions based upon data that is inconsistent with the physical evidence of the accident. There have been many instances where black box data is recorded with some sort of stipulation or error, invalidating the retrieved information. For this reason, it is important that any black box download be confirmed by analyzing the associated physical evidence related to the crash to corroborate the data. Veritech has in-house capabilities to download a vast number of airbag control modules and event data recorders, including almost all makes and models from every major manufacturer. In addition, we are well-versed in interpreting and validating the downloaded data to ensure that it is consistent with physical evidence related to the subject accident. ​ The most important first step is to reach out to us and discuss your particular vehicle and crash. Data may or may not be available depending on the circumstance of the impact and the year, make, and model of your particular vehicle. Veritech engineers are trained and experienced at interpreting and understanding the vast amount of data contained in an ECM report and we can help guide you as to which reports may contain valuable information. ​

Engineering Testing, Research, and Publications One of the most exciting components of the field of forensic engineering is the ability to perform real-world functional testing on topics related to failure analysis , product liability , and accident reconstruction . Veritech prides itself in our ability to create and execute engineering-related tests on the issues that we analyze. Our testing capabilities are state-of-the-art, and include the use of high sample rate sensors, calibrated metrology equipment, test and measurement systems, and data acquisition systems. We have the experience and education to properly set up and execute advanced tests that are custom designed to answer theories related to forensic engineering and mechanical engineering. It’s important to remain up to speed with current technology and industry trends, and the use of functional testing helps us push the envelope of new concepts, giving us a solid basis for our engineering work. ​ Veritech's Research With a strong background in machine design , our engineers are at a significant advantage when it comes to properly developing functional tests. Recently, Veritech’s engineering tests have been designed to research issues related to product failure modes and effects (FMEA), component design including finite element analysis (FEA), and advanced physics based performance characterizations of on and off-road motorcycles and other vehicles. Our research and testing has also included commercial vehicle heavy truck performance characteristics, performance of heavy trucks in adverse winter conditions, and the use of photogrammetry and videogrammetry in accident reconstruction. ​ Veritech's Publications In an effort to share knowledge and information, Veritech engineers have a long history of both presenting our engineering testing findings to groups within our industry, as well as publishing technical articles with results of functional testing that we’ve discovered through our own in-house research. Our publications have been published with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the prestigious National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE). We strongly believe that it is to everyone’s benefit that new technology, concepts, and information be shared with everyone, and we’ll continue to push the envelope of forensic engineering and accident reconstruction to improve our areas of expertise to that end. Selected Publication White Papers by Veritech Engineers Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction A review of the topic of reconstructing motorcycle crashes, off-road dirt bikes , and other two-wheeled vehicles. Topics such as rider awareness, visibility, perception reaction times, pre-impact dynamics, and impact to rest sequences are discussed. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ VORAD Analysis of Recorded Data The Eaton Vehicle On-Board Radar (VORAD) system is now owned and licensed by Bendix . This is a system that is utilized by heavy trucks, semi tractor-trailers, and other commercial vehicles . This system is a driver’s aid that is designed to improve awareness of impact related events. This paper outlines the research performed by Veritech on using this system as an accident reconstruction tool. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Forensic Engineering Analysis of Safety Shooting Glasses An outline of the standards in place that define the impact related issues with safety glasses, as well as a description of the testing involved to qualify these types of protective eyewear, from the perspective of forensic engineering . ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Extracting Physical Evidence from Photographs The science of photogrammetry and its usage in forensic engineering, accident reconstruction, and even product liability . Photogrammetry and videogrammetry are powerful tools for use in a wide range of scientific fields. ​

Joseph Tremblay, P.E., D.F.E. Senior Engineer Email Joe Mr. Tremblay specializes in: ​ Accident Reconstruction of all vehicle types Product Liability Mechanical Engineering Design Engineering Failure Analysis Ski, Snowboard, and Snowmobile Accident Reconstruction Photogrammetry and Videogrammetry Courtroom Exhibits, Graphics, and Computer Simulations ​ Download vCard Download Résumé ​ Please Note: Mr. Tremblay’s expert testimony history, publications, continuing education, and fee schedule are available upon request. About Mr. Tremblay Mr. Tremblay has over 15 years of experience as a mechanical engineer with comprehensive expertise in a variety of fields. As a forensic engineer, Mr. Tremblay has developed models to simulate vehicular dynamics of commercial tractor trailers in adverse weather conditions and has utilized complex three-dimensional computer analyses to simulate vehicle motion before, during, and after an accident. Mr. Tremblay post-processes vehicle motions to develop scientifically accurate forensic analyses for use in conveying motor vehicle accident events and effects. Mr. Tremblay investigates product liability claims ranging from large scale industrial machinery accidents to consumer oriented products for cause and origin of component failures. He continues to research vehicular dynamics and machine design and enjoys presenting new technologies and methods to insurance professionals, attorneys, business owners, and fellow engineers. ​ ​ Mr. Tremblay's Professional Background Mr. Tremblay comes from a diverse professional background with experience in engineering, design, and management. Outside of forensic engineering, he has worked within the realm of product development for a company focusing on robotics and automation for the pharmaceutical, life science, and drug discovery industries. His experience in new product development includes research and development (R&D) of new products and product categories, machine design, computer aided design, computer programming, engineering testing, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), systems engineering, as well as manufacturing engineering. Mr. Tremblay has extensive experience in manufacturing processes, including material removal methods such as multi-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machining, CNC water-jet cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), plasma cutting, and welding. ​ During his project management experience, Mr. Tremblay was responsible for the successful commissioning of multi-million dollar test integrations deployed within medical device manufacturing facilities and national bio-pharmaceutical companies. His involvement with these projects was all encompassing, and included engineering design, generation of functional specification documents, functional requirements specifications, as well as functional testing and validation of the subject system after installation and deployment was completed. ​ Off-Road and Snow Sports Accident Reconstruction and Winter Conditions Mr. Tremblay has been an avid mountain biker for over 20 years. During his collegiate years, Mr. Tremblay was involved in racing of bicycles at a professional level. This experience has proven valuable in analyzing the unique dynamics of off-road riding as well as influences on bicyclist-based perception and reaction, as well as rider dynamics. Mr. Tremblay is an avid snowmobile enthusiast and regularly participates in off-trail deep snow mountain riding. Additionally, Mr. Tremblay is an avid backcountry skier and snowboarder and has experience in leading groups on multiple-day off-grid excursions into the backcountry during winter conditions. As a part of this role, he has been trained in backcountry rescue and recovery techniques within deep snow and unstable conditions. He has been a snow sports enthusiast since his formative years, and has first-hand familiarity with all major ski areas within Colorado. This experience has proven valuable in reconstructing accidents in these adverse conditions, and has aided in application of advanced methods within the area of forensic engineering. ​ In his free time, Mr. Tremblay has volunteered for agencies such as Habitat for Humanity for their low-income house building projects and is an active singletrack trail building volunteer for the United States Forest Service. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Mr. Tremblay is a Colorado native. ​ ​ Registrations and Certifications: ​ Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Colorado Board Certified in Forensic Engineering by the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) Federal Aviation Administration Licensed Drone Pilot ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Member SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers, Member ​

Flat Rate Black Box Downloads for Colorado's Front Range Event Data Recorder Download Service For Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Surrounding Areas Please ensure that the vehicle is located within our service area (see map) before requesting our black box download service. If the vehicle is outside of this area, contact us for a custom quote. ​ Flat Rate Fee Areas: ​ Fort Collins Denver Boulder Colorado Springs Pueblo ​ ​ Black Box Download Request Form First and Last Name Email Phone Address Where Vehicle is Located City State ZIP code Vehicle Year, Make, and Model Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Vehicle Key / Fob Available Airbag Deployment Yes No Does vehicle dash power on when ignition is in “ACCESSORY” or “ON” position (engine not running, just battery power) Yes No Submit Request Thanks! We'll be in touch to schedule your download.

Forensic Graphics and Courtroom Exhibits Veritech Offers In-House Creation of Courtroom Graphics, Demonstrative Exhibits, and Visual Aids It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. We at Veritech have lived by this adage since the founding of the company. The benefit of conveying information in a graphical or illustrative manner is imperative to many of our analyses. Today, with the advancement of computer graphics, illustrative exhibits are used within the courtroom now more than ever. Veritech offers graphics, exhibits, and technical drawings that clearly illustrate and complement our engineering work. We employ these visual aids to illustrate complex issues and components that are relevant to your case or project. ​ ​ Forensic Graphics The term “forensic graphics” refers to the type of visualization that is used in the forensic and scientific fields and in the realm of litigation. These types of graphics are a form of digital forensics, which is generally defined as the analysis of material content from a digital perspective. While digital forensics may encompass items such as computer crimes and digital storage forensics, forensic graphics stands alone as a form of conveying information related to analysis used in litigation. These graphics can be as simple as a photograph depicting certain information, or they could be as advanced as a 3-dimensional model created through laser scanning or using photogrammetry. Depending on the issue, even computer generated videos, or “animations” can be created to re-enact an accident or incident in a way that accurately depicts the analysis performed. Veritech uses state of the art computer-based tools to create our forensic graphics, including the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs for modeling in three dimensions. Our forensic graphics are made to assist our engineers in presenting scientific and evidence based information in an easy to read and concise manner. ​ Veritech leads the forensic engineering industry in the reconstruction of motor vehicle accidents , as well as accidents with machinery and other heavy equipment. We have the capability and experience to create computer based simulations of accidents based upon principles of science and physics. Our computer-based simulations accurately depict the accident reconstruction projects and forensic analysis work that we perform. The simulations produced by Veritech are commonly used as courtroom exhibits due to the level of detail and life-like realism employed in creating them. Not only do our forensic simulations convey information to the viewer in an easy to understand manner, they provide an additional level of explanation that is frequently necessary to support our expert opinions. ​ ​ Physics Based Computer Simulations Forensic Photogrammetry ​ ​ Courtroom Exhibits Veritech's graphics and courtroom exhibits have been admitted into state and federal courts nationwide. Graphics are proven to be a valuable tool in relaying opinions and our engineering-related findings pertaining to a case. Oftentimes, graphics can be used to illustrate a complex technical issue to the layperson in an easy to understand manner that is both effective and efficient. the goal of producing an exhibit that will be admitted into court is to provide a visual aid to be presented to a jury. It is common practice to use these exhibits to discuss important issues relating to a case in litigation, meaning that the exhibit needs to be easy to understand, concise, and accurate. Veritech has produced numerous exhibits that are used in this very manner and have helped attorneys and legal professionals succeed in explaining difficult to understand concepts to judges and juries. ​ ​ Aerial Imagery and Orthophotography Point Clouds and 3-Dimensional Models ​ ​ In-House Creation of Graphics and Exhibits All of Veritech’s forensic graphics, simulations, and courtroom exhibits are produced in-house from start to finish. Our staff includes cross-trained engineers with education in both leading computer graphics software packages as well as physics-based accident reconstruction science. This combination is unique in the forensic engineering industry and allows us unrivaled control over the production of our visualizations. Additionally, this cross-training produces a much better quality product in a more efficient manner. Typically forensic graphics, exhibits, and other visualizations produced by a third party graphics company may be more difficult and expensive to produce, due to the disconnection between the team performing the analysis and the team creating the visual, expressive, even artistic final product. This disconnect can be difficult to overcome, especially when the finished product is scrutinized very closely by opposing counsel and opposing experts. While many animation and graphics companies exist, it is truly exceptional to have the capability to create graphics by an in-house team. Because our visualizations are produced more efficiently than our competitors, our costs are typically lower, saving our customers time and money. ​ Computer Aided Design And Drafting Demonstrative Aids

Winter Sports and Snowmobile Accident Reconstruction Forensic Crash Reconstruction for Snow Sports at Ski Resorts and in the Backcountry Veritech’s forensic engineers have experience analyzing the relatively unique conditions that encompass ski and snowboard accidents and have the expertise to reconstruct these accidents properly. Our office location along the Front Range of Colorado provides us easy access to virtually all major ski resorts in Colorado, Southern Wyoming, and Northern New Mexico within a single day’s trip. Our team is available and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. ​ Ski And Snowboard Accident Reconstruction Accidents that occur within designated ski area or ski resort boundries are unfortunately common and require specialized skill and expertise to address properly. Ski areas, or ski resorts, often have to be designed in such a way that the terrain allows for safe access. Believe it or not, there are even areas where skiers and snowboarders are required to follow traffic flow and “speed limits” while on the mountain. Indeed, ski resorts take their patron’s safety very seriously. Because ski and snowboard accidents, occur on snow covered or icy surfaces which are constantly changing, reconstruction of these accidents pose unique challenges. ​ ​ ​ Groomed versus un-groomed surface, and patches of ice can all affect the surface characteristics in ways that require special attention by a forensic engineer. Additionally, skiers and snowboarders are capable of traversing challenging terrain at very high speeds, sometimes at up to highway speeds. These accidents typically happen on surfaces that are at a significantly steep slope, and can even occur in adverse weather conditions where visibility is an issue. ​ Snowmobile Accident Reconstruction Today's modern snowmobiles, otherwise known as snow machines or simply “sleds”, are becoming more capable, more powerful, and faster than ever before. Snowmobile tracks provide amazing grip on the snowy surface, and are the main component for both forward acceleration and stopping ability. Snowmobile skis typically provide turning abilities in a similar manner to an All-Terrain Vehicle. Trail oriented snowmobiles are capable of achieving triple digit speeds and offer comfort and exceptional handling in harsh winter environments. Groomed Snowmobile trails are considered to be more controlled surfaces as compared to backcountry, or “boon docking” through open, ungroomed areas. Designated routes often see the most snowmobile traffic, however, and are therefore the locations where machine to machine accidents occur most frequently. With further advancement in engine technology and track design, off-trail “mountain” snowmobiles are becoming the fastest growing new category of snowmobile use. These machines have massive horsepower and large tracks that are capable of evacuating snow at a very fast rate. These machines are often used in deep powdery snow, off of designated trails where terrain is steep and snow conditions are constantly changing. In these conditions, skis provide little steering capability due to the lack of traction in deep snowy powder. Instead, these snowmobiles are turned by changing the attitude of the machine (side-to-side) in a rolling manner. When this is accomplished the snowmobile track redirects the snowmobile in the same orientation as the tilt of the snowmobile. In short, turning ability of a snowmobile in back-country conditions is accomplished in a much different manner than a trail oriented snowmobile. Braking and accelerating for mountain snowmobiles is accomplished by controlling the track speed, however the terrain and snow cover greatly affect the machine’s speed over the snow. There are other hybrid off-trail vehicles within the snow machine category as well. "Snow Bikes" are a combination between an off-road motorcycle and a snowmobile. These machines offer another way for users to access the backcountry and are operated in a similar fashion to a motorcycle , with the main difference being that the rear drive wheel is replaced with a track and the front wheel is replaced by a ski. All of these types of machines require skill to operate safely, and issues such as rider dynamics and rider skill level come into consideration during accident reconstruction. ​ ​ Backcountry and Off-Trail Snowsport Accident Reconstruction In addition to accidents that occur in a controlled or groomed snow environment, there are also many incidents that occur outside of boundaries, otherwise known as off-piste, or backcountry. These conditions typically consist of extreme terrain, deep powdery snow, and unstable conditions. Mountain snowmobiling and backcountry skiing or snowboarding all take place in the backcountry where the environment and terrain become much more variable. What’s more, backcountry snow sports are gaining in popularity at an alarming rate, as indicated by recent developments of backcountry designated areas within National Forests as well as the wealth of information on backcountry locations as found on the internet. Many users of these areas are unaware of the hazards that exist, and accidents as a result of inexperience are common. ​ ​ Snow Sport Accident Reconstruction: Things to Consider While there are many similarities between accidents that occur at a ski resort or on a snowmobile trail, it is important to realize two key differences. The first is that oftentimes physical evidence is scarce. For example, there may be tracks leading to the point of impact, or point of rest. However, winter conditions change rapidly, and the conditions at the time of accident may be different than those during investigation. Secondly, it is important to realize that responding emergency personnel are typically not trained in accident reconstruction, and collection of information and evidence by those who are first on the scene may not be sufficient to perform a reconstruction using standard techniques. In addition these personnel, whether they are ski patrol, or National Forest Rangers, are sometimes understaffed during responses. With that being said, Veritech has the ability to extract significant scientific data from information such as video and photographs using the science of photogrammetry , which can greatly improve the quality of reconstruction in adverse winter conditions. Veritech's expertise includes over 20 years of experience in snow sports in-bounds and out-of-bounds. Please contact us today to discuss your case further. Please contact our winter sports and snowmobile expert, Joe Tremblay, P.E., D.F.E. at 303-660-4395 to discuss your case and receive a free initial consultation with honest and candid comments. Joe Tremblay, P.E., D.F.E. Senior Engineer

Publication White Paper: Forensic Engineering Analysis of Safety Shooting Glasses David Danaher, P.E. ​ Background Currently there are voluntary standards in place that outline the impact resistance of safety glasses. Although the standards set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) outline testing that can be used to calculate a minimum level of energy which the lens should absorb, independent testing has shown that the performance of modern safety glasses exceed the minimum requirements of the absorbed energy. ANSI standard Z87.11, titled Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, was developed to provide minimum requirements for personal eye protection. The standard outlines several aspects of eye protection. Four tests were specified; 1) High Mass Impact, Drop Ball Impact, High Velocity Impact, and Penetration Test. The High Mass Impact test states that spectacles shall be capable of resisting impact from a pointed object weighing 17.6 ounces dropped from a height of 50 inches. 2) The High Velocity Impact test states that the spectacles shall resist an impact from a 0.25 inch diameter steel ball traveling 150 feet per second. 3) The Drop Ball Impact test states that spectacles shall be capable of resisting impact from a 1 inch diameter steel ball dropped from a height of 50 inches. 4) The Penetration Test states that spectacles shall be capable of resisting impact from a weighted projectile weighing 1.56 ounces dropped from a height of 50 inches. Based on the specifications outlined in the above standard, the kinetic energy for each of the tests was calculated. The kinetic energy for the High Mass Impact test was 4.44 ft-lbs, the High Velocity Impact test was 0.80 ft-lbs, the Drop Ball Impact test was 0.61 ft-lbs, and the Penetration Test was 0.41 ft-lbs. For the purpose of this investigation the primary focus is test #2: the high velocity impact resistance of the lenses. ​ The standard and the tests are minimum guidelines for the manufacturing of eye protection glasses and do not limit the manufacturers to design and build safety glasses which exceed the standard. To determine the actual amount of kinetic energy safety shooting glasses could absorb without penetration, this engineer performed a series of tests on a variety of safety glasses. ​ Testing Method Testing was performed in order to determine the level of kinetic energy which the lens of safety shooting glasses could absorb without a projectile penetrating the lens. Seventeen pairs of ANSI Z87.1 certified safety shooting glasses were randomly selected from several manufacturers and mounted to a testing fixture. Each lens (left and right) was impacted once for a total of 34 impacts. The velocity of each shot was measured and recorded with a chronograph, and each projectile was weighed prior to the discharge. The 17 selected glasses were manufactured by Remington, Radians, and Red Head, marketed as safety shooting glasses. The glasses varied in design from a solid one piece construction, a frame with a one piece lens, to a frame with a two piece lens. Three of each model was tested except for the Radians brand due to availability. The glasses also varied in price from relatively expensive to the relatively inexpensive. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Safety glasses prior to testing. ​ Testing Results After each test the glasses were documented and examined to determine if the projectile had penetrated the lens, and the kinetic energy was then calculated. The muzzle velocity on four of the tests was either not recorded due to an error, or the velocity was significantly lower than the other tests, most likely due to the fit of the projectile in the barrel. Therefore, these four tests were considered outliers and were not used in the average velocity calculation. The testing shows that the adjusted average velocity of the projectile was approximately 920 fps with an average weight of the projectile of approximately 0.44 grams. The testing also shows that the average kinetic energy absorbed was 12.75 ft-lbs. As shown in the above table, all of the glasses tested were able to withstand the impact with no penetration of any of the lenses. Figure 3 below shows an example of the result of the testing on the safety glasses manufactured by Red Head. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Example of impact testing on the safety glasses (upper photograph shows front view, lower photograph shows top view). In all of the tests performed on the variety of safety glasses, results showed that none of the lenses were penetrated by the projectile. Comparing the testing to the highest level of energy in the ANSI standard shows that the glasses withstood impacts which were 2.5 times higher in kinetic energy than the standard requires. To give context to the level of energy the safety glasses were subjected to during testing; figure 4 shows a penny that was tested using the same level of kinetic energy. ​ ​ ​ ​ Example of impact testing on a penny. ​ Conclusion The safety glasses tested absorbed more kinetic energy than the calculated kinetic energy based upon the requirements outlined in ANSI Z87.1. The use of safety glasses greatly reduces the likelihood of an eye injury even with projectiles that have a kinetic energy greater than that calculated from the ANSI standard. Although the glasses tested exceed the threshold of absorbed energy specified by the standard, there is nothing preventing a manufacturer to produce a product that only meets the minimum requirement. References ANSI Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices, American Society of Safety Engineers, 1800 East Oakton Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 ​ ​ ​

Construction and Heavy Equipment Accident Reconstruction Heavy Equipment, Machinery, Construction Equipment and Train Crash Analysis With the wide variety of experiences and backgrounds of our Board Certified Forensic Engineers , we are able to evaluate the functionality of the various mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems employed in construction equipment and machinery. Additionally, members of our staff have been trained in the proper operation of scissor lifts and forklifts as well as having operational experience with wheel loaders, skid steers, back-hoes, and concrete handling machinery. Veritech has expertise in the following areas: ​ ​ Trains Veritech engineers have substantial experience with the investigation rail related accidents including roadway crossings, (involving both vehicles and pedestrians), railyard incidents, and track fouling incidents. The train locomotive is commonly equipped with log recording devices (commonly referred to as a “black box ”) and can also be equipped with a front-facing video camera that is capable of recording the movement of the subject train. Veritech has investigated numerous train accidents and has experience in data analysis of the recorded black box data, as well as experience in reviewing recorded video (from GE LocoCAM and others) of train collisions through the use of videogrammetry. ​ ​ Milling Machines, Industrial Automation, and Robotics Machinery used in manufacturing, including material removal machines such as mills and lathes require specialized skill and training in order to use safely. These machines are very powerful and contain spinning objects that can be harmful to the operator in the case of a malfunction. Veritech has first-hand knowledge of this type of machinery and its dangers and limitations. In addition, Veritech has first-hand experience in the design, manufacture, and production of robotics systems, SCARA robots (Selective Compliance Articulating Robotic Arm), and industrial automation engineering. ​ ​ ​ Forklifts Veritech forensic engineers are experienced in the reconstruction of accidents involving material handling equipment such as, all-terrain forklifts, telehandlers, and other types of machinery. Typically these machines are used in a loading dock or similar area. Forklifts can be powered by compressed natural gas, or other internal combustion fuel types such as diesel or gasoline. Some forklifts are used indoors, in factory settings and warehouses. These forklifts are commonly powered with electrical motors and contain massive lead-acid batteries as power storage. ​ ​ ​ ​ Scissor Lifts Reconstruction of accidents involving scissor lifts, and other man lifts designed to be used during access to significant heights. These accidents pose dangers to the lift occupant that are sometimes disguised. It is common for scissor lift operators to inadvertently contact surrounding objects while operating, which could lead to a potential tip-over of the lift. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Cranes Crane accidents involving the use of gantry cranes, rough terrain cranes, all-terrain cranes, and all other types. Cranes are pieces of industrial machinery that are used to lift heavy objects using a hoist, or motorized cable drum. These types of accidents are less common, however very serious in nature and magnitude due to the size of these machines and the significant weight of loads handled by them. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Skid Steer Otherwise known as skid loaders or even skid-steer loader, or even by the trademark name Bobcats, these small machines have exceptional power for their size and are easily maneuverable. One of the defining characteristics of these machines is a relatively large loading bucket affixed to the front of the machine, and no separate steering linkage attached to the drive wheels. These machines achieve superior maneuverability through the use of turning by propelling the drive wheels in opposite directions allowing the machine to spin “on a dime”. ​ ​ ​ ​ Wheel Loaders Wheel loaders are known by many different names: tractors, front end loaders, back hoes, scoop, shovel, or bucket loader. These loaders are capable of carrying large heavy loads of material in their buckets and have massively heavy vehicle weights. These machines are massive, and are typically operated off-road. Therefore, reconstructing accidents that involve wheel loaders requires special attention to the operating environment and terrain. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​ Roadway Construction Equipment As licensed professional mechanical engineers, Veritech's team is qualified in accident reconstruction dealing with excavators, graders, and bulldozers, backhoes, trenchers, and all other industrial earth moving equipment. Roadway construction accidents pose a unique situation in that the accident is usually within a road work zone. Therefore, these accidents can and frequently do involve passenger vehicles and even pedestrians. Careful attention to the surrounding environment of the location of the accident must be taken into consideration during accident reconstruction. ​ ​ ​ Concrete Hauling and Pumping Concrete is very heavy, and hauling it can pose hazards due to the massive payload and change in vehicle center of mass due to the concrete weight. Pumping concrete can also pose significant hazards for many of the same weight reasons. Our expertise includes vehicles that haul and pump concrete . Concrete can be considered a liquid while it is being transported, and concrete weight can be on the order of 150 pounds per cubic foot, making it extremely heavy and difficult to move. Typically, only a relatively small amount of concrete is needed to completely maximize the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of a concrete truck. Accounting for concrete weight can become a serious issue during an accident involving a concrete truck or concrete pumping truck. ​ ​ Construction equipment and machinery accidents pose unique issues during investigation and therefore, must be handled with special care. Veritech engineers would be happy to discuss the specifics of your case in detail. Please contact one of our licensed professional engineers at 303-660-4395 to discuss your case and receive a free initial consultation with honest and candid comments. Mark Kittel, P.E., D.F.E. Principal Engineer Joe Tremblay, P.E., D.F.E. Senior Engineer

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Contact Us Please call us during normal business hours to speak directly with one of our licensed Professional Engineers. Outside of normal business hours, please feel free to email us and you will be contacted the next business day. ​ Mailing Address: ​ Veritech Consulting Engineering 4833 Front Street, Suite B #423 Castle Rock, CO 80104 ​ Phone: 303-660-4395 Fax: 303-660-4396