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David Byer
Senior Manager
Quality Control and Contract Labs
Peabody Energy
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“For years to come, people will use and maintain the standards I helped develop. I am proud of the professionalism, integrity and relevance of the ASTM organization and the standards we publish. ASTM provides a platform for networking with the best people in my industry.”
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Who is your current employer and what is your current position? |
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I am employed by Peabody Energy. I have worked there for 23 years in various coal quality control supervisory and management roles on an international basis. I currently work in the world headquarters as senior manager of quality control and contract labs. |
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Where did you obtain your undergraduate/ graduate degree(s) and in what fields? |
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I have a B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry from Indiana State University. |
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When and why did you become involved in ASTM International? |
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I started working with ASTM in 1979 but did not actually become a member until 1986. Participating in ASTM has always been an inherent part of my job responsibilities since ASTM procedures are required in virtually all coal sales agreements. One of my core job duties is ensuring that Peabody Energy labs and sampling operations stay in compliance with our coal sales agreements. |
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In which committees are you active? Are you a committee officer; if so, what group or groups? |
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I am active in Committee D05 on Coal and Coke where I am currently a member-at-large on the main committee and secretary of Subcommittee D05.07 on Physical Characteristics of Coal. I serve as chairman of a task group that is developing a method for determining air dry loss in coal by using a microwave oven. I participate in various task groups and am presently the technical contact for three work items. I am a recipient of the Committee D05 R.A. Glen Award. Three years ago, I attended the Officers’ Training Workshop at ASTM headquarters. My goal is to one day serve on one of ASTM ‘s standing committees. |
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How do you apply ASTM standards in your work? |
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ASTM standards provide the core guidance for the procedures we use to sample and test coal. I ensure that ASTM standards are understood and followed by our service providers. ASTM standards provide an impartial means to judge the accuracy, precision and overall performance of labs and sampling operations. ASTM standards provide me with guidelines for determining if labs and sampling operations qualify to be service providers at Peabody Energy. |
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Apart from using standards, are there advantages to participating in standards development? |
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I derive great personal satisfaction from participating in developing something as profoundly important as international standards that are required by virtually all U.S. coal commerce. For years to come, people will use and maintain the standards I helped develop. I am proud of the professionalism, integrity and relevance of the ASTM organization and the standards we publish. ASTM provides a platform for networking with the best people in my industry.
It is all about standardization – it speaks for itself. Using ASTM standards in our business provides a means to improve the foundation of our quality management platform, continuously improve our processes and enhance the capabilities of our quality management facilities and people. Using ASTM standards provides a fair and impartial basis for determining the price of coal and coal products by putting buyers and sellers on a level playing field. ASTM standards also help in determining compliance with regulations. All of these aspects allow companies to predict future opportunities and develop accurate strategic plans. |
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What are some of your favorite aspects of your job? |
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The very best aspect of my job is the lifelong professional relationships I have built with some of the best people in the coal and coke industry. I have worked with some individuals for over 20 years on various ASTM committees and other quality management business. Many of these relationships would not be possible without ASTM participation. |
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Are there advantages that you can identify that result from having an understanding of standards? |
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Understanding standards sets my company apart. This is part of our being a world-class corporation. One great advantage is designing, developing and maintaining facilities that meet or exceed ASTM requirements. Such facilities are acceptable to customers and regulatory agencies. Without this acceptance, business would not be successful. I have already mentioned several advantages in my responses above. |
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Are there any words of wisdom that you can offer to professionals starting out in your field? |
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Participate in ASTM. Discover what you enjoy and do well and develop a passion for doing it. Respect the knowledge, wisdom and experience of others who have come before you even when you disagree with them. Always remember there is at least a 1 percent chance you are not correct. Take advantage of their knowledge, wisdom and experience. Be a better listener. Look forward to a lifetime of skills development, continuous self improvement and learning new things. This will ensure that you stay relevant to your industry. Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor to excel.
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