LEAD - The Sanford Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory at Homestake has hired an operations safety officer.

Tom Regan will inspect and make recommendations dealing with the environmental, health and safety conditions related to mine re-entry, water pumping and treatment, infrastructure needs of experiments and surface building renovation, said Dr. Jose Alonso, the laboratory director.

Regan will also provide information, training and technical assistance to employers and visitors.

Regan, certified as a Mine Safety and Health Administration trainer, has been a safety consultant to the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority since 2004 and safety director for Homestake Mining Company, where he worked in various capacities for 38 years.