Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Kathleen Hoffman (Fed)
Physical Science Technician
Kathleen Hoffman has been a member of the Fire Research Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for over a decade. As part of the Flammability Reduction Group, she performs a broad range of organic and analytical chemistry-based activities in support of fire and materials research. Her expertise includes conducting chemistry experiments and operating and maintaining advanced analytical equipment for various projects, including the Public Health Risks to First Responders, Material Flammability Characterization, and Functional Barriers for Low Flammability Products. Her technical contributions support NIST’s mission to advance fire safety through improved material characterization and hazard assessment.
In addition to her research contributions, Kathleen has served as the Division Safety Representative for the Fire Research Division for more than five years. In this role, she supports the Division’s and the Engineering Laboratory’s (EL) efforts in developing, implementing, and continuously improving safety programs. As a central resource for occupational safety, health, and environmental (SHE) issues, she provides guidance, technical expertise, and assistance to ensure that division staff adhere to safety requirements and best practices.
Kathleen’s responsibilities include maintaining an in-depth knowledge of NIST’s safety, health, and environmental programs, advising line management on safety compliance and improvement strategies, and serving as a resource for division staff by offering technical expertise. She also assists managers with safety program requirements, including training, chemical inventory management, safety inspections, and hazard mitigation. She shares critical safety information with division staff, facilitates safety training, and assists in hazard assessments and control strategies. Her role also includes organizing and participating in quarterly safety inspections, incident investigations, hazard reviews, and division safety meetings. She works closely with line management to review stop-work orders, assess remedial actions, and approve resume-work orders, ensuring that safety remains a top priority within the division.