Masked for Protection

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 9th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight recently issued respirator masks to investigators trying to determine the cause of a building fire here Jan. 21.

The full face respirator is designed to help provide respiratory protection against certain airborne contaminants, which are often present after fires. In this case, the investigative team was susceptible to contaminants while searching the interior of the burnt out structure.

"The individuals who entered the building were required to wear respirator masks to protect themselves from inhaling airborne particulates that could cause them harm," said Staff Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, 9th AMDS respirator program administrator.

Aside from fire investigators, there are approximately 350 Airmen from 11 industrial work centers on base that routinely wear a respirator for protection against hazards. Airmen are required to be fit tested and medically qualified to wear a respirator. Otherwise, inhalable particulates such as asbestos can lead to lung cancer, severe cough, difficulty breathing and chest pain.

"The body's nasal passages cannot filter dusts and fibers containing asbestos," Stamm said. "Mask cartridges prevent the inhalation of such particles."

For years the respirator mask has been utilized by the Air Force for jobs involving inhalation hazards such as sanding aircraft. The mask is lightweight and well-balanced. It also has a
large, scratch resistant lens that ensures excellent visibility.

"I'm very thankful for (bioenvironmental engineering) because without them we wouldn't have known the dangers that were present," said Master Sgt. James Milford, 9th Maintenance Squadron assistant accessories flight chief and one of the Airmen who entered the building. "The level of protection bio engineering provided was outstanding."

Stamm said using respirators to enter a burnt out building is not routine, but it definitely handled the job.

"Thankfully everyone was well protected, and exposure was kept to a minimum," Stamm said.

The investigation of the fire is ongoing.