Air Shower decontaminates 1st SOEMS

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Andrea Posey
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron completed construction on a $136,413 air shower at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 28, 2014.

"This brings us in line with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and reduces exposure to hazardous chemicals," said Master Sgt. Shane Randall, 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron section chief.

The air shower is designed to decontaminate Airmen's uniforms after they've worked with paint that contains chromium, cadmium and lead which are health hazards.

Airmen become contaminated with these elements while repairing, refurbishing and stripping paint off materials for inspections and daily maintenance of aircraft, said Randall.

The shower uses a ventilation system to blow off paint particles which are then collected in a high-efficiency particle air filter .

After decontamination, Airmen step into what the 1st SOEMS calls the "dirty doctor" room where uniforms and respirators can be washed. Showers are included in this room to wash off any contaminants which could be left on the skin.

It will be mandated for all 1st SOEMS Airmen working with hazardous materials to go through the air shower to avoid taking contaminants outside of their facility.

Ultimately the air shower is in place to protect Airmen and their families from being exposed to toxic elements, said Randall.