News>Feature - Fit factor: combating unseen enemies
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tara Sheaib, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medical Squadron bioenvironmental engineering techinican, points to an M61 filter on an M50 gas mask at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 24, 2012. Bioenvironmental engineers conduct respirator and gas mask fit tests in order to protect and maintain a healthy work force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tara Sheaib, 27th Special Operations Aerospace Medical Squadron bioenvironmental engineering techinican, adjusts the straps on an M50 gas mask for Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 24, 2012. Bioenvironmental engineers conduct respirator and gas mask fit tests in order to protect and maintain a healthy work force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Hewitt, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal flight, reads a passage during a fit test for an M7 Firehawk respirator at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 24, 2012. Bioenvironmental engineers conduct respirator and gas mask fit tests in order to protect and maintain a healthy work force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Hewitt, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal flight, gets a fit test for an 3M gas mask at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 24, 2012. Bioenvironmental engineers conduct respirator and gas mask fit tests in order to protect and maintain a healthy work force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece)
A candle is lit during the gask mask fit test in order to release particles into the air and create more accurate testing results at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., July 24, 2012. Bioenvironmental engineers conduct respirator and gas mask fit tests in order to protect and maintain a healthy work force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece)
by Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
27th Special Operations Wing
7/26/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- For generations, American service members have been making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure past, present and future generations enjoy the freedoms and ideals that drove few to stand up to many, and resulted in the birth of these United States.
With hands raised and eyes forward each Airman pledges to support and defend the Constitution, tirelessly training to ensure each threat that rises up against them is struck down with expert force and precision.
But in the face of an invisible enemy, these dedicated men and women place their fate not in their own practiced hands, but in the capabilities of their equipment.
"Every Cannon Airman is issued an M-50 gas mask or an MCU-2P gas mask," said Staff Sgt. Tara Sheaib, 27th Special Operations Bioenvironmental Engineering technician. "But to ensure that mask will protect them as it should in a life or death situation, they must get a fit test."
The fit test is intended to simulate natural motions. Each movement is performed for one minute and generates an individual number. When the test is complete, the cumulative number is known as the fit factor.
"Each Airman performs five exercises: normal breathing, deep breathing, looking side-to-side, looking up and down and finally, simulating chewing or talking," Sheaib said. "As testers, we are looking for an overall score of 2,000 or more. If an individual gets a lower score, we make adjustments and try again."
Because the fit test compares the integrity of air particles inside the mask to those outside to determine seal quality, members should refrain from engaging in certain activities prior to testing.
"Before you come to a fit test, you shouldn't eat, drink, smoke, or apply aftershave because all those scents can affect the test," Sheaib said. "Even something as minor as chewing gum, a mint, or a cough drop can compromise the outcome. It doesn't necessarily mean the seal is bad, but the machine reads the air inside the mask as dirty."
Once Airmen have received a passing score using a specific mask type and size, there are very few circumstances that would generate the need for a retest.
"If you receive an adequate fit factor with a small M-50 mask for example, you should be able to wear any mask fitting that description," Sheaib said.
However, if a person gains significant weight or puts on a lot of muscle, has facial reconstructice surgery or heavy dental work, their face shape may change significantly and a new fit test may be in order.
The gas mask is a life-saving tool and is an Airman's first line of defense in the event of a chemical or biological attack. However, an ill-fitting mask can spell disaster for the wearer, rendering them helpless against unconventional agents.
"Fit testing is important because you need to know the mask you're wearing can protect you from hazards," Sheaib said. "Going through the test helps to instill confidence in the wearer and gives us the opportunity to educate people on how best to wear their individual mask."
Walk in fit tests are performed at the Bioenvironmental Engineering office in the clinic Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Airmen should come with masks assembled and a basic knowledge of how to wear and operate them. For questions, call 784-4063.
