Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight

The 52 OMRS Bioenvironmental Engineering (BEE) flight executes high-quality health risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and control chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and physical hazards. Our mission is to optimize warfighter health, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the Spangdahlem AB populace and surrounding environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Occupational Health: Conducting workplace industrial hygiene evaluations, noise surveys, air sampling, and ventilation system testing to protect personnel from occupational illnesses.
• Environmental Quality: Monitoring and testing drinking water quality, outdoor environmental conditions, and managing radiation safety protocols to safeguard the base community.
• Emergency Response: Providing specialized CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) detection, monitoring, hazard prediction, and health risk consultation during emergency operations.

Gas Mask Fit Testing

Fit testing is conducted weekly. Personnel are required to schedule their appointment and complete the necessary documentation prior to arrival.

Fit Testing Information

All personnel requiring a fit test for a respirator other than a standard IPE-issued gas mask must adhere to the following requirements:

• Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (MEQ): You must obtain a completed MEQ from Public Health DSN 452-8308 prior to booking your fit test appointment. Personnel arriving without a completed MEQ on file will not be seen and must reschedule.
• Grooming Standards: All members must be completely clean-shaven for their appointment to ensure a proper seal.

General Fit Testing Policies

• Frequency: Gas mask fit testing is generally a one-time requirement per career, unless you experience a 10% increase or decrease in body weight, which requires a new fit test.
• Lost Records: If you misplace your fit test record, our office may have a copy on file. If we cannot locate your record, a new fit test will be required.

Urgent Requirements

• If you require an urgent fit test for an impending deployment or Permanent Change of Station (PCS), please contact Bioenvironmental Engineering directly at 452-8348.

Testing Schedule

Thursdays
8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Appointment Sign-up Link

https://52spangdahlembioenvironmentalengineering.setmore.com

Industrial Workplaces (HAZCOM)

For industrial workplaces requiring access to Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) documents and resources, please visit our SharePoint site:
52 MDG HAZCOM SharePoint Site (Requires CAC Authentication)

Drinking Water Quality

Our team continuously monitors the installation's drinking water to ensure it meets both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and German Final Governing Standards (FGS).

• Consumer Confidence Report (CCR): We publish an annual water quality report detailing the safety and testing results of Spangdahlem's water supply. The latest report can be found on the 52 FW Main Webpage in the Public Awareness Tab.
• Water Quality Concerns: If you notice unusual discoloration, taste, or odor in your facility's tap water, please submit a work order to Civil Engineering (CE) first. If the issue persists, contact our office at DSN 452-8348 to request a water quality assessment.

Fetal Protection Program

For expecting service members working in industrial or hazardous environments, ensuring the safety of both the mother and child is a top priority.

1. Notification: Notify your supervisor and Primary Care Manager (PCM)/Public Health as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.
2. Workplace Evaluation: Public Health will coordinate with the Bioenvironmental Engineering team to evaluate your specific workplace. BEE will review your shop's chemical, noise, and physical hazards.
3. Duty Recommendations: BEE will provide your medical provider and commander with a risk assessment and recommended duty restrictions (if necessary) to ensure a safe working environment throughout your pregnancy.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) & Mold Concerns

BEE evaluates workplaces for airborne hazards, ventilation efficiency, and overall indoor air quality to ensure a safe environment.

• Mold & Facility Odor: For mold growth, water leaks, or unusual facility odors in dorms or offices, first submit a work order to CE or Base Housing. If CE determines an occupational health hazard exists, they will request a BEE assessment.
• Industrial Ventilation: If your shop's local exhaust ventilation (e.g. paint booths, fume hoods, welding exhaust) is malfunctioning or due for routine baseline survey, contact our office directly to schedule an evaluation.

Thermal Stress (Heat & Cold)

Working in extreme temperatures can pose severe health risks. Our office measures environmental conditions and provides guidance to base leadership to prevent heat and cold stress injuries.

• Base Flag Conditions: We monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) during summer months. Current flag conditions and work/rest cycles are disseminated via the Command Post and base weather networks.
• Work/Rest Guidelines: Supervisors of outdoor or industrial workers should consult the Thermal Stress guidance (DAFI 48-151, Thermal Stress Program) to adjust physical training and work schedules based on current conditions.

Radiation Safety Program

BEE manages the installation's Radiation Safety Program to protect personnel from harmful exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

• Laser & Radiofrequency (RF): All new Class 3B and Class 4 lasers, as well as industrial RF emitters, must be vetted by the BEE office prior to use. Contact us to schedule an inventory update and hazard assessment. 
• Ionizing Radiation: Personnel working with X-ray equipment or radioactive materials must be enrolled in the dosimetry program. Please reach out to our team DSN 452-8348 to exchange dosimeter badges or review exposure reports.