Gas Mask Fit Test

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Staff Sgt. David Hall, 28th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering journeyman, conducts a gas mask fit test on Airman 1st Class Anthony Sanchelli, 28th Bomb Wing still photography journeyman, July 7. The fit test will ensure the mask is in good condition and properly fits each Airman. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Corey Hook)

Gas Mask Fit Test

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Staff Sgt. David Hall, 28th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering journeyman, conducts a gas mask fit test on Airman 1st Class Anthony Sanchelli, 28th Bomb Wing still photography journeyman, July 7. During the fit test, the Airman will move his head up and down and side to side to mimic normal movements. It is intended to make sure the seal remains tight. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Corey Hook)

Gas Mask Fit Test

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Airman 1st Class Larry Pedraza, 28th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering apprentice, lights a match to create particles during a gas mask fit test on Master Sgt. Loren Bonser, 28th Bomb Wing public affairs superintendent, July 7. A gas detector is connected to the gas mask which reads the excess particles in the air to determine the effectiveness of the mask. The air inside the mask must be 2,000, or more, times cleaner than the air outside the mask. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Corey Hook)

Airmen test new gas masks

Published July 7, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/07/2010 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - -- In preparation for the upcoming operational readiness exercise, Ellsworth Airmen are required to properly test the new M-50 gas masks they have been issued.

Staff Sgts. David Hall and Kayla Otto, 28th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering technicians, run tests to fit the new gas masks for Airmen.

"It only takes one BE tech to fit test personnel and a seasoned BE tech can do two tests at a time," said Sergeant Hall. "So we have two machines ready all the time."

Normal fit testing is done by appointment and takes about five minutes to complete.

The testing is a series of five exercises: normal breathing, deep breathing, turning one's head left and right, nodding up and down, and chewing, which last about 45-seconds each.

The tests help to determine how well the masks fit Airmen - this is called the fit factor.

The fit factor indicates whether an Airman is protected by his or her mask by evaluating the difference of air particles inside and outside the mask using a special machine.

"A low fit factor is the result of incorrect sizing, leaks around the seal of the mask due to improper fitting or hair in the seal during the donning process," said Sergeant Otto.

If a test shows a low fit factor, the technician will resolve the issue based on the portion of the test.

"For instance if a leak is identified during the rotate jaw or chewing portion, the technician will have the member tighten the bottom head harness straps," said Sergeant Otto.

If the low fit factor is a size issue, an Airman will be informed of the correct size and sent back to the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron to receive a new mask of the proper size.

"We check for incorrect size by using a sizing card," said Sergeant Otto. "With the M-50 mask, if the fit factor indicates an incorrect fit, an Airman is at risk for contamination from biological or chemical warfare."

For appointment times and location, contact the 28 MDG Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight at (605) 385-3172.