![]() ![]() BEEs are the installation authority regarding hazardous materials and personal protective equipment certification for use on an Air Force Base. In conjunction with ventilation, BEEs also oversee the Respiratory Protection Program associated with each installation BEEs ensure personnel are trained on the proper wear of an occupationally-required respirator, have a respirator fit test conducted, and know how to properly don/doff their personal protective equipment to protect them from inhalation hazards imposed by their tasks. BEEs routinely monitor local exhaust ventilation systems controlling airborne hazards across an installation to limit exposures a worker may receive. BEEs fundamentally analyze and recommend controls for identified occupational health (OH) risks, to include employee exposure to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expanded standard chemicals listed under (Subpart Z), immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) conditions found within confined spaces, and musculoskeletal disorders introduced by ergonomic stresses (such as repetitive motion/vibration/biomechanical stresses). HRAs with recommendations to reduce or eliminate risk are sent to relevant parties for their consideration and to advise them on the impacts and risks to their subordinates and their mission(s). Increased environmental pollution prevention and occupational health preventive medicine programs are shifting the emphasis to avoiding problems before they occur.īioenvironmental Engineering Occupational health īioenvironmental Engineers conduct health risk assessments (HRAs) in and around workplaces, protecting Airmen and employees from the hazards associated with their duties, very similar in nature to industrial or occupational hygiene. Public awareness/concern/disclosure, the recognition of risk analysis/communication/management, loss of sovereign immunity of federal agencies, and the personal liability of commanders for environmental infractions are all impacting BEE surveillance programs. The importance of ensuring Air Force compliance with ESOH requirements is higher than ever. This enabled the BEE force to concentrate its efforts on the industrial work place and the environment. The clinical and sanitary aspects of the BEE program, ( communicable disease, sanitary surveys, vector control, and occupational medicine) were turned over to the newly forming environmental health officers. In the early 1980s, a major shift in functions occurred. These have continually driven additional, corresponding requirements for BEEs. Love Canal, Bhopal, atmospheric ozone depletion, and other incidents spawned new laws governing the Installation Restoration Program Hazard Communication community-right-to-know Process Safety Management and hazardous material inventory, control and reduction. Several major catastrophes and other events focused keen Congressional interest on environment, safety and occupational health (ESOH), leading to new, mandatory compliance programs. These laws require BEEs to monitor Air Force operations for their effects on personnel and the environment. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the career field experienced an exponential growth in Federal regulations. However, beginning in 1970, with the formation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. They were Medical Service Corps (MSC) officers until the Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC) was created in 1965.īetween 19, the BEE field grew from around 100 to 150. Until 1964, Air Force BEEs were called Sanitary and Industrial Hygiene Engineers. Army in 1947 when the Air Force was formed. The original group of Bioenvironmental Engineers (BEEs) came to the Air Force from the U.S. From that point on, Bioenvironmental Engineering has taken the lead in protecting the health of USAF workers. It took elements of Military Public Health and spun off a separate arm called Bioenvironmental Engineering. During the 1970s, the United States Air Force (USAF) saw a need to implement measures to protect the health of personnel. ![]()
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