Bioenvironmental Engineering
Our Mission
Bioenvironmental Engineering ensures the health and safety of Air Force personnel, their families, and the surrounding community by identifying, assessing, and controlling occupational and environmental health hazards. BE plays a critical role in supporting mission readiness by promoting safe working environments and providing expert health risk assessments.
What We Do
BE provides occupational and environmental health services for Altus Air Force Base, focusing on:
Occupational Health:
- Conducting industrial hygiene evaluations to identify workplace hazards
- Performing health risk assessments to evaluate exposure to chemical, physical, and radiological hazards
- Recommending protective measures to ensure a safe work environment
- Communicating health risks and control measures to commanders and leadership
Environmental Health:
- Drinking Water Surveillance: Regular testing to ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards
- Toxic Industrial Material Assessments: Monitoring and mitigate potential environmental hazards
- Vulnerability Assessments: Evaluating risks to potable and non-potable water systems
Radiation Safety:
- Managing and monitoring radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices on base
- All contractors and entities must coordinate with BE for approval before bringing or using RAM or RPD on Altus AFB
- Assessing all lasers and electromagnetic frequency-emitting devices around the base to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration, American National Standards Institute, and USAF standards
- Conducting regular surveys of X-ray machines, static displays, RAM, and background radiation levels to maintain a safe environment
- Monitoring personnel who work with X-ray equipment to ensure they are not exposed to radiation levels beyond regulatory limits. This program is critical in maintaining the safety and health of our workforce by tracking a cumulative exposure and implementing controls when necessary.
Emergency Response:
- Providing real-time health risk assessment during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and hazardous material incidents
- Advising emergency responders on protective measures for personnel and the surrounding community
Deployment Readiness:
Protective Mask Fit Testing for:
- Deploying service members
- Members PCSing overseas
- Personnel attending CBRN training through Emergency Management
- Fit Testing Availability: Walk-in basis every Thursday, Room 1069, Building 46.