Contamination Avoidance key to survival, mission continuation Published March 12, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Megan Crusher 452 AMW public affairs MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Contamination can be lethal and contributes to mission degradation because it incapacitates personnel and equipment. Once individuals and equipment are contaminated there is a severe threat of cross contamination. Each Unit Training Assembly weekend Emergency Management conducts Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training to ensure servicemembers remain proficient at contamination avoidance in case they are ever faced with a real world CBRN attack. Avoidance is essential to ensure survivability and mission continuation, said Staff Sgt. David Shore, 452d Civil Engineer Squadron, Emergency Management. It is dependent upon prepared and cognizant Airmen who have been thoroughly trained on how to prevent the spread of contamination. "Contamination avoidance is any task you can do to minimize or eliminate possible chemical contamination during and after an attack," said Shore. Preventable measures include donning Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear, securing equipment with double plastic covers, using M-8 and M-9 Chemical Agent Detection Paper, and having decontamination troughs, also known as shuffle boxes, in place to limit cross contamination risks. The MOPP gear consists of an overgarment, a protective mask, gloves, overboots, and field gear. Wrap M-9 tape around the sleeves and ankles of the overgarment to alert the wearer and others in case of individual contamination. Pre-position M-8 paper whenever possible on flat or horizontal equipment surfaces and on strategically placed stands, 25 feet from buildings, to detect any chemical agents in the area. Secure it with tape that you have written the date and time on, then check it regularly or after every attack. Replace the M-8 paper when it becomes wet, wrinkled, dirty, damaged or discolored. Shuffle boxes are crucial to stopping the spread of contamination from one area to another. Troops must clean their boots and gloves in troughs containing a mixture of water and bleach before entering different locations and buildings to avoid cross-contamination. Common sense and attention to detail are often overlooked. People tend to set their equipment down, touch things and kneel on the ground when helping someone in a contaminated area, Shore said. As Airmen, you must be mindful of your actions and your environment. "Don't touch anyone or anything, or minimize touching as much as possible," he said. Wear your MOPP gear properly, Use M-8 and M-9 paper appropriately, have shuffle boxes in place and pay attention to detail. These are all key components of successful contamination avoidance. But, without skilled Airmen trained in proper contamination avoidance techniques, these measures are useless. For more information on contamination avoidance reference AFPAM 10-100, Airman's Manual or contact Emergency Management.