Workers are now being fitted for standard protective masks in preparation for upcoming Blue Grass plant operations.
“Each site worker will be fitted for and receive an M40 mask as part of their standard personal protective equipment,” said Pamela Scott, entry coordinator, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “I was excited and honored to be the first person to be fitted at the Blue Grass site.”
Once chemical agents are introduced to the plant for destruction operations, each person on site will be required to carry and be trained in the use of the M40 mask, Scott said. Properly worn, these masks will protect wearers from inhaling chemical agent in the unlikely event of an agent release. The new mask issue room in the Outside Operations Support Facility is where workers receive fitting, training and masks.
“I was deeply involved in the set-up of the masking room with great interaction and many meetings between the Blue Grass Chemical Activity and the Operations Support department,” Scott said. “It was a great group effort with the end goal of the protection of the people who will support the destruction of the chemical munitions.”
During operations, each worker will carry an M40 mask in an over-the-shoulder bag and will be required to don it if a chemical agent alarm sounds. For now, workers will safely store their masks until plant management requires them to be carried on site.
