Safety, efficiency first for HAZMAT pharmacy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Supporting the mission is the top priority for every squadron on RAF Lakenheath including the Airmen of the 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron, hazardous materials pharmacy.

Airman 1st Class Brittney Aman, 48th LRS HAZMAT pharmacy apprentice, had to learn this mission quickly as the newest member of the 48th LRS team.

"We issue hazardous products to vendors and maintenance vendors on and off RAF Lakenheath," said Aman. "We also supply product to RAF Feltwell."

These materials are used by different organizations on a day to day basis, and controlled by the 48th LRS HAZMAT pharmacy. Recipients of the products include the Art and Crafts Center, Auto Hobby Shop and different maintenance shops on the flightline.

"Safety and efficiency are essential in supporting the mission of the base," said Staff Sgt. Steven Carkey, 48th LRS HAZMAT pharmacy supervisor. "Instead of responsibilities being delegated to different sections, we do everything from receiving the product to distributing the product."

Weekly inspections are done in the HAZMAT storage units to ensure all safety precautions are updated and working properly and the materials are stored appropriately.

Heather Morgan, 48th LRS HAZMAT pharmacy technician helps maintain inventory of the corrosive, flammable and gaseous materials.

"Safety is essential in our job," said Morgan. "We have to ensure materials that could be combustible are stored separately."

Eye wash centers in the storage units are checked weekly, and spill kits are tested monthly as well as material safety data sheets to keep up to date on safety regulations. This helps to maintain high safety standard for the stored products.

"We have weekly exercises to make sure the Airmen in our shop know what to do in case of a hazardous spill," said Aman. "Working for HAZMAT, I know that I am contributing to the big Air Force. We work with the entire base and RAF Feltwell; I'm constantly meeting new people. It makes me excited about my career in the Air Force."