Elmendorf Hazardous Material storage: Cautions for life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In day-to-day life how many hazardous material items do you come contact with?

The number might shock some people. Many items can be categorized as hazardous material especially if the person works on an Air Force flightline.

From glue and solvents to petroleum products like gas, oil and other items HAZMAT can be everywhere.

Hazardous material can be defined as flammable or poisonous materials that would be a danger to life or to the environment if released without precautions.

The precautions taken when releasing a HAZMAT can truly affect its usefulness for example, aircraft fuel can be very dangerous if not handled properly, but handled correctly it gives aircraft the thrust required to fly.

On Elmendorf a large room full of straight organized shelves has the potential to be one of the most dangerous places on base, if it weren't being constantly monitored and checked by a team who know a lot about precautions.

"Within our warehouse we have all the hazardous material the sealants the petroleum products, anything HAZMAT that is necessary for the Air Force to accomplish its' mission," said Mr. Alfred McCarthy, 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron HAZMAT warehouse specialist.

Mr. McCarthy's been on Elmendorf for some time now working hand-in-hand with every squadron. In his work he not only maintains and stores the materials in accordance with the hazard-class standards, but he also instructs anyone who needs to know how to handle a specific HAZMAT.

"People can call us and ask specific questions about the material or filling out the paperwork to exercise the database," said Mr. McCarthy

Mr. McCarthy said he's glad that Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is taking place.

"With my job, I have to work with both Fort Rich and Elmendorf so having the two joined is helpful," said Mr. McCarthy.

The warehouse carries a large burden with keeping all the HAZMAT and ensuring it's up to standards.

"We keep Petroleum, oils, lubricants, sealants, adhesives, and even items in spray cans because since they are under pressure they are a hazard," said Mr. McCarthy. "They all are stored here. Also some of the paints that are used in military applications have some kind of hazardous component either in usage, in storage, or in disposal."

With the constant work and challenges most would loath the job of a warehouse specialist, but not Mr. McCarthy. "I love it here," said Mr. McCarthy. "The best part about my job is I'm always busy. I never have a dull moment because there's always something to do."