Faster, healthier stripping process 'takes off' in sheet metal flight Published May 13, 2011 By Faye Banks-Anderson 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Reducing an 80-hour sanding process to strip a radome to about a 12-hour chemical-stripping process is a success story. Not only does it help get the asset back to the warfighter quicker, but it also contributes to a safer and healthier work environment. The change came as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration citations levied on the Center, which prompted workers in the 573rd Commodities Maintenance Sheet Metal Manufacturing Flight to begin looking for a new sanding process for the C-130 Combat Talon II radome. "The (OSHA) findings forced us to find alternatives to get the job done," said Jeremy Wood, flight chief. "What we've come up with makes it safer all around." Some immediate benefits for workers include less hand vibration and reduced dust generation, he said. Previously, two workers used an orbital sander for about 72 hours and then sanded by hand for another eight hours to remove the paint from the radome - all before beginning to repair it. Now, paint is chemically stripped off the radome. The work is also completed in a separate location in Bldg. 180 which is better suited for that type of operation. "Our workers prefer the chemical stripping process. The less they have to sand the better," said Wood, who noted his team has completed work on four radomes since late March. Team members include Ricky Holland, Bill Henderson, Jerome Jackson, Paul Bevan, Tony Thompson, Chad Lemoine, Jerry Clark, Gary Andrews, Keith Floyd, Don Crews, Willie Bowman, Tom DuPriest, Ray Minter, Michael Powers and Larry Wilmore. Wood credits the mechanics, engineers, planners and schedulers with coming up with the improved process and getting it approved through the Special Operations System Program Office. "We've all made a difference," he said.