Putting on the Mask

The ND Mk V protective mask (figs. 10-1 and 10-2) should be put on according to the following general procedures:

1. When you are issued a mask, be sure that it fits properly. The facepiece is manufactured in only one size. You will need to fit the head harness straps for your comfort and protection.

2. After you have adjusted the straps correctly, thread the loose ends of the three top head harness straps through the buckles between the body and the sliding member. At this point the straps are permanently adjusted to fit your face. You need to loosen or to tighten only the lower straps each time you remove or replace the mask. Tag or mark your name plainly on both the mask and carrier.

3. Put on the protective mask as soon as possible after you hear the alarm or have any other reason to suspect CBR attack. You must hold your breath until you can put on the mask. If contaminating material gets on your face or in your eyes, remove it before you put on the mask.

4. Immediately after you put on the mask, clear it of any poisonous fumes. Put the heel of

your hand over the exhaust valve at the chin of the mask and then rapidly exhale to force air out the sides of the facepiece.

5. Immediately after you clear the mask, test it for airtightness. Place the palms of the hands over the intakes of the canisters and inhale deeply and slowly.

6. If the outlet valve sticks because of perspiration drying on it, loosen it by forcefully exhaling air or by massaging the valve either through the valve cover or by partially removing the cover.

You will have to train your personnel in the proper procedures for donning and removing the ND Mk V protective mask. The general procedures for going through a drill are described here.

At the command "gas," take the following steps:

1. Hold your breath and remove your headgear.

2. With your left hand, yank open the carrier.

3. Hold the bottom of the carrier with your left hand, and with your right hand, remove the mask from the carrier.

4. Slide your thumbs inside the facepiece under all the head harness straps. Grasp the top of the facepiece. Thrust your chin forward.

5. Hold your head still. Raise the mask to your outthrust chin and bring the harness over the back of your head.

6. Center the head pad.

7. Grasp the tab ends of the lower straps.

8. Close the outlet valve with the heel of the hand. Exhaust forcibly to clear the mask.

9. Test the mask for fit and for possible leakage by placing your palms over the canister. When you inhale normally, the mask should collapse against your face.

10. Resume breathing.

11. Replace headgear.

12. Fasten the carrier flap.

At the command "remove and replace mask," take the following steps:

1. Remove your headgear.

2. Loosen the two lower flaps.

3. Grasp both canisters. Pull the mask down, out, and up over your head.

4. Fold the head harness into the facepiece.

5. Open the carrier flap. Place the mask in the carrier, canister down, eyepiece away from the body. Secure the flap.

CAUTION: Always test for gas before unmasking.

Mask Accessories

Two of the most common accessories used with protective masks are Fogpruf 52 liquid and the M-258A1 kit, which are described below.

. Fogpruf 52 liquid is used to reduce fogging of the lenses of the protective mask. To use Fogpruf 52, apply the liquid to both surfaces of each lens, Clean thoroughly with a cloth. Then apply the liquid again, spread it, and let it dry. Finish with a light buffing with the cloth that is supplied with the liquid.

. The M258A1 personal decontamination kit contains materials to decontaminate exposed skin areas. The kit is housed in a plastic waterproof case with a metal strap hook for easy attachment to clothing or equipment. This kit consists of three Decon 1 towelette wipes and three Decon 2 towelette wipes that are sealed in tear-away, impermeable foil packets. The Decon 1 packet has a tab for immediate identification at night. l The Decon 1 packet contains a pad prewetted with hydroxyethane, phenol, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, and water. The Decon 2 packet consists of pad impregnated with Chloramine B, and sealed glass ampules filled with a solution of hydroxyethane, zinc chloride, and deionized water. The glass ampules are enclosed in a mesh bag to prevent injury to fingers or hand when crushing the ampules. The M258A1 kit is used to remove and decontaminate blister and nerve agents from the exposed skin. It can be used to decontaminate the face (except eyes and, mouth), mask interior, rubber gloves, or rubber overboots. The kit contains supplies for three complete skin decontamination.