CONTAMINATION MARKERS

Areas or objects that are contaminated by CBR attack must be clearly marked to warn personnel approaching the area. The markers should outline dangerous areas and thus establish boundaries within which you may exercise safety control. Radiation hot spots should be identified. These are areas where radiation intensities are significantly greater than the general radiation level of the surrounding areas.

The standard NATO system for marking areas that are contaminated by CBR attack is used by the U.S. Navy. The standard survey markers are shown in figure 10-5. Each marker is in the shape of a right triangle; one side of the triangle is about 11 1/2 inches long and the other two sides are about 8 inches long. The markers may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or other rigid material. Three holes are punched in each marker for rapid replacement.

The surface of a marker that faces away from the contaminated area is identified as the FRONT of the marker. The surface of the marker that faces toward the contaminated area is identified as the BACK of the marker. The fronts and backs are identified as follows:

The chemical contamination marker has a yellow front with the word gas painted or written in red. The back of the marker is yellow. The date and time of detection of the chemical agent are written on the back, together with the name of

the agent (if known).

The biological contamination marker has a blue front with the word bio painted in red. The back of the marker is blue. The date and time of detection of the biological agent are written on the back, together with the name of the agent (if known).

The radiological contamination marker has a white front with the word atom written or painted in black. The back of the marker is white. The dose rate, the time and date of the reading, and the time of the burst (if known) are written on the back.

SUMMARY

In this chapter you were introduced to the

basic procedures used for defense against CBR attacks. We also discussed various protective equipment and clothing available for use at this time. Finally, we explained the procedures for CBR decontamination. As a Damage Controlman, you must remember that new approaches are constantly being tested. New weapons are being developed and new protective and defensive measures are being established all the time. Therefore, it is particularly important that you stay up to date in the area of CBR defense. Some sources of information are Surface Ship Damage Control, NWP 62-1, Repair Party Manual, U. S. Navy Chemical Biological and Radiological Defense Handbook for Training, and various naval ship's technical manuals.

Figure 10-5.-Chemical, biological, and radiological contamination markers.