View Full Version : Operating in a chemical environment
saber11
03-20-2003, 12:18 PM
What is required to operate in a chemical environment? I know about the gas masks, and chem suits. How about equipment? What does it take to decontaminate a say a chopper, or a tank? I know some vehicles have positive pressure ventilation systems that would force contaminates out.
Sierra Mike
03-20-2003, 12:26 PM
Don't know about other vehicles, but helicopters take about 4 hours to decontaminate, if no disassembly is required. You'll have to forgive me if I do not get in specifics at this point in time, but M8 chemical paper is one of the essential tools.
SM
saber11
03-20-2003, 12:30 PM
If you think chem weapons may be used, do pilots have to wear protective gear during the entire flight? It would be kinda hard to change into a chem suits in say an Apache.
Sierra Mike
03-20-2003, 12:41 PM
Aviators have MOPP IV suits that are different from what an infantryman would wear.
SM
EricaZ98
03-21-2003, 11:17 AM
Decontamination starts with decontaminating personnel and their equipment. A barrel is filled with special powder that kills the chemicals- a big enough barrel to decontaminate about 10-15 personnel equipment.
Personnel are lined up and herded through a decontimation site where they first put in LVE, weapon, kevlar and other smaller items into the barrel and scrub it down. This stuff is then moved to end of line by a non-contaminated decon team member. The person will then move down the line to begin the process of exchanging contaminated chem suit for a new one. The pro-mask is also wiped as is face, hands and neck, and a new filter given.
Once person is decontaminated, their vehicles must be decontaminated. Their is a vehicle especially for this process. Its called the ARS-14. Has hoses and other equipment that allow vehicles to be hosed off and scrubbed.
Thats the basics of it- not an easy process as you have to find a clearing that is downwind, has coverage, and can be covered by armed personnel.
BTW- I was on the decon team in Saudi which is why I know about this.
saber11
03-21-2003, 11:25 AM
Originally posted by Sydney
BTW- I was on the decon team in Saudi which is why I know about this.
Thanks for the info. I have done exercises with civilian Hazmat teams, and seen them put up mass causualty decon stations.