React to Chemical or Biological Hazard/Attack

TASK # 031-503-1019 Skill Level 1

REFERENCES

RequiredFM 3-4TM 3-4230-229-10TM 3-4230-235-10

Related

FM 3-5

Task

React to Chemical or Biological Hazard/Attack

Conditions

Given mission-oriented protection posture (MOPP) gear, a protective mask, individual decontaminating kits, and a tactical environment in which chemical and biological (CB) weapons have been or may be used by the enemy. You are in MOPP 1, and one or more of the following automatic masking criteria happens:

1. A chemical alarm sounds.2. A positive reading is obtained on detector paper.3. Individuals exhibit symptoms of CB agent poisoning.4. You observe a contamination marker.5. Your supervisor tells you to mask.6. You see personnel wearing protective masks.7. You observe other signs of a possible CB attack.

Standards

Do not become a casualty. Identify chemical contamination markers with 100 percent accuracy, and notify your supervisor. Start the steps to decontaminate yourself within 1 minute of finding chemical contamination. Decontaminate your individual equipment after you have completely decontaminated yourself.

When to Mask

Identify the CB hazard automatic masking criteria

(1) A chemical alarm sounds(2) A positive reading is obtained on detector paper(3) Individuals exhibit symptoms of CB agent poisoning(4) You observe a contamination marker(5) Your supervisor tells you to mask(6) You see personnel wearing protective masks(7) You observe other signs of a possible CB attack

Or respond to the commander’s policy of automatic masking

Contamination Markers

Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from CB contamination using your assigned protective mask without fastening the hood.

The mask gives immediate protection against inhalation ofagent vapors. Do not fasten the hood. Go to the next stepimmediately.

Give the Alarm

Yell “GAS”

Give the appropriate hand-and-arm signal

Take cover

Take cover to reduce exposure, using whatever means is readilyAvailable.

Decontaminate Skin

Decontaminate exposed skin using the individualDecontaminating kit as necessary.

Assume MOPP 4

Assume MOPP 4. Cover all your skin (your head and shoulders are already protected by the mask and the overgarment).

a. Put on the gloves with linersb. Zip and fasten the overgarment jacket.c. Secure the hood, and then secure the overgarment to

increase protection.d. Put on the overboots. Combat boots provide

protection but should be covered because they absorb chemicals.

LEVEL MASKOVER-

GARMENTOVER-BOOTS GLOVES

0 (Zero) Carried Readily Available

Readily Available

Readily Available

1 (One) Worn Carried Carried Carried

2 (Two) Worn Worn Carried Carried

3 (Three) Worn Worn Worn Carried

4 (Four) Worn Worn Worn Worn

MOPP Levels

MOPP Levels Diagram

Decontaminate Equipment

Decontaminate your personal equipment using the individual decontaminating kit as necessary.

Notify Your Supervisor

Notify your supervisor of any CB hazard markers or indicators.

Continue the Mission

The final step of this task is to continue the mission you were already on when you had to react to a CB hazard.