M291 Decontamination Kit. The purpose of the
M291 decontamination kit is to decontaminate skin and
selected personnel equipment contaminated with
chemical agents. The kit contains six sealed foil
packets, enough for three complete skin applications.
Each packet contains a folded applicator pad with a
handle on one side. The pad is filled with the black
decontaminating powder, which is a reactive and
absorbent resin that is not toxic but may be slightly
irritating to the skin or eyes.
N ew a n d / o r i m p r o v e d C B R d e f e n s e a n d
decontamination kits, clothing, and equipment are
being introduced rapidly. Check with your supervisor to
see if any new or improved articles are available.
Atropine and oxime are used to counteract the
effects of and to relieve the symptoms of nerve agents
only. At the appropriate level of readiness, each crew
member will be issued three atropine autoinjectors and
two oxime autoinjectors. To use the injectors, remove
the safety caps and press the injectors against the thigh
or buttocks. The pressure on the end of the injector
causes the automatic injection of the contents. As soon
as the symptoms of nerve agent poisoning are noticed,
immediately inject one atropine autoinjector and one
oxime autoinjector. Wait 10 to 15 minutes; if symptoms
are still present, inject another atropine and oxime
autoinjector.
CAUTION
Use atropine and oxime only against nerve
agents.
THE COLLECTIVE PROTECTION
SYSTEM
Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you
will be able to—
Identify the purpose and use of the collective
protection system (CPS) decontamination
station.
The collective protection system (CPS) protects
specific areas of the ship from the effects of CBR
contamination by filtering the air supply and
maintaining an overpressure to prevent the penetration
of contaminants. The system is divided into two
protection zones:
1. The total protection (TP) zone, which provides a
pressurized, toxic-free environment
2. The limited protection (LP) zone, which isn’t
pressurized and doesn’t provide protection
against gaseous chemical agents
The extent of CPS coverage varies. Some ships
have only one or two TP zones and no LP zones. Other
ships may have different numbers of protection zones.
The level of protection is determined by the ship’s
mission, operational requirements, and the overall cost
of installation. The following are the three levels of
protection:
Level I—the shelter envelope. Level I provides
protection for messing, berthing, sanitary, and battle
dressing functions for 40% of the crew.
Level II—the minimum operational protection
envelope. Level II provides at least the same protection
as level I, but also includes protection for key
operational functions.
Level III—the maximum operational protection
envelope. Level III provides sufficient protection of the
ship for mission requirements, but does not include
launching aircraft or troops.
REVIEW 7 QUESTIONS
Q1. There are how many levels of decontamination?
Q2. Describe the primary purpose of level 1
decontamination.
Q3. What are the two types of contamination
hazards?
a.
b.
13-26
Student Notes:
