The head harness consists of a thin rubber padfrom which the inelastic top strap, two elastic sidestraps, and two elastic bottom straps extend.These straps, secured to buckles on the facepiece,hold the facepiece against the face.The mask is issued with a carrier in which themask should be stowed when not in use. Thecarrier is equipped with straps that keep thecarrier snug against the body to prevent inter-ference with normal work routine. The flap onthe carrier pouch is held closed by a snap latchthat can be quickly and easily opened inemergency situations. A metal shield is sewninto the front of the carrier to protect the eyepieceof the mask when the mask is properly placed inthe carrier. The only authorized equipment thatshould be placed in the carrier with the mask isnerve agent antidote (when issued) and anti-fogging solution. The antifogging solution reducesfogging of the mask eyepiece when properlyapplied to its interior.FITTING AND TESTING THE ND MK VMASK. —The amount of protection provided bythe Mk V mask depends greatly on the wearer.Careful attention to proper fitting of the maskis required to provide maximum protection andcomfort.The following steps outline the procedure forproperly fitting the protective mask:1. Let the harness straps out to their fulllength.2. Don the mask by inserting your chin in thelower end of the facepiece and pulling thehead harness over your head.3. While holding the head harness pad againstthe center of the back of your head, pullback on the top strap tab until the maskrests lightly under your chin.4. Pull back on the two side strap tabs untilthe upper sides of the mask rest lightlyagainst your face.5. Pull back on the bottom strap tabs untilthe lower sides of the mask rest lightlyagainst your face.6. Check the mask for an airtight seal byplacing your hands over the canisters sothat no air can enter and by inhalingnormally until the mask collapses. Holdyour breath for about 10 seconds to see ifthe mask remains collapsed. If the maskdoes not collapse, or does not remainFigure 6-3.-Securing the top and side straps for permanentfit.collapsed, the mask is defective or thestraps are not properly adjusted.NOTE: A leakproof fit cannot be expectedunless the wearer is smooth shaven.After the foregoing tests have been made andthe strap adjustments are correct, adjust the topand side straps for a permanent fit. Permanentlyfit the mask by threading the loose ends of thetop and side straps through the buckles betweenthe body and the sliding member, as shown infigure 6-3. These straps will then be permanentlyadjusted to the individual. Only the two bottomstraps will have to be loosened each time the maskis removed or donned. Both the mask and thecarrier should be securely marked with the nameof the person on whom the mask has been fitted.DONNING THE ND MK V MASK. —Totrain your personnel in the proper procedures fordonning and removing the mask, you shouldconduct periodic drills. During these drills, youshould emphasize speed as well as accuracy indonning the mask. The general procedures fordonning and removing the mask are as follows:At the command “GAS,” take the followingactions:1. Stop breathing and remove your headgear.2. Yank open the carrier flap and remove themask from the carrier.3. Insert your thumbs under the head harnessstraps and grasp the top of the facepiece.6-11
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