FITTING AND TESTING THE ND MK V MASK

Military Requirements for Petty Officer 2nd Class - index
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The head harness consists of a thin rubber pad from which the inelastic top strap, two elastic side straps, 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 the mask should be stowed when not in use. The carrier is equipped with straps that keep the carrier snug against the body to prevent inter- ference with normal work routine. The flap on the carrier pouch is held closed by a snap latch that can be quickly and easily opened in emergency situations. A metal shield is sewn into the front of the carrier to protect the eyepiece of the mask when the mask is properly placed in the carrier. The only authorized equipment that should be placed in the carrier with the mask is nerve agent antidote (when issued) and anti- fogging solution. The antifogging solution reduces fogging of the mask eyepiece when properly applied to its interior. FITTING AND TESTING THE ND MK V MASK. —The amount of protection provided by the Mk V mask depends greatly on the wearer. Careful attention to proper fitting of the mask is required to provide maximum protection and comfort. The following steps outline the procedure for properly fitting the protective mask: 1. Let the harness straps out to their full length. 2. Don the mask by inserting your chin in the lower end of the facepiece and pulling the head harness over your head. 3. While holding the head harness pad against the center of the back of your head, pull back on the top strap tab until the mask rests lightly under your chin. 4. Pull back on the two side strap tabs until the upper sides of the mask rest lightly against your face. 5. Pull back on the bottom strap tabs until the lower sides of the mask rest lightly against your face. 6. Check the mask for an airtight seal by placing your hands over the canisters so that no air can enter and by inhaling normally until the mask collapses. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds to see if the mask remains collapsed. If the mask does not collapse, or does not remain Figure 6-3.-Securing the top and side straps for permanent fit. collapsed, the mask is defective or the straps are not properly adjusted. NOTE: A leakproof fit cannot be expected unless the wearer is smooth shaven. After the foregoing tests have been made and the strap adjustments are correct, adjust the top and side straps for a permanent fit. Permanently fit the mask by threading the loose ends of the top and side straps through the buckles between the body and the sliding member, as shown in figure 6-3. These straps will then be permanently adjusted to the individual. Only the two bottom straps will have to be loosened each time the mask is removed or donned. Both the mask and the carrier should be securely marked with the name of the person on whom the mask has been fitted. DONNING THE ND MK V MASK. —To train your personnel in the proper procedures for donning and removing the mask, you should conduct periodic drills. During these drills, you should emphasize speed as well as accuracy in donning the mask. The general procedures for donning and removing the mask are as follows: At the command “GAS,” take the following actions: 1. Stop breathing and remove your headgear. 2. Yank open the carrier flap and remove the mask from the carrier. 3. Insert your thumbs under the head harness straps and grasp the top of the facepiece. 6-11

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