MISSION ORIENTED PROTECTIVE POSTURE (MOPP)

partially penetrated by all but the smallest droplets of liquid agents, especially in relatively high winds. Moreover, the impregnated/protective clothing is not equally efficient in neutralizing all liquid CW agents. On the other hand, wet-weather clothing is resistant to all liquid CW agents for a limited amount of time, provided that the closures at the neck, wrists, and protective mask are well adjusted or taped. Wet-weather clothing provides a measure of protection against CBR contaminants when worn over ordinary clothing; but it provides the most complete protection when worn over impregnated or protective clothing. Gradual penetration of the synthetic rubber layer of the wet-weather clothing will eventually occur unless CW agent contaminants are promptly removed. The contaminants are removed by frequent and thorough flushing of the surface with a seawater washdown or an equivalent, such as jury-rigged topside seawater showers, or by swabbing with liquid hypochlorite. In warm weather or during periods of increased physical activity, wet-weather clothing has a major disadvantage in that it can only be tolerated for relatively short periods of time. Tolerance is limited because no air can pass through the clothing to cool the wearer’s body by the evaporation of perspiration. Perspiration is normally accumulated inside an impermeable suit. Underclothing, gloves, socks, and shoes may become saturated. Sweating can be reduced and tolerance times lengthened by reducing the exercise rate, by using water-spray cooling, and by reducing exposure to direct sunlight. Ordinary Work Clothing Special protective clothing is not required for all personnel. Ordinarily, only the personnel of monitoring and decontamination teams who must work in or near hazardous areas wear it. All other personnel working near these areas should wear two layers of ordinary clothing, which provide partial protection against agents and radioactive particles. REVIEW 5 QUESTIONS Q1. True or false. Eating food after a CBR attack is okay as long as the food was in a sealed container before the attack. Q2. Aboard ship, the safest place to be during a nuclear attack is ____________________. Q3. What are the two functions of an MCU-2/P mask? a. b. Q4. How long should it take you to don and adjust an MCU-2/P mask? Q5. List the types of clothing that are useful for CBR defense. a. b. MISSION ORIENTED PROTECTIVE POSTURE (MOPP) Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— Recall the procedures for protection at each level of mission oriented protective posture (MOPP). Mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) is a means of establishing levels of readiness. MOPP is a flexible system of protection against chemical agents 13-21 Student Notes: