P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(b) Field training exercises involving RCAs will be 500 m or more away from public traffic routes, the nearest inhabited buildings, and 1,000 m from installation boundaries. (4) Prior to a scheduled RCA exercise, training supervisors must conduct a readiness evaluation of personnel. Before being exposed to RCAs, all personnel with respiratory ailments, recent eye surgery, or eye infections, open wounds, severe facial acne, or any active dermatitis, and pregnant personnel must be referred to a medical officer for evaluation. The medical officer will evaluate the health records of these individuals and, when necessary, examine the personnel to determine their readiness to undergo training without undue medical risk. The examination results (stating can/cannot participate in training with RCAs only) will be documented in the personnel medical records. (5) OICs and RSOs must ensure protective masks are available for all personnel participating in training. (6) When CBRN protective equipment is worn, the OIC/RSO will consider the additional heat stress placed on personnel. When using the wet-bulb globe temperature to determine the heat category, add 10 degrees Fahrenheit if personnel are in body armor and mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) level two through four. High ambient temperatures, high humidity, and heavy workload are factors that increase the potential for heat injuries. To reduce the heat stress risk, commanders will — (a) Provide an ample water supply and encourage all personnel to drink plenty of water. OICs and RSOs will monitor personnel undergoing training to ensure personnel frequently drink water to replace lost fluids. (b) Reduce the MOPP level under high heat stress conditions when possible. (c) Schedule additional rest breaks during training to allow personnel to cool off. These periods also can be used for critiques. Where possible, use vehicles to move personnel who are wearing protective equipment. (d) Ensure subordinate commanders and leaders check their personnel for early signs of heat stress. Authorize frequent breaks while operating in protective equipment. (7) Wearing of contact lenses while masked is not authorized. Personnel who wear contact lenses must remove them and use standard prescription eyeglasses during chemical defense training that includes wearing the protective mask. Unnecessary eye irritation will occur if RCA particles are trapped under contact lenses. All individuals requiring corrective lenses must have masks with correctly fitted optical inserts. (8) Unprotected personnel will not be exposed to RCAs longer than 15 seconds. b. Personnel specified in paragraph a(2) will supervise the mask confidence course. c. Employment conditions. (1) CS will be used in training only under the supervision of an officer/staff noncommissioned officer/NCO who has received formal training in the characteristics, capabilities, and training applications of these agents. (2) Only CS in capsule form may be used in the CS chamber. (3) For the Marine Corps, when CS is used in outdoor confidence courses, the RSO must have been trained in the CS chamber within the past year. The use of a 5702 CBRN defense officer and 5711 CBRN defense specialist is not required. (4) RCAs will not be released when personnel without proper respiratory protective equipment located downwind will be affected, unless exposure to a controlled concentration is desired. CS agents will not be released within 50 m of spectators. (5) Marine Corps personnel handling or dispensing CS capsules will wear MOPP level four. (6) Army personnel handling or dispensing CS capsules will wear rubber boots, protective mask with hood, and field clothing secured at neck, wrists, and ankles. (7) Individuals affected by RCAs will move to fresh air and face into the wind for 5 to 10 minutes, avoid rubbing the eyes, and remain well-spaced from other affected personnel. If accidentally exposed to an RCA, clothing will be removed from the affected skin as soon as possible. Flush the exposed area(s) with large volumes of cool water for not less than 15 minutes, and then seek prompt medical attention. If available, mild soap should be used to cleanse the contaminated skin. (8) Hot water should not be used when showering as it will raise the vapor point of the CS, resulting in further spreading of contamination. (9) When eyes are contaminated with a CS agent, treat them with a 1 percent solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). If not available, hold the eyes open with fingers, flush with water for not fewer than 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. (10) Contaminated clothing will be removed from the area to prevent accidental contamination of unprotected personnel. d. When RCAs are transported in Army or Marine Corps aircraft, compliance with AR 95–1, AR 95–27, MCO 4030.25B, and MCO 4030.40B is required. e. For the Marine Corps, the following are requirements for all CS exercises, whether garrison or field training: (1) Corpsman or medic with unit 5 medic bag. (2) Designated safety vehicle with a driver who will not be in the chamber, but will have a protective mask on hand. (3) Instructors will be easily/readily identifiable while in the CS chamber. 167 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014