TM-9-2320-280-10 HMMWV Operator Manual Download
Page 273 of 405
TM 9-2320-280-10 2-63. AMBULANCE NBC SYSTEM OPERATION WARNING • NBC filters do not protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. • NBC filters do not decontaminate or neutralize contamination, they only collect and contain it. • NBC contaminated filters must be handled using adequate precaution (FM 3-5) and must be disposed of by trained personnel. • After Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical (NBC) exposure of this vehicle, all air filters shall be handled with extreme caution. Unprotected personnel may experience injury or death if residual toxic agents or radioactive material are present. Servicing personnel will wear protective overgarments, mask, hood, and chemical protective gloves and boots. All contaminated air filters will be placed into double-lined plastic bags and moved immediately to a temporary segregation area away from the work site. If contaminated by radioactive dust, the Company NBC team will measure the radiation before removal. The NBC team will determine the extent of safety procedures required. The temporary segregation area will be marked with the appropriate NBC signs. Final disposal of contaminated air filters will be in accordance with local SOP. • Failure to observe above warnings may result in injury or death. a. General (1) For operation in an NBC environment, M996, M996A1, M997, M997A1, and M997A2 ambulances are equipped with a collective NBC protection system known as a Gas-Particulate Filter Unit (GPFU). The GPFU forces filtered, temperature-controlled air to the facepiece of the M25 series protective mask or the M13 series patient protective mask, increasing NBC protection, easing breathing effort, and reducing stress and heat fatigue during extended periods of NBC operation. (2) The GPFU system mounted in M996 and M996A1, M997, M997A1, and M997A2 ambulances include the following components: • M1A1-19 precleaner (blower)/particulate filter unit • M18 gas filters (two per vehicle) • NBC control panel and wiring harness • Five or seven individual NBC heaters • PVC or flex tubing to connect filter precleaner/particulate filter and heaters. b. Component Location and Identification. (1) The precleaner/particulate filter unit (6) and the two gas filters (5) are located in the NBC stowage compartment above the driver's position. In the M997, M997A1, and M997A2 ambulances, entry to this compartment is gained by unlatching the two paddle locks (1) and securing the NBC access door (2) to the ceiling (3) with the door catch (4). 2-212