PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-590
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 590
JANUARY 2002
PS 590
JAN 02
44
1
Zero check PATS.
Attach the HEPA
filter to the clear sample tube, making
sure the arrow on the filter points
towards PATS. Watch the display. The
reading should be 0.6 or less within 30
seconds. If the reading is higher, there's
a leak. Do the troubleshooting on Page
0011 00-4 in TM 3-4240-349-12&P.
2
Prepare the mask for a fit test.
Release the drink valve retaining
lever. Have the soldier put on the
mask. Adjust the face piece and
tighten the head harness. Make sure
no hair is underneath the sealing
surface of the face piece.
Check the seal by blocking the
open end of the drink tube and the
canister and having the soldier
breathe in. The soldier shouldn't be
able to draw a breath and the mask
should tighten against the face. If
not, the mask is leaking.
3
Try to get a particle count of 3 or
less
after removing the HEPA filter and
connecting tube assembly to the mask's
drink tube. If you can't, there's no use
doing any further testing—something's
wrong. The mask is either the wrong
size or not working. Have the soldier
do PMCS on the mask and try again.
4
Make sure the soldier doesn't eat, drink, use mouthwash or
smoke at least 30 minutes before testing.
He or she should also
wash off all colognes and lotions. There should be no gum chewing
or talking during testing. All of these can throw off the tests.
5
Don't let moisture in the tube assembly
get in the PATS.
That can damage the PATS.
When you take off the tubes, pull the tubes off
without lifting them. Otherwise, moisture
drains down the tubes into the PATS. To dry the
tubes, hang them up in the middle so both ends
point down until the assembly is completely
dry. Never use a tube assembly that's damp.
If you have questions about PATS, call the PATS helpline at (800) 926-8378.
Outside of CONUS, call (651) 490-3849 or e-mail
nbc@tsi.com
or go to
Reading over
0.6?
Troubleshoot
for a leak
Particle count
over 3.0? Do
PMCS on mask
Hang tubes
up to dry
Soldier should
not be able to
breath in with
drink tube
and cannister
blocked
Are you two
ready for some
serious
testing?
oh
yeah!
YOU
BET!
the M41 protection
assessment test
system (PATS) will
give your unit’s
masks a
true
test,
NBC NCOs…
if
you
remember
5
points…
M41 Protection Assessment Test System…
590. 44-45 (C)
11/18/01
3:38 PM
Page 1
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