PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-740

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 740

JULY 2014
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-740 - Page 22 of 33
40
PS 740
JUL 14
± We±think±this±checklist±will±keep±tool±problems±in±check.
± Ricky±Sammons
± Bobby±Hawes
± COMET
± Ft±Stewart,±GA
T
he M41 protection assessment test system (PATS) is a very sensitive testing device.
It has to be to ensure masks can truly protect Soldiers.
It is also very sensitive about the kind of alcohol you put in it. The
only
alcohol to
use with PATS is reagent grade isopropyl alcohol, which is 99.5 percent pure.
What happens if you don’t use reagent grade alcohol? The PATS optics will need
to be cleaned or even replaced at one of the major TMDE centers. Clogged tubing
will need to be removed. And the PATS will need to be recalibrated. All of this can
cost up to $650.
That’s not all. A PATS with dirty optics can produce artiFcially low Ft factors and
fail perfectly good masks. CBRNE specialists end up wasting time troubleshooting
good masks and PATS.
Save yourself all that cost and trouble by using only reagent grade isopropyl
alcohol, which comes with
Note: The NSN listed in the PATS TM, NSN 6810-01-382-2904, should no
longer be used. It’s being replaced by the NSN above.
Editor’s note:
A great checklist for a tool room
checkup! This is a condensed version of the COMET
checklist. If you would like the complete checklist, which
includes AR and DA PAM references, write PS at:
half.mast@us.army.mil
Remember, this is a suggested checklist. You are
welcome to come up with your own.
41
PS 740
JUL 14
Pull out cartridge
for shutdown
M41 PATS…
Only
Purest
Alcohol
Will Do
Remember that
when you’re through
testing with PATS,
you need to
remove
the alcohol
cartridge and let
PATS run for 3-5
minutes to get rid of
any excess alcohol.
Otherwise, alcohol
saturates the
counting mechanism.
I can hardly seE!
that rotgut alcohol
you put in me
Ruined
my OPtiCs!
D. Maintenance/Serviceability
1.
Are all tools:
a.±
Cleaned, protected and serviceable?
b.±
Stored within their own SKO?
c.±
Authorized by MTOE and TMs on hand or on a valid request?
2.
Are lifting devices:
a.±
Scheduled for inspection in
logistics information systems
according to TB 43-0142?
b.±
Stenciled or marked with
load rating and next
inspection date?
c.±
Numbered and marked
for identification?
3.
Vehicle support stands:
a.±
Does the unit maintain a
copy of the certificate of
conformance (COC) with load
testing requirements for locally-
purchased stands or a proof
of load test if no certificate is
available?
b.±
Are support stands numbered
and marked for identification?
c.±
Are support stands entered into
SAMS with a semiannual service
schedule?
d.±
Is there an Army data plate
affixed to the vehicle support
stand with rated capacity,
original manufacturer and date
of manufacture stamped on a
securely attached data plate?
e.±
Are there any signs of bends,
separated welds, cracks,
corrosion, or loose or missing
parts and teeth?
Lifting device
Vehicle
support
stand
740 40-41.indd
1-2
6/6/14
10:30 AM
Click here for a copy of this article to save or email.
Back to Top
Back to Top