TM-9-2350-311-20-1
HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5
TECHNICAL MANUAL; UNIT MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR HULL, POWERPLANT, DRIVE CONTROLS, TRACKS, SUSPENSION, AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS
AUGUST 1994
TM-9-2350-311-20-1 - Page 5 of 1275
TM 9-2350-311-20-1
PAINT HAZARD
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) paint contains isocyanate, a constituent that can cause
respiratory effects during and after the application of the material. During the application of CARC paint,
coughing, shortness of breath, pain on respiration, increased sputum, and chest tightness may occur.
CARC paint also produces itching and reddening of the skin, a burning sensation of the throat and nose,
and watering of the eyes. An allergic reaction may occur after initial exposure (ranging from a few days
to a few months later) producing asthmatic symptoms including coughing, wheezing, tightness in the
chest, or shortness of breath. The following precautions must be observed to ensure the safety of
personnel when CARC paint is applied:
For spray/brush/roller painting in confined spaces, an air line respirator is required,
unless an air sampling shows exposure to be below standards. If the air sampling is
below standards, either the chemical cartridge or air line respirators are required.
Spot painters applying CARC paint by brush or roller must wear clothing and gloves
affording full coverage. Personnel using touchup spray kits should wear an air line
respirator and protective clothing.
Do not use water, alcohol, or amine-based solvents to thin or remove CARC paint. Use
of these solvents with CARC paint can produce chemical reactions resulting in nausea,
disease, bums, or severe illness.
Do not use paint solvents to remove paint/coating from your skin.
Mix paint/coating in a well-ventilated mixing room or spraying area away from open
flames. Personnel mixing paint/coating should wear eye protection.
Use paint/coating with adequate ventilation.
Personnel grinding or sanding on painted equipment should use high-efficiency, air-
purifying respirators.
Do not weld, cut, or apply any form of heat to CARC-coated metal until the paint has
been removed from a 4-in. (10.2-cm) area surrounding the rework site. Substances
may be released that cause skin or respiratory irritation if this is not done. Sand or
grind the paint down to the base metal in the surrounding area and also remove any
paint from the other side of the metal.
When sanding any paint, use the wet sanding method. Older paints may contain lead,
chromates, or other toxic material. Using wet or dry sandpaper, wet down the area before
starting. Keep the sandpaper wet as you sand to keep down paint dust (FM 21-11).
MINERAL SPIRITS AND PAINT THINNER HAZARD
Do not use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean the Howitzer. Mineral spirits and paint thinners are
highly toxic and combustible. Prolonged breathing can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death (FM
21-11).
WARNING
WARNING
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