React to Chemical or Biological
Hazard/Attack
TASK # 031-503-1019 Skill Level 1
REFERENCES
Required
FM 3-4
TM 3-4230-229-10
TM 3-4230-235-10
Related
FM 3-5
Task
React to Chemical or Biological Hazard/Attack
Conditions
Given mission-oriented protection posture (MOPP) gear, a
protective mask, individual decontaminating kits, and a
tactical environment in which chemical and biological (CB)
weapons have been or may be used by the enemy. You are in
MOPP 1, and one or more of the following automatic
masking criteria happens:
1. A chemical alarm sounds.
2. A positive reading is obtained on detector paper.
3. Individuals exhibit symptoms of CB agent poisoning.
4. You observe a contamination marker.
5. Your supervisor tells you to mask.
6. You see personnel wearing protective masks.
7. You observe other signs of a possible CB attack.
Standards
Do not become a casualty. Identify chemical
contamination markers with 100 percent accuracy, and
notify your supervisor. Start the steps to decontaminate
yourself within 1 minute of finding chemical
contamination. Decontaminate your individual
equipment after you have completely decontaminated
yourself.
When to Mask
Identify the CB hazard automatic masking criteria
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
A chemical alarm sounds
A positive reading is obtained on detector paper
Individuals exhibit symptoms of CB agent poisoning
You observe a contamination marker
Your supervisor tells you to mask
You see personnel wearing protective masks
You observe other signs of a possible CB attack
Or respond to the commander’s policy of automatic masking
Contamination Markers
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself from CB contamination using your assigned
protective mask without fastening the hood.
The mask gives immediate protection against inhalation of
agent vapors. Do not fasten the hood. Go to the next step
immediately.
Give the Alarm
Yell “GAS”
Give the appropriate hand-and-arm signal
Take cover
Take cover to reduce exposure, using whatever means is readily
Available.
Decontaminate Skin
Decontaminate exposed skin using the individual
Decontaminating kit as necessary.
Assume MOPP 4
Assume MOPP 4. Cover all your skin (your head and
shoulders are already protected by the mask and the
overgarment).
a. Put on the gloves with liners
b. Zip and fasten the overgarment jacket.
c. Secure the hood, and then secure the overgarment to
increase protection.
d. Put on the overboots. Combat boots provide
protection but should be covered because they absorb
chemicals.
MOPP Levels
LEVEL
MASK
OVERGARMENT
OVERBOOTS
GLOVES
0 (Zero)
Carried
Readily
Available
Readily
Available
Readily
Available
1 (One)
Worn
Carried
Carried
Carried
2 (Two)
Worn
Worn
Carried
Carried
3 (Three)
Worn
Worn
Worn
Carried
4 (Four)
Worn
Worn
Worn
Worn
MOPP Levels Diagram
Decontaminate Equipment
Decontaminate your personal equipment using the individual
decontaminating kit as necessary.
Notify Your Supervisor
Notify your supervisor of any CB hazard markers or indicators.
Continue the Mission
The final step of this task is to continue the mission you were
already on when you had to react to a CB hazard.