031-503-1019 (SL1) - React to Chemical or Biological Hazard/Attack

1.   Identify the CB hazard automatic masking criteria.

a.
Don your protective mask
when there is a high probability of
a chemical attack, when–

(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.

b.
Respond to the
commander’s policy of automatic
masking.

Note.  Commanders
at all levels may establish a modified
policy when chemical weapons have been
employed by designating additional
events as automatic masking criteria.

2.   Protect yourself from CB contamination using your
assigned protective mask without
fastening the hood.

Note.  The mask
gives immediate protection against
inhalation of agent vapors. 
Do not fasten the hood. Go to
the next step immediately.

3.   Give the alarm.

a.
Yell "GAS."

b.
Give the appropriate
hand-and-arm signal.

4.   Take cover to reduce exposure, using whatever means
is readily available.

5.   Decontaminate exposed skin using the individual
decontaminating kit, as necessary.

6.   Assume MOPP4. 
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, then
secure the overgarment to increase
protection.

d.
Put on the overboots. 

Note.
Combat boots provide protection but
should be covered because they absorb
chemicals. 
It takes a long time to put on
the overboots, so put them on last in
an emergency.

7.   Decontaminate personal equipment using the
individual decontaminating kit as
necessary.

8.   Notify your supervisor of any CB hazard markers or
indicators.

9.   Continue the mission.

Note. After assuming
MOPP4 and performing all the tasks
according to the unit SOP perform the
following actions:
1. Use all means of CB detection to
check your surrounding area for the
presence of contamination.
2. Contact higher headquarters (HQ) if
no contamination is found or if you
determine the attack was non-CB.
3. Await further guidance. (Higher HQ
contacts all adjacent/attached units
to check the status of CB
contamination in their areas. If all
units report the absence of
contamination, the information is
reported up the chain of command.)
4. Annotate the above actions on your
duty log (Department of the Army [DA]
Form 1594).