031-506-2061 (SL2) - Conduct a Mask Fit Test

1.   Prepare the mask for the fit test (M40-, M42-, and
M45-series).

a.
Attach the drink tube
sampling adapter to the drink tube
quick-disconnect coupling.

b.
Have the soldier sit down
for the fit test.

c.
Have the soldier don the
mask.

d.
Instruct the soldier to
blow as hard as possible several
times into the internal drink tube
mouthpiece to remove any trapped
fluids or foreign matter. Ensure
that the drink tube is clear so
foreign matter will not be drawn
into the protection assessment test
instrument (PATI) and the PATI will
be able to draw air from inside the
mask.

Note. 
THIS IS A CRITICAL STEP.

e.
Have the soldier adjust
the face piece and tighten the head
harness. 
Ensure that the face piece is
properly fitted.

2.   Prepare the
mask for the fit test (M17-series).

a.
Attach the drink tube
sampling adapter to the drink tube
quick-disconnect coupling.

b.
Attach the drink valve
retaining lever to hold the drink
valve open.

c.
Have the soldier sit down
for the fit test.

d.
Have the soldier don the
mask.

e.
Instruct the soldier to
blow as hard as possible several
times into the internal drink tube
mouthpiece to remove any trapped
fluids or foreign matter. Ensure
that the drink tube is clear so
foreign matter will not be drawn
into the PATI and the PATI will be
able to draw air from inside the
mask.

Note. 
THIS IS A CRITICAL
STEP. 

f. 
Have the soldier remove
the mask. 
Insert the sample tube
extension into the internal drinking
tube mouthpiece.

g.
Remove the drink valve
retaining lever from the drink valve
lever.

WARNING

Have
the soldier close his eyes while
putting the mask on to prevent the
sample extension tube from touching
and possibly injuring his eyes.

h.
Instruct the soldier to
don the mask. Ensure that the sample
extension tube is properly
positioned.

i.  
Adjust the face piece,
and tighten the head harness. 
Ensure that the face piece is
properly fitted.

j.  
Attach the drink valve
retaining lever so the drink valve
is held in the open position for the
duration of the fit test.

3.   Conduct a mask fit test (M17-, M40-, M42-, and
M45-series). (See the PATS operator’s
manual.)

Note.  It is
important that smoking not be
permitted in the immediate area where
the fit test is being conducted. The
soldier should not smoke for at least
30 minutes before the test. 
To achieve proper results, the
soldier should not talk during the
test.

a.
Remove the
high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
filter from the twin tube assembly.

b.
Attach the twin sample
tube (marked "SAMPLE") to
the sample port on the end of the
drink tube sampling adapter.

c.
Monitor the reading on
the display with the PATI in the
count mode and have the soldier
remain still until an acceptable
reading of 3.0 particles/cubic
centimeters or lower is obtained.

d.
Press the FIT TEST key on
the keypad after obtaining an
acceptable seal to bring the
instrument into the standby fit test
mode.

Note.  Before
continuing to the next step, brief the
soldier on how to perform the
exercises outlined in the operator’s
manual. The soldier should be
instructed to breathe normally during
all exercises except the deep
breathing exercise.

e.
Verify the number of
exercises is set to S by pressing
the NUMBER OF EXERCISES key.

f. 
Press the START/STOP TEST
key to begin the fit test. 
Instruct the soldier to
perform the first exercise.

g.
Have the soldier remove
his mask after the test is complete,
and PASS is indicated.

h.
Remove all testing
attachments from the soldier’s mask.

i.  
Repeat the test if FAIL
is indicated. (Repeat steps 3f and
3g.)

1.   Prepared the mask for the fit test (M40-, M42-, and
M45-series).

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2.   Prepared the mask for the fit test (M17-series).

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3.   Conducted a mask fit test (M17-, M40-, M42-, and
M45-series).

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TC
3-41

TM
3-4240-279-10

TM
3-4240-279-20&P