TM 9-2330-388-14
reapplications of the solution every ten minutes to keep
Large-scale NBC decontamination operations are per-
surfaces wet.
formed by the NBC defense company or detachment as
discussed in FM3-87 (HTF).
(3) Rinse the equipment and apparatuses twice
(2) Unit Decontamination.
with potable water.
(4) Drain the rinse water through the discharge
Unit decontamination will be supervised by the unit NBC
apparatus and appropriate distribution pumps, hoses and
officer or noncommissioned officer. Decontamination
nozzles.
procedures are discussed in TM 3-220.
(5) If the equipment is not to be used for a long
WARNING
period of time, open all ports and manholes, and allow
Procedures
for
field
expedient
the equipment to dry.
decontamination
of
equipment
and
containers are referenced below.
These
(6) When dry,
store
the
equipment
per
procedures should only be used when the
unit is isolated from the NBC defense
company
or
detachment
which
is
d.
Disposal of Sanitizing Solutions
responsible for organized decontamination
of equipment and personnel.
(1) During peacetime operations, land disposal
of waste chlorine solutions used in sanitizing is not
b.
Field expedient decontamination.
consistent with good disposal practices and is illegal in
CONUS.
These solutions must be discharged in
Water purification and supply personnel and unit field
accordance with local, state or host nation regulations.
sanitation teams regularly work with an effective
Normally, the waste chlorine solutions can be discharged
chemical and biological agent decontaminant, calcium
directly to a waste water collection system. Some
hypochlorite.
This chemical can be used for
decontamination of equipment surfaces by following the
chlorine solution) prior to discharging. Approval from the
procedures described below.
waste water treatment facility must be granted prior to
any type of discharge. If a sanitary sewer system cannot
(1) Preparation.
be used (i.e., wartime or OCONUS deployment) then
field expedient measures should be considered to allow
(a) Construct a soakage pit or sump into which
the chlorine to dissipate such as soakage pits, trenches,
the decontamination waste and rinse water can be
ponds or hardwall storage units.
discharged or use one of the other alternatives described
(2) Two dechlorination methods are available
for peacetime use.
The first method is through
(b) Wear personal protective equipment and
dissipation of chlorine into the air, which may take a long
prepare a three percent solution of chlorine by adding
time to occur. Another more efficient method is to
three canteen cups of calcium hypochlorite to six gallons
dechlorinate with sulfur compounds, such as sodium,
(23 liters) of water.
thiosulfate, sodium sulfide, or sodium bisulfate. For 400
gallons of 100ppm chlorine sanitizing solution,
(2) Procedures.
approximately 1/2 lb of the sulfur compound is required
(assuming ideal mixing). Periodic chlorine residual
(a) Apply the solution to the exterior of the
monitoring will be necessary after chemical addition to
equipment or container using brushes or brooms. One
ensure adequate dechlorination has occurred prior to
gallon (3.8 liters) of the solution should cover eight
discharge.
square yards (seven square meters).
The
decontamination solution must remain in contact with the
4-38.
Equipment Decontamination
surface for at least 30 minutes and may have to be
reapplied occasionally to keep the surface wet.
a.
Level of Decontamination Performance
(b) Thoroughly wash the surface with water.
(1) Organized decontamination.
(c) Test the water stored in the container with
the M272 kit to determine if the water was contaminated.
4-104