PPE
(left) Malay police putting Avon’s FM53 mask through its paces prior to a riot control exercise.
(right) Thai police undergoing an Avon training programme including mask fitting. (below) A US warning poster from World War 1 on the importance of respiratory protection
or in a confrontational scenario, then a supplementary air supply can be of real assistance. And because traditional powered air supply systems can be bulky for active service, Avon has pioneered new powered compact systems that are light and easy to carry.
Training is vital Avon Protection is supporting the commercial success of its new generation 50 series of CBRN masks and SCBA systems with the roll-out of a major new global training and servicing programme. To date Avon has completed training programmes for select military and security units for the Danish military, the Sultanate of Brunei, Thailand, Singapore. The programme is designed to provide
individuals with the knowledge and expertise to be able to use and maintain the mask correctly, thereby improving the mask’s life and performance. The training also includes proper sizing and fitting of the mask, instructions on its operational use, complete service and maintenance including routine checks, cleaning and storage, the use of accessories and procedures for the removal and fitting of replacement parts. Masks are typically tested for fit prior to actual use. After a mask is fitted, it is often tested via various challenge
agents. Isoamyl acetate, a synthetic banana flavouring, and camphor are often used as innocuous challenge agents. In the military, the use of tear gases such as CN, CS, and stannic chloride in a chamber may be used to give the users confidence in the standard of protection provided by the mask.
Two tiers The Avon training programme is operating globally at two levels. The first is an operative training course, for up to 10 students, which is tailored for initial product fielding and use. This focuses on the end-user perspective and includes exercises on fast and efficient donning, cleaning, maintenance and storage; all vital aspects of safety and protection and to prolong mask lifetime efficiency. The second tier provides for whole life
maintenance and servicing. Avon has built up a global network of national service centres, and will focus on equipment requirements, detailed training servicing schedules, service and maintenance tooling, product testing requirements and test equipment training. Both plans are supported with student notes
USER KEY POINTS
When the mask is used in a real scenario, or as part of a drill, users should quickly hold their breath, don their masks, and exhale hard to purge any contaminants from the interior of the masks. Then check the edges of the mask for good contact with the skin to detect potential leaks. Further protective clothing may be worn after the mask is donned. Always select the correct size of mask for each individual wearer. Wearers are advised to conduct a quantitative fit test to confirm the correct face mask size has been selected
It is unlikely that the requirements for leakage will be achieved if facial hair or spectacle side arms pass under the face seal. Do not use in these circumstances.
(Monocle frames for prescription lenses located inside the mask are available from Avon Protection Systems)
Contact lens users are advised not to wear prescription contacts during periods of mask use, but are to use monocle frames used with prescription lenses.
Danish police undergoing mask fitting and donning exercises at
Avon’s training UK training centre.
A negative pressure test will indicate that a good fit has been achieved and that the mask is leak tight. Place the palm of the hand over the filter inlet and gently inhale.
Hold breath for 5 seconds. The mask should collapse onto the face. Listen for any sounds of leaking air.
Do not enter a contaminated area if the negative pressure test fails. Test and adjust the mask as previously instructed in the pre–check procedure
36 | CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL & NUCLEAR WARFARE | 2012/02
and product training DVDs, where applicable (see box). These qualitative tests rely on the wearer’s ability to sense the test agent used. Quantitative test methods providing a scientific measurement of fit are more reliable and are the preferred choice of fit checking. The most well-known fit checking system in service is the Portacount tester manufactured by TSi. This tester is simple to use in military field environments and provides a real-time measurement of the wearer’s fit to the mask.
Beyond military use The CBRN protection market has now extended outside the immediate military arena as toxic gases are a recognised danger to industrial workers in the gas, mine and oil industries. Modern police forces conducting covert operations involving drugs or
other noxious substances also need to protect themselves with effective respiratory support. Likewise, riot police who use tear gas for crowd control need protection from its effects. While military organisations are often well prepared and trained, first-responder groups are often less aware of the methods and equipment used in such situations.
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