TM 10-5410-228-10
2.33 OPERATION WITH FAILED AIR BEAM.
a. Inflated ABS is designed to stand even in the event of functional loss of one or more air beams.
However, under severe loss of more than one air beam, inflated ABS may sag unacceptably. If more
than one air beam is causing inflated ABS to sag, close all doors and vents and turn on NBC blower.
NBC over pressurization should be sufficient to keep ABS inflated in order to carry out all mission
requirements.
b. Should an air beam fail, close shut-off valve (1, figure 2-59) at bottom of failed air beam (2) and
notify unit maintenance.
Figure 2-59. Failed Air Beam
2.34 NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DECONTAMINATION.
Contaminants are NBC agents that have been formulated to kill or incapacitate human
beings.
a. Contaminants may be absorbed on CBPS by certain materials such as paints and lubricants, on
exposed surfaces, and retained in crevices, seams, concaves and even horizontal surfaces of CBPS.
They may also be absorbed by dust, mud or vegetation which may adhere to ABS, LMS or ECV
surfaces. They can be transferred to personnel by direct contact, through vaporization and
subsequent inhalation, ingestion or infusion.
b. The actual time the CBPS remains contaminated and poses a threat to personnel depends upon the
properties of the agent, the duration of exposure of CBPS to the agent, the amount of agent
remaining with CBPS after exposure, and environmental conditions.
c.
Decontaminants are substances whose purpose is to detoxify, physically remove, seal or otherwise
make harmless a contaminant. Among the most effective decontaminants, particularly for chemical
agents, are time and isolation. However, time and isolation require CBPS be removed from service
for an indefinite period. Rather than rely upon natural processes, it is recommended that a
decontaminant substance such as STB or DS2 be used to decontaminate CBPS. Reference FM 3-11.5
for decontamination procedures. Under all circumstances, notify supervisor before decontaminating
CBPS.
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