ARMY TM 9-6115-639-13
AIR FORCE TO 35C2-3-386-51
MARINE CORPS TM 10155A-13/1
2-15. NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES.
The generator set is capable of being operated by personnel wearing Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical
(NBC) protective clothing without special tools or support equipment. Refer to FM 3-5, NBC Decontamination,
for information on decontamination procedures. Specific procedures for the generator set are the following:
a. Control panel indicators sealing gaskets, gaskets at output terminal door, control panel gaskets, rubber
tubing within the engine compartment, muffler thermal blanket, coverings for electrical conduits, and fuel drain
tubing will absorb and retain chemical agents. Replacement of these items is the recommended method of
decontamination.
b. Lubricants, fuel, or battery fluid may be present on the external surfaces of the generator set or
components due to leaks or normal operation. These fluids will absorb NBC agents. The preferred method of
decontamination is removal of these fluids using conventional decontamination methods in accordance with FM
3-5.
c. Continued decontamination of external generator set surfaces with supertropical bleach (STB) and
decontaminating solution number 2 (DS2) will degrade clear plastic indicator coverings to a point where reading
indicators will be impossible. This problem will become more evident for soldiers wearing protective masks.
The use of STB or DS2 decontaminants in these areas should be minimized. Indicators should be
decontaminated with warm, soapy water.
d. External surfaces of the control panel assembly that are marked with painted or stamped lettering will
not withstand repeated decontamination with STB or DS2 without degradation of the lettering. The
recommended method of decontamination for these areas is warm, soapy water.
e. Areas that will entrap contaminants, making efficient decontamination extremely difficult, include the
following: space behind knobs and switches on the control panel, exposed heads on screws, hinged areas of
access doors, spaces behind externally mounted equipment specification data plates, areas around external oil
drain and fuel drain valves, fuel caps, load output terminal access door, slave receptacle, areas around tie-down /
lifting rings, and external screens covering ventilation areas. Replacement of these items, if available, is the
preferred method of decontamination. Conventional decontamination methods should be used on these areas,
while stressing the importance of thoroughness and the probability of some degree of continuing contact and
vapor hazard.
f. In a NBC contamination environment, the generator set should be operated with all access doors closed
to reduce the effects of contamination.
g. The use of overhead shelters or chemical protective covers are recommended as an additional means of
protection against contamination in accordance with FM 3-5. If using covers, care should be taken to provide
adequate space for airflow and exhaust.
h. Refer to FM 3-3 and 3-4 for additional NBC information. All other services will use their applicable
directives.
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