ARMY TM 9-6115-641-10 AIR FORCE TO 35C2-3-456-11 2-22        OPERATION    WHILE    IN    CONTAMINATED AREAS.  The generator set is capable of being operated by  personnel  wearing  nuclear,  biological,  or  chemical (NBC)    protective    clothing    without    special    tools    or supporting    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  gasket,  rubber sleeves, and rope draw cords at output terminal access ports, control panel door gaskets, access door gaskets, rubber tubing, and belts within the engine compartment, coverings  for  electrical  conduits,  external  water  drain tubing,  and  retaining  cords  for  slave  receptacle  covers will absorb and retain chemical agents.  Replacement of these items is the recommended method of decontamination. b. Lubricants, fuel, coolant, or battery fluids 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)/decontamination   solution   number   2   (DS2)   will degrade   clear   plastic   indicator   coverings   to   a   point where  reading  indicators  will  become  impossible.    This problem  will  become  more  evident  for  soldiers  wearing protective  masks.    Therefore,  the  use  of  STB  or  DS2 decontamination  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   this   lettering.      Therefore,   the recommended   method   of   decontamination   for   these areas is with warm soapy water. e. Areas   that   will   entrap   contaminants,   making efficient  decontamination  extremely  difficult,  include  the following: (1)    Exposed heads of screws. (2)    Areas    adjacent    to    and    behind    exposed wiring conduits. (3)    Hinged areas or access doors. (4)    Retaining    chains    for    external    receptacle covers. (5)    Areas    around    the    tie-down/lilting    rings, crevices around access doors, external screens covering ventilation areas, the external oil drain valve, and areas adjacent to the external fuel drain valve. (6)    Areas  behind  knobs  and  switches  on  the control panel, externally mounted equipment specification   data   plates,   external   receptacle   covers, access     doors,     access     door     locking     mechanisms, recessed  wells  for  access  door  handles,  fuel  cap,  load terminal    board,    slave    receptacles,    and    frequency adjustment controls. Replacements    of    these    items,    if    available,    is    the preferred   method   of   decontamination.      Conventional methods  of  decontamination  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    an    NBC    contaminated    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   is   recommended   as   an   additional means of protection against contamination in accordance with FM 3-5.  However, if using covers, care should  be  taken  to  provide  adequate  space  for  air  flow and exhaust. h. For additional NBC information, refer to FM 3-3 and FM 3-4.  Other services use applicable publications for NBC. Change 2  2-35