Lesson 2/Learning Event 5
LEARNING EVENT 5:
DESCRIBE STORAGE
OF UNIT NBC EQUIPMENT
NBC equipment and supplies should be stored in accordance with the applicable technical
publication, the local unit SOP, and appropriate security regulations. The place where NBC
equipment and supplies are stored is a command decision. The commander may elect to keep all
NBC items in one central location for accountability and control. Alternately, the commander
may choose to issue them for convenience of the sections concerned and to disperse them.
Subsequent paragraphs discuss how to store common NBC supplies and equipment.
Protective Masks
Protective masks should be stored in a cool, dark, dry location where they will not be subject to
damage. One method of storing individual masks is to hang the carrier, containing the protective
mask, by the should strap or the D-ring. They should have enough space between them to
preclude one mask resting against another. Prolonged storage with an object resting on a mask
can result in permanent setting of the facepiece.
Chemical Protective Overgarment
The packaged overgarment should be inspected for tears and punctures before it is stored.
Storage should be in a dry, sheltered area. Overgarments should be separated according to size.
In the storage location, the overgarment, overboots, and gloves should be stored in a way that
will prevent damage. The overgarment has a shelf life of five years when enclosed in the vapor
barrier bag.
The following general rules apply to the handling and individual storage of the overgarment
vapor barrier bag.
Do not jam or wedge the vapor barrier bag into a small space.
Do not use the vapor barrier bag as a seat, cushion, or pillow.
Do not drop heavy or sharp objects on the vapor barrier bag.
Avoid storing the vapor barrier bag near any sharp objects capable of puncturing the bag.
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