Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

File: 082696_doc1_491.txt
Page: 491
Total Pages: 652

to review the mission and operational test plan objectives and to
coordinate the internal team procedures for conducting the
operational test. Changes to the reference were required and
coordinated with ~CRADAC.  Necessary changes to the reference
will be forwarded via seperate correspondence.

     c. The operational test team departed MCLB Albany on 11
October for Camp Lejeune and conducted informal briefings and test
site surveys on 12 October.

     d. The Second ~attalion Eighth Marines provided thirty Marines
each day to the operational test team as test subjects.

3.   Conduct of Test.

     a. initial Sizing Procedure: As required by the operational
test plan paragraph 3.1.2, the test team  established criteria to be
used to ensure that the test subjects were properly sized prior to
utilizing the Ports Count. Since the Marine Corps has not fielded
the required callipers necessary to conduct mask sizing as outlined
in TM 3-424~-279-2~&P, the following method was used.

     b. Test subject was asked what size mask he/she wore.

     c. A certified serviceable mask, provided by the Test and
Evaluation Unit, was utilized to conduct initial sizing. Voicemitter
covers were removed during all testing.  A sampling tube was
attached to the mouth piece and a drink tube lever retaining device
was attached to the voicemitter to hold the drink tube lever in the
open position during all tests.

     d. The sizing consisted of:

        (1) The test subject donning the mask and a test team member
evaluating the fit utilizing the visual fit criteria found in TM
3-424~-279-2e&P.

        (2) The Porta Count was then attached to the mask via the
drink tube.  To ascertain if a mask to face seal and adequate
airflow from sampling tube to Porta Count was achieved the Ports
Count was set to the count mode.   In the count mode the Porta Count
constantly measures the concentration of particles in the
respirators air system.   Initially the readings will indicate a
particle concentration in the 3.eE3 range of higher.   If a good
mask to face seal is achieved and adequate airflow is maintained,
within 3~ seconds,  the particle concentration within the mask will
fall to a level of 5.~Ee.   The initial sizing factors should not
be confused with the Protective factor requirement of 6667 ~hich


                                2


Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search