Browning machine gun caliber .50, M2, aircraft, fixed and flexible. Page: 40
54 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
TM 9-225
21 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
(2) Decontamination.-For the removal of liquid chemical (mus-
tard, lewisite, etc.) from materiel, the steps given below should be
taken. For all of these operations it is necessary that a complete
suit of impermeable clothing and a service gas mask be worn. Im-
mediately after the removal of the suit, a thorough bath with soap
and water (preferably hot) must be taken. If any skin areas have
come in contact with mustard, if even a very small drop of mustard
gets into the eye, or if the vapor of mustard has been inhaled, it is
imperative that complete first-aid measures be given within 20 or 30
minutes after exposure. First-aid instructions are given in TM
9-850 and FM 21-40. If the impermeable clothing has been exposed
to vapor only it may be decontaminated by hanging in the open air,
preferably sunlight, for several days. It may also be cleaned by
steaming for 2 hours. If the impermeable clothing has been con-
taminated with liquid mustard, steaming for 6 to 8 hours will be
required. Various kinds of steaming devices can be improvised from
materials available in the field. Ordinary garments which come in
contact with mustard may also be decontaminated.
(a) Commence by freeing materiel of dirt through the use of sticks,
rags, etc., which must be burned or buried immediately after this
operation.
(b) If the surface of the materiel is coated with grease or heavy
oil, this grease or oil should be removed before decontamination is
begun. Dry-cleaning solvent or other available solvents for oil
should be used with rags attached to ends of sticks. Following this,
decontaminate the materiel with bleaching solution made by mixing
one part decontaminating agent (chloride of lime) with one part
water. This solution should be swabbed over all surfaces. Wash
off with water, dry, and oil all surfaces.
(c) All unpainted metal parts exposed to mustard or lewisite must
be decontaminated with noncorrosive, decontaminating agent mixed
1 part solid to 15 parts solvent (acetylene tetrachloride). If this
is not available, use warm water and soap. Bleaching solution must
not be used, because of its corrosive action. Coat all metal surfaces
lightly with engine oil. (Refer to par. 19.)
(d) The gun bore should be swabbed out with strong soap and
water, dried thoroughly, and oiled.
(e) In the event that decontaminating agent (chloride of lime)
is not available, materiel may be cleaned temporarily with large vol-
umes of hot water. However, mustard lying in joints or in leather
or canvas web is not removed by this procedure and will remain
a constant source of danger until the materiel can be decontaminated40
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
United States. War Department. Browning machine gun caliber .50, M2, aircraft, fixed and flexible., book, April 30, 1942; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc29988/m1/42/: accessed May 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.