TOP-10-2-022A, TEST OPERATIONS PROCEDURE (TOP): CHEMICAL VAPOR AND AEROSOL SYSTEM-LEVEL TESTING OF CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE SUITS (16-DEC-2013)

TOP-10-2-022A, TEST OPERATIONS PROCEDURE (TOP): CHEMICAL VAPOR AND AEROSOL SYSTEM-LEVEL TESTING OF CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL PROTECTIVE SUITS (16-DEC-2013)., This TOP provides the standard for designing and conducting tests estimating penetration of chemical agent vapor and aerosol simulant through chemical/biological (CB) protective suit systems while the suits are worn. Methyl salicylate (MeS) is used to simulate a chemical agent vapor challenge. Nontoxic, fluorescent-tagged silica aerosol particles are used to simulate an aerosol chemical agent challenge. For the vapor tests, personal sampling devices (PSDs), such as passive absorbent devices, are used to monitor chemical concentration inside the suits. For the aerosol tests, a discussion is offered of the sampling methods used to determine aerosolized chemical concentration inside the suits. Test data are analyzed using a body region hazard analysis (BRHA) to provide an indication of the protection levels of the suit systems when exposed to vesicant or nerve chemical agents.