TM 5-5420-234-14&P
PROCEDURES.
The CBT 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 for information on decontamination
procedures. Specific procedures for the CBT are as follows:
a. Rubber sleeves and other rubber items, rope, and gaskets will absorb and retain chemical agents. Replacement
of these items is the recommended method of decontamination.
b. Lubricants or fluids may be present on the external surfaces of the CBT or its 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 the external CBT surfaces with supertropical bleach (STB)/decontamination
solution number 2 (DS2) will degrade clear plastic (e.g., hydraulic fluid reservoir sight glass) to the point
where looking through it will become impossible. This problem will become more evident for soldiers wearing
protective masks. Therefore, the use of STB or DS2 decontamination in the area of clear plastic should be
minimized. Clear plastic should be decontaminated with warm, soapy water.
d. External surfaces of the CBT and the remote control unit 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 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 hydraulic lines.
(3)
Hinged areas or access doors on the stowage boxes.
(4)
Retaining chains for lynch pins and lockpins.
(5)
Areas around the tiedowns, lifting rings, crevices around access doors, external valves and drains, and
exposed hydraulic connectors.
(6)
Areas behind knobs, levers, externally mounted equipment, specification and advisory data plates, and
roller and locking mechanisms.
(7)
Winch cable and winch hook assembly.
Replacement of these items, if items are 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.
To reduce the effects of contamination in an NBC-contaminated environment, the CBT should be operated
with all windows, doors, and stowage boxes closed.
g. For additional NBC information, refer to FM 3-3 and FM 3-4.
