Hot Weather

TM 10-8415-208-12 d. The emergency breathing apparatus is not approved for use in temperatures below +32°F (OC). Cold weather may effect the electrical system of the emergency breathing apparatus since battery life and efficiency is decreased in colder temperatures. If battery efficiency is decreased, the pressure switch may provide faulty readings and cause the warning light to fail or flash inadvertently. The user could potentially lose remote air and use all of the emergency air without warning. e. Cold weather could also cause a decrease in the cylinder pressure such that the EBA would not provide the user the entire 6 to 8 minutes at 40 liters per minute of escape air. WARNING Oxygen deficiency hazard in the rebreather system. Do not use the rebreather system for operations at temperatures below +15°F (-9. 44°C). Below +15°F (-9. 44°C) there may be an increase of carbon dioxide in the breathing mixture due to decreased efficiency of the CO₂ absorbent. Operations below +15°F (-9. 44°C) could result in personal injury or death due to suffocation. f. The rebreather system is not approved for use in temperatures below +1 50F (-9. 44°C). Cold 5 weather decreases the efficiency of the carbon dioxide absorbent causing an increase of carbon dioxide and a decrease of oxygen in the breathing mixture. g. If the breathing mixture does not have enough oxygen in it, the user will initially begin gasping for air and eventually pass out. 2-17.2 Hot Weather WARNING Heat exhaustion hazard. Encapsulating protective suit users should be given sufficient recuperation time between operations in hot weather environments to avoid heat exhaustion. Fatigue, nausea and/or dizziness could result from extended use without proper rest and fluid replenishment. STEPO-I authorized weartime (stay time) with cooling vest at ambient temperatures at or above 85°F (29. 44°C) is 45 minutes Ambient temperatures below 85°F (29. 44°C) is 2 hours. a. When the encapsulating protective suit is worn in hot weather environments, the user will be more prone to heat exhaustion. Fatigue, nausea and/or dizziness may result due to heat build-up inside the suit. Every effort should be made to rotate personnel in the work cycle to allow the body to recuperate. b. As a general rule to prevent fatigue and heat exhaustion, the wearer's recuperation time should be equivalent to three times the period of time that the suit is worn; however, the final decision on the appropriate recuperating time will be determined by the local medical authority. Change 2 2-35