National Defense C-77-267-000/MB-000

■+■ Defence nationale

OPERATOR'S INSTRUCTIONS

C4 MASK, NBC
NSN 4240-21-906-0613 (EXTRA SMALL)
NSN 4240-21-906-0614 (SMALL)
NSN 4240-21-906-0615 (MEDIUM)
NSN 4240-21-906-0616 (LARGE)
NSN 4240-21-908-1096 GENERIC
(Olive Drab)
(BILINGUAL)

INSTRUCTIONS DE L'OPERATEUR

MASQUE C4, NBC

NNO 4240-21-906-0613 (TRES PETIT)
NNO 4240-21-906-0614 (PETIT)
NNO 4240-21-906-0615 (MOYEN)
NNO 4240-21-906-0616 (GRAND)
NNO 4240-21-908-1096 GENERIQUE
(Olive Terne)
(BILINGUE)

Issued on authority of the Chief of the Defence Staff

Publiee avec I'autorisationdu Chef d'etat-major de la Defense

OPI: DACME5 1993-11-30

BPR: DMVMG 5

Canada
C-77-267-000/MB-000

LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES

Insert latest changed pages; dispose of superseded

pages in accordance with applicable orders.

NOTE

The portion of the text affected by the latest

change is indicated by a black vertical line
in the margin of the page. Changes to il
lustrations are indicated by miniature point
ing hands or black vertical lines.

Dates of issue for original and changed pages are:

Original 0 1993-11-30
Change 1
Change 2
Change 3
Change 4
Change 5
C-77-267-000/MB-000

Zero in Change No. Column indicates an original page.

The use of the letter E or F indicates the change is in
English or French only. Total number of pages in this
publication is 67 consisting of the following:

Page No. Change No.

Title 0
A to D/E 0
i to vii/viii 0
1-1 to 1-11/1-12 0
2-1 to 2-21/2-22 0
3-1 to 3-23/3-24 0

Contact Officer: DACME 5-5-2

©1993 DND Canada
 C-77-267-000/MB-000

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE DES MATIERES

C-77-267-000/MB-000

CONTENTS

PAGE

PART 1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1-1

Purpose 1-2
Description 1-6
Ancillary Equipment 1-10

PART 2- PREPARATION FOR USE 2-1

General 2-2
Mask Fitting and Testing 2-2
Changing the Canister from one Side
to the Other 2-4
STEM-VALVES REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURES 2-12

Removal 2-12
Installation 2-16
NOSECUP BLANKING PLUG
REPLACEMENT/RELOCATING
PROCEDURE 2-16

Removal 2-16
Installation 2-18
C-77-267-000/MB-000

CONTENTS (Cont)

PAGE

PART3-OPERATING PROCEDURES 3-1

Donning the Mask 3-2

Using the Drinking Device 3-4
Maintenance of the Mask 3-8
Hints for Mask Wearers 3-18
Operating in Cold Weather 3-20
Sandy or Dusty Environment 3-20

IV
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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

1-1 C4 Mask, NBC - General View 1-4

2-1 C4 Mask Airflow 2-8
2-2 Valve Location - Removal and
Installation 2-14
2-3 Nosecup Blanking Plug -
Relocating/Removal and
Installation 2-20

VI
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PART1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PARTIE 1

DESCRIPTION GENERALE

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PART1

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE

WARNING

The Mask, when equipped with the NBC

canister, is not designed to replace oxygen
and will not protect against carbon monox
ide and ammonia fumes. It shall not be used
during fire fighting, or as protection against
paint or dope-spraying fumes.

1. The C4 Mask, NBC, see Figure 1 -1, and NBC

canister provide protection to the eyes, nose, throat,
lungs and facial skin against the ingestion of field con
centrations of military chemical-biological warfare
agents, screening smoke, riot-control agents and ra
dio-active particles.

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1 SIDE SPEECH TRANSMITTER*

2. SIZE IDENTIFICATION
3 EYEPIECE
4 FRONT SPEECH TRANSMITTER
5. SIDE CANISTER MOUNT

6 OUTLET VALVE COVER

7. DRINKING DEVICE ELBOW

16
8. NOSECUP
9 FACEPIECE
10 HEADHARNESS
11 ADJUSTEMENT STRAPS
12 TAB
17 13 DRINKING DEVICE
14 LUGS (6 TOTAL)
15 REENTRY SEAL
REAR VIEW" 16 MOUTHPIECE

17 DRINKING DEVICE HOLDER

• INTERCHANGEABLE (RIGHT OR LEFT)

•* NOSECUP ASSY AND HEADHARNESS ASSY NOT SHOWN

Figure 1 -1 C4 Mask, NBC - General View

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DESCRIPTION

2. The major components of the NBC kit are: the

C4 Mask, NBC protective; filter Canister (with NATO
standard thread); Carrier; Carrier carrying Straps; and
Ancillary equipment.

a. The Mask has a silicone rubber nosecup (8),

see Figure 1-1, a bromobutyl facepiece (9)
with a re-entry seal (15), two polycarbonate
eyepieces (3), a front (4) and side (1) speech
transmitter, an outlet valve with cover (6), an
elasticized mesh headharness (10) with two
adjustable straps (11) and six lugs (14).

b. The Mask is also equipped with a drinking de

vice (13) which permits the drinking of water
from a water bottle, with a connector cap, with
out removing the Mask.

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CAUTION

Use of the drinking device for other than

clean waterwill lead to theformation of fun
gus or other disease-causing bacteria. If
other fluids are allowed into the drinking
tube, clean and disinfect in accordance with
PART 3.

c. The Mask has a left and a right side mount (5)

which allows the Canister and side speech
transmitter (1) to be interchanged.

d. The Carrier is a rugged, agent resistant fabric

bag, designed to provide storage for the Mask
and Canister and to keep dirt and moisture
from the Mask, (a dirty Mask is uncomfortable
and its performance may be reduced). A de
tachable and adjustable carrying strap set is
provided to allow the Carrier to be worn by the
individual. Velcro loops and plastic hooks on
the Carrier can be used to secure the strap set
or to attach the Carrier directly to the combat
webbing. Pockets on the outside of the bag
provide for storage of the Ancillary equipment.

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ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT

3. Whenever issued, Ancillary equipment, in the

quantities as outlined in the Equipment Check List
L-77-267-000/LC-000, is stowed in the carrier as fol
lows:

a. Large Pocket.

(1) Chemical agent detector paper.

(2) Decontamination mitts.

(3) RSDL sachets.

(4) Nerve agent vapor detectors (NAVD).

(5) Pyridostigmine bromide tablets.

b. Small Pocket.

(1) Nerve agent antidote injectors.

(2) Anti-convulsant injectors.

c. Underside pocket.

(1) Spare canister.

(2) Plastic conversion tool.

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PART 2

PREPARATION FOR USE

PARTIE 2

PREPARATIFS D'EMPLOI

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PART 2

PREPARATION FOR USE

GENERAL

1. To ensure an air-tight and comfortable fit, the

correct size Mask must be selected, properly fitted,
and the headharness correctly adjusted. The correct
size should be established using the C4 mask sizing
tool. The Mask is available in four sizes: extra small,
small, medium and large. When first issued, and peri
odically thereafter to confim the fit, the donned mask
shall be tested for air-tightness using the protective
mask leak detecting kit, or by going through the gas
hut.

MASK FITTING AND TESTING

2. When the mask is properly donned and the

headharness correctly adjusted, the wearer's eyes
should be located in the upper one-third of the eye
pieces. If the eyes are located too high or too low in the
eyepieces, exchange the Mask for a larger or smaller
size accordingly.

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3. To test for air-tightness of the face-seal, proceed

as follows:

a. Block the canister intake with the palm of your

hand, inhale, and hold breath for 5-10 se
conds. The Mask should collapse onto the
face and remain collapsed. If the Mask returns
to its normal shape, a leak is present. Remove
and redon the mask. Ensure it is positioned
and adjusted properly and there is no hair un
der the face-seal. Retest. If the Mask still
leaks, replace it with a new one.

b. Whenever possible, a confidence test should

be performed using the Protective Mask Fit
Test Kit (as per instructions inside cover of the
metal box), or CS gas hut.

CHANGING THE CANISTER FROM ONE SIDE TO

THE OTHER

4. Under the supervision of NBC trained, or desig

nated maintenance personnel:

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a. Remove the Canister by turning it counter

clockwise, see Figure 2-1.

b. Remove the blue inlet valve, see Stem Valve

Replacement Procedures, paragraph 5.

c. Remove the side speech transmitter assem

bly by:

(1) Using the plastic conversion tool, remove

the plastic retaining ring (by turning it count
er-clockwise).

(2) Carefully removing the side speech trans

mitter assembly (if difficult to remove, tap
the side mount against one hand to dis
lodge the assembly).

WARNING

Ensure that the rubber washers remain in

the side mounts whenever the Canister
and/or side speech transmitter is/are re
moved.

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RIGHT SIDE LEFTSIDE

GREY
NOSECUP FRESH, DRY AIR
INLET VALVE FLOW SWEEPING
ACROSS THE
EYEPIECES

* BLACK NOSECUP
BLANKING PLUG

SIDE SPEECH
TRANSMITTER

RED OUTLET VALVE

CANISTER

* INTERCHANGEABLE (RIGHT OR LEFT)

Figure 2-1 C4 Mask Airflow

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d. Install the side speech transmitter assembly

into the opposite side mount, ensuring the vis
ible amber membrane is to the inside of the
Mask.

NOTE

If the protector/cover of the assembly sepa

rate when removed, re-assemble and en
sure that the recessed side (with the three
raised center bosses) is next to the speech
transmitter body.

e. Replace the retaining ring by turning it clock

wise and tighten using the conversion tool (do
not over-tighten; this may strip the thread).

Install the blue stem valve in the inlet mount

from the inside of the mask so that the stem
protrudes outward through the mount center
hole, see Stem Valve Replacement Proce
dures, paragraph 5.

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Exchange position of the nosecup black

blanking plug, see Nosecup Blanking Plug -
Relocating/Replacement Procedures, para
graph 7, and the nosecup grey inlet valve, see
Stem Valve Replacement Procedures, para
graph 5.

NOTE

Ensure the nosecup grey inlet valve is posi

tioned such that the valve is on the inside of
the nosecup to allow the air to flow inward,
see Figure 2-1.

h. Install the canister. Ensure that the threads are

properly engaged, then screw into the side
mount until firmly seated against the rubber
washer. Do not over-thighten.

STEM-VALVES REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURES

REMOVAL

5. Proceed as follows:

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a. Locate the appropriate valve inside the Mask,

see Figure 2-2, step 1.

b. Grasp the valve with your fingers and pull it

free, see step 2.

LEFTSIDE RIGHT SIDE

STEP 2

NOSECUP GREY
INLET VALVE

STEP1 STEP 3

Figure 2-2 Valve Location - Removal and I nstallation

NOTE

Ensure that there are no parts of the valve

remaining in the side mount or the nosecup.

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INSTALLATION

6. Proceed as follows:

a. Wet the stem of the valve.

b. Insert the stem through the center hole of the

appropriate mount, see step 3, in the opposite
direction to the air flow, see Figure 2-1, and
pull the stem until the collar is pulled through
the hole.

NOTE

Ensure the valve is properly seated on the

mount.

NOSECUP BLANKING PLUG

REPLACEMENT/RELOCATING PROCEDURE

REMOVAL

7. Proceed as follows:

a. Pull/push the blanking plug from the nosecup,

see Figure 2-3, step 1.

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INSTALLATION

8. Proceed as follows:

a. Insert plug through the opposite (if applicable)

nosecup mount, see step 2, such as the flat
surface is on the outside.

b. Stretch the nosecup over the shoulders of the

plug.

• CAUTION •

Be careful not to damage the nosecup or

dislodge it from the outlet valve mount.

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Figure 2-3 Nosecup Blanking Plug - Relocating/

Removal and Installation

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PART 3

OPERATING PROCEDURES

PARTIE 3

METHODES D'UTILISATION

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PART 3

OPERATING PROCEDURES

DONNING THE MASK

1. The donning procedure is as follows:

a. Hold your breath.

b. Close your eyes.

c. Remove headgear.

d. Insert your chin in the Mask chin-cup and pull

headharness over head.

e. Grasp the tab at the back of the headharness

and pull downward.

f. Tighten the two bottom adjustment straps, but

do not over-tighten.

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USING THE DRINKING DEVICE

2. The procedure for drinking water with the drink

ing device is as follows:

a. Insert the drinking device into the canteen

connector cap (press firmly to ensure a proper
seal).

b. Grasp the mouthpiece with your teeth. To as

sist in locating the mouthpiece, place thumb
between the facepiece and the elbow of the
drinking assembly and lever it outward until
the mouthpiece can be grasped.

CAUTION •

Maneuver the elbow carefully so as not to

break the seal of the facepiece to the face.

c. Raise the water bottle and squeeze, the water

will then flow through the mouthpiece.

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d. Periodically you must force air into the water

bottle by blowing into it or lowering it to reduce
the vacuum that is created.

e. When finished, blow through the mouthpiece

to clear water from quick-disconnect, then dis
connect the drinking device and return it to the
holder on the chin of the facepiece.

3. Cleaning the Drinking Device (Mask Doffed).

The drinking device shall be cleaned as follows:

a. Fill a water bottle with a solution of two parts

detergent (washing detergent or equivalent)
to 100 parts water, at a temperature of 20-40
degrees Celsius.

b. With the cap secured to the water bottle, insert

the drinking device into the cap.

c. Flush the solution through the drinking device,

with the inside of the Mask facing downward.

d. Remove drinking device from the cap of the

water bottle.

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e. Fill water bottle with clean water. Repeat para

graphs b, c, and d.

f. Fill water bottle with a solution of two parts

Dettol (or equivalent) to 100 parts water, at a
temperature of 20-40 degrees Celsius. Re
peat paragraphs b, c, and d.

g. Rinse water bottle thoroughly with fresh water

then repeat paragraph e.

• CAUTION •

These instructions assume that correct pro

cedures have been followed for the use of
the drinking device. If any fluids other than
fresh drinking water have been consumed
through the drinking device, it must be
flushed with clean water immediately there
after to avoid a residual bacteriological haz
ard.

MAINTENANCE OF THE MASK

4. The operational life and efficiency of your Mask

will be prolonged if it is well maintained. Each individual

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is responsible for maintaining the Mask in a service

able and ready to wear condition.

5. Periodic Inspection. It is the user's responsi

bility to ensure that all mask components and ancillary
equipment are clean and damage free. Through your
supervisor, report any damage such as the following,
to your NBC Officer/NCO for further advice:

a. Mask
- headharness: torn or stretched; buckles
damaged.
- facepiece: punctures, tears/cuts (especial
ly in the headharness lug areas and drink
ing assembly).
- plastic components: cracked, chipped, or
broken.
- valves or plug: missing or damaged.

b. Canister
- dents, cracks on plastic canister, holes or
damaged threads.

- sound of loose carbon when canister is

shaken.

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c. Carrier
- tears, split seams.
- broken belt mounting lugs.
- unserviceable closures.

6. Cleaning the Mask. Using a clean cloth, the

Mask shall be cleaned as follows:

a. Wipe and dry the inside of the facepiece and

nosecup.

NOTE

Ensure that all the valves are in place and

seated correctly.

b. Clean the eyepieces inside and out.

c. Clean the outside of the facepiece and the

headharness.

7. Periodic Cleaning. Periodic cleaning, where

by the Mask is also disinfected, shall be performed at
intervals of not more than six months, or when:

a. Personnel are suffering from, or are in contact

with, a contagious disease.

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b. The Mask is being returned for maintenance

or inspection.

c. On direction of a medical officer.

8. Periodic cleaning will be carried out as follows:

a. Remove the Mask from the Carrier.

b. Remove Canister.

c. Open the outlet valve cover, and let it hang.

d. Wash the Mask in a solution of two parts deter

gent (washing detergent or equivalent) to 100
parts water, at a temperature of 20-40 degrees
Celsius. Agitate the Mask for one minute by
hand. Remove Mask from the solution and
drain the outside and inside of the Mask.

NOTE

To drain liquids from the inside of mask, tilt

the inside of the mask downward and at the
same time pull the re-entry seal of the face-
piece away from the inside of the Mask, al
lowing the trapped liquid to escape.

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Rinse the Mask thoroughly in clean water. Re

move the Mask from the rinse container and
drain water from the inside and outside of
Mask.

Disinfect the Mask in a solution of two parts

Dettol (or equivalent) to 100 parts water, at a
temperature of 20-40 degrees Celsius. Agi
tate the Mask for thirty seconds by hand. Re
move Mask from the solution and drain the in
side and outside of Mask.

g. Rinse the Mask again, as per paragraph 4 e.

9. Drying the Mask. Using a clean cloth, wipe

the inside of the Mask, ensuring that the re-entry seal
is free of any excess moisture. Wipe the eyepieces
carefully with a soft dry cloth, making sure the water
stains are removed.

NOTE

Great care shall be taken to prevent

scratching the eyepieces.

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• CAUTION

Do not hang the Mask by the headharness

(orstraps), apply heat, orturnthefacepiece
inside out to hasten drying.

10. Allow the Mask to dry, ensure that all the valves
are correctly seated, close the outlet valve cover,
install the Canister and store in the Carrier.

HINTS FOR MASK WEARERS

11. Shaving. Beard growth can reduce the effi

ciency of the seal between the skin and the face-seal.
Daily shaving is desirable.

12. Haircuts. Long hair makes donning difficult

and may result in leakage around the face-seal if hair
is trapped between it and the face.

13. Confidence. The effects of some agents be

come apparent only after donning the Mask. The wear
er must have confidence in the Mask and resist the
urge to unmask if symptoms appear or persist after
donning.

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14. Moisture Accumulation. The chin-cup and

nosecup may accumulate moisture. This can be
cleared by removing the outlet valve cover, leaning for
ward and blowing the moisture out through the outlet
valve.

OPERATING IN COLD WEATHER

15. The wearer may experience a certain amount

of discomfort when masked in temperatures below-20
degrees Celsius. Sticking of the outlet valve and fog
ging of the eyepieces can occur and affect the efficien
cy of the wearer. Provided that the valves are correctly
positioned and the mask is fitted properly, the fogging
should clear after a few seconds. However, the colder
the conditions, the longer it will take to clear, therefore,
be patient.

16. To free a frozen outlet valve, the Mask should

be held firmly against the face, and the wearer should
blow hard and/or massage the outlet valve.

SANDY OR DUSTY ENVIRONMENT

17. When the Mask is worn or stored in a sandy or

dusty environment, the possibility of leakage at the

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outlet valve exists. Leakage may occur due to a build

up of sand or dust particles between the outlet valve
mount and the outlet valve.

18. To clear the outlet valve of any particle build

up, the wearer should blow hard.

19. Keep your Mask clean at all times.

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