NCJ Number
190864
Date Published
1999
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report provides a summary of a protective suit for workers operating where chemical and biological warfare agents were believed to have been dispersed.
Abstract
The Improved Toxicological Agent Protective (ITAP) ensemble is a state-of-the-art chemical protective suit that provides complete body protection from toxic chemical and biological warfare agents, industrial chemicals, oxidizers, and rocket fuels. The suit comprises a one-piece suit, breathing system, a Personal Ice Cooling System (PICS), and a Compact Air Supply System (CASS) when a filtered air mode is required. The ITAP provides up to 1 hour of skin and respiratory protection. A one-piece garment, the suit has integral booties, front fastener closure, glove assembly, splash-proof zipper, splash hood, and overvest. The material provides up to 1 hour of protection against chemical warfare agents, industrial chemicals, petroleum, oils, and lubricants. It has static dissipative properties, is self-extinguishing, and flame resistant. The breathing apparatus has been approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is used by Air Force and Army firefighters. Weighing 35 pounds, the device consists of a 60-minute air cylinder, a breathing valve, a pressure gauge, connective hose and tubing, a shoulder harness, and waist belt. The PICS removes metabolic heat from the user's body. It uses ice water as a coolant. It can cool longer than the normal 30 minutes if the ice bottle is periodically replaced. It weighs 15 pounds fully charged with three D-cell batteries and fits the 5th percentile Army female through the 95th percentile Army male. The CASS provides a continuous flow of clean, filtered air for breathing. The ITAP program began in 1994 with the idea to identify chemical protective ensembles that met the Army's requirements. The U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM) identified six materials through a market survey that had potential for the suit. After evaluations, one final ensemble was chosen. The program will train ITAP trainers in the operation and maintenance of the ITAP ensemble.