Civilian Gas Masks: What Is The Difference Between GP Gas Masks And Combined Arms? Types And Purpose, Order Of Use

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

The principle of "safety is never too much", although it seems to be a feature of fearful people, in fact it is completely correct. It is imperative to learn everything about civilian gas masks in order to avoid problems in various emergencies. And knowledge about their types, models, possibilities and the procedure for use must be mastered in advance.

Description and purpose

In special literature and popular materials on safety measures, on actions in emergency situations, the abbreviation "GP" constantly appears … Its decoding is very simple - it is just a "civilian gas mask ". The base letters are usually followed by numeric indices indicating a specific model. The name itself decisively characterizes the purpose of such personal protective equipment.

They are needed primarily to protect the "most ordinary" people who can only rarely face chemical or biological threats.

But at the same time the range of possibilities should be wider than that of specialized models … The fact is that if the military is protected mainly from chemical warfare agents (CW), and industrial workers - from the substances used and by-products, then the civilian population can be exposed to a wide variety of harmful substances … Among them are the very same war gases, and industrial products, and various wastes, and harmful substances of natural origin. But it should be noted that civilian gas masks are designed only for a previously known list of threats (depending on the model).

No special training is required, or it is very limited . GPU systems are relatively lightweight, which makes them easy to use on a daily basis. For added relief, special plastics are often used in modern designs. The protective properties of HP are sufficient for most ordinary people and even for work in an industrial enterprise.

It should be noted that the most popular models protect only in filtration mode, that is, with a lack of oxygen in the air, they will be useless.

Civilian gas masks belong to the mass segment, and they are produced much more than specialized models. They allow you to protect:

• respiratory system;
• eyes;
• face skin.

Device and characteristics

The main nuances are determined by GOST 2014. It should be noted that firefighters (including those intended for evacuation), medical, aviation, industrial and children's breathing devices are covered by different standards. GOST 2014 says that a civilian gas mask must provide protection against:

• chemical warfare agents;
• industrial emissions;
• radionuclides;
• hazardous substances produced in large quantities;
• dangerous biological factors.

Operating temperatures range from –40 to +40 degrees Celsius . Operation with air humidity over 98% will be abnormal. And also it is not required to ensure normal vital activity when the oxygen concentration drops below 17%. Civilian gas masks are divided into a face block and a combined filter, which must have a full connection. If parts are connected using a thread, a unified standard size in accordance with GOST 8762 should be used.

If a particular model is designed for increased protection against a particular substance or class of substances, additional functional cartridges can be developed for it. Standardized:

• time spent in toxic environments of a certain concentration (minimum);
• the level of resistance to air flow;
• the degree of speech intelligibility (must be at least 80%);
• total weight;
• pressure fluctuations under masks when testing in a rarefied atmosphere;
• suction coefficients of standardized oil mist;
• transparency of the optical system;
• viewing angle;
• field of view area;
• open flame resistance.

In an advanced version, the design includes:

• mask;
• a box for filtering air with the absorption of toxins;
• spectacle block;
• interphone and drinking apparatus;
• inhalation and exhalation nodes;
• fastening system;
• films for the prevention of fogging.

What is the difference from combined arms gas masks?

To better understand the essence of a civilian gas mask, it is necessary to understand its difference from a military model. The first systems of protection against poisoning appeared precisely in the course of hostilities, and were intended primarily to neutralize chemical weapons . External differences between army and civilian apparatus are small. However, for civilian use, simplified designs are usually used; the quality of materials may be lower.

Military products are focused primarily on protection against chemical, atomic and biological weapons.

When designing them, they try to ensure, first of all, the normal activity of troops during combat operations, during exercises, on marches and at bases. The level of protection against industrial toxins and poisons of natural origin is either much less than that of civilian samples, or is not standardized at all . In the military sphere, insulating gas masks are much more common than in civilian life. Glasses are usually supplemented with films that reduce the intensity of exposure to particularly bright light.

The filtering element of military RPEs is more perfect than in the civilian sector; also note:

• increased strength;
• improved protection against fogging;
• moisture resistance;
• long period of protection;
• resistance to higher concentrations of toxins;
• decent viewing angles;
• more advanced negotiation devices.

Species overview

Gas masks are classified as filtering and insulating.

Filtering

The very name of the groups of gas masks characterizes them well. In this version, charcoal filters are used most often. When the air passes them, harmful substances are deposited. The exhaled air is not forced back through the filter, it comes out from under the face of the mask . The adsorption takes place with the help of a mass of fibers, united in a kind of net; some models can use the processes of catalysis and chemisorption.

Insulating

As already mentioned, such models are less common in the civilian sector. Complete isolation from the external environment allows you to cope with almost any concentration of hazardous substances, as well as protect yourself from previously unknown toxins. Air supply can be made:

• from wearable cylinders;
• from a stationary source through a hose;
• due to regeneration.

Insulated models are better than filtering models where a wide range of poisons can be found, as well as with reduced oxygen concentration. From a technical point of view, they can provide a much more comfortable environment.

However, the disadvantage is the great complexity and high cost of such modifications.

It will be necessary to carefully study their application, since the "put on and go" scheme does not work here . In addition, the compulsory air-supplying components make the gas mask noticeably heavier; therefore, it cannot be said unequivocally that it is better.

Popular models

In the line of civilian gas masks, the GP-5 model stands out. It is found quite often, the cost of the product is quite acceptable. However, it is very difficult to work with optical devices and perform actions that require a good view. You cannot look down because of the filter. Glasses are blown from the inside, but there is no intercom.

Technical specifications:

• total weight up to 900 g;
• filter box weight up to 250 g;
• the field of view is 42% of the norm.

GP-7 has the same practical properties as the fifth version. Additionally, a modification of the GP-7V is produced, which is equipped with a drinking tube. The total weight is not more than 1 kg. Folded dimensions 28x21x10 cm.

Important: in the standard version (without additional elements), protection from carbon monoxide and from household natural, liquefied gas is not provided.

Also popular are:

• UZS VK;
• MZS VK;
• GP-21;
• PDF-2SH (children's model);
• KZD-6 (full-fledged gas protection chamber);
• PDF-2D (wearable children's gas mask).

Order of use

In a normal situation, when the danger is small, but predicted, a gas mask is worn in a bag on the side. For example, when they go to the side of a dangerous object. If necessary, to ensure freedom of hands, the bag is allowed to be moved back a little. If there is an immediate danger of the release of toxic substances, a chemical attack, or at the entrance to the danger zone, the bag is moved forward and the valve is opened. It is necessary to put on a helmet-mask at a danger signal or in case of immediate signs of an attack, release.

The process is as follows:

• stop breathing while closing their eyes;
• take off the headdress (if any);
• snatch out a gas mask;
• take a helmet-mask from below with both hands;
• press her to the chin;
• pull the mask over the head, excluding folds;
• place glasses exactly against the eyes;
• exhale sharply;
• open their eyes;
• go to normal breathing;
• put on a hat;
• close the flap on the bag.

Filters need to be changed systematically. A torn, punctured, severely deformed or dented apparatus must not be used. Filters and additional cartridges are selected strictly for specific risk factors. The size of the mask must be chosen very carefully.

Mask distortion, bending and twisting of air tubes are not allowed; the time spent in the danger zone must be minimized - this is not entertainment, even with the most reliable protection!