Gas Masks "Homyak": PBF Features, Use And Storage

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

The gas mask with the original name "Hamster" is able to protect the organs of vision, skin of the face, as well as the respiratory system from the action of toxic, poisonous substances, dust, even radioactive, bioaerosols. It was adopted by the Armed Forces of the Soviet Army in 1973, but already in 2000 it was recognized as ineffective and discontinued.

In our review, we will dwell in more detail on the features of this personal protective equipment.

What it is?

" Hamster" is a boxless filtering model of a gas mask that is highly effective against various hazardous substances . The use of this PBP when exposed to organophosphorus substances, such as V-gases, tabun, sarin, soman, is only partially effective, since all these substances tend to penetrate the human body through the skin bypassing the respiratory system. Besides, " Hamster" is not able to protect a person from the action of streams of elementary particles and electromagnetic radiation, he will not protect it from blows.

A feature of PBF is rubber mask , which is performed in white and black colors. At the same time, the black mask is more elastic, since it is much easier to stretch and, accordingly, put on.

Regardless of the color, the mask provides rubber pad , it adheres tightly to the soft tissues of the face and thus creates obstacles to the ingress of inhaled air to the glasses - accordingly, the “Hamster” glasses do not sweat during use and do not interfere with the view. The mattress topper is fixed on the valves of the intercom mechanism, as well as on the pockets located inside, where the main filter elements are located.

By the way, it is precisely because of such unusual pockets, which from the side resemble puffed out cheeks, that the gas mask got its original name.

The model provides two elliptical filters , each of them, in turn, includes a pair of bags formed from a multi-layer fabric - it freely allows air to pass through, but at the same time effectively retains all hazardous components.

The main advantage of the Khomyak gas masks, which determined its popularity among tankers and among the command staff of the army, was the ease of use . This PBF, unlike many other models, does not have a massive heavy box that can interfere in the tight space of the tank and create discomfort during firing. You can run freely in the "Hamster" gas mask, since it does not interfere with movement at all, the special design of the spectacle assembly creates maximum visibility.

Convenient communication mechanism allows users to communicate with you even when wearing a gas mask without any speech distortion.

The model has small size , it is practical and reliable.

However, it was not without its drawbacks - this device has two of them. The first is relative short period of use … The device remains active for only 20 minutes, then the filter's working life ends, that is, the gas mask becomes completely ineffective.

Second minus - inconvenience of replacing filter blocks . In order to replace a failed filter with a new one, it is necessary to turn the gas mask inside out, then unfasten the mask holder and only then update the cleaning parts.

How to use?

To start using PBF, you need extract out-of-order filters from packages - for this, a slight incision is made into the bag. After that, the helmet-mask is turned inside out, and the mask holder is carefully detached. Filters are placed in pockets, and their necks are removed from the device.

All these manipulations must be performed so that the filters stand parallel to the axes of the pocket nodes. The valves should be installed on the necks of the filters until they click. Pay attention to the mark located in the corner of the valve - it should be directed upwards and the hole, on the contrary, downwards.

After you complete all these works, you can fasten mattress pad.

When putting on the PBF, the lower part is carefully taken with both hands and gently stretched . At this moment, the gas mask is pulled over the chin, then with sharp movements up and back, they make it so that it covers the entire head.

It is very important that this does not leave any distortions. If they do appear, they should be smoothed out, exhaled and breathing continued in a normal rhythm.

How to store?

In military warehouses, PBF usually stored in hermetically sealed boxes … Keep it securely at home packed … The storage location should be located away from doors and windows, as well as radiators, stoves and fireplaces.

A suitable temperature for storing protection means "Hamster" is 10-15 g ., at a higher mark, the rubber begins to age rapidly, as a result, it becomes too fragile and can easily break. Frosts are no less dangerous for PBF - they make it inelastic and rough, which causes discomfort when worn.

Reliable protect the device from moisture , as the increased level of moisture causes deterioration of technical and operational parameters.

If during operation the device has been exposed to rain, then before putting it into storage, it is necessary to disassemble the structure and thoroughly dry all the elements. Please note that drying must be done naturally , - the use of a hair dryer and other heating devices is not allowed. After each use, the mattress pad and valve mechanism should be wiped dry.

To date, the Khomyak gas mask has been recognized as obsolete, so it has been removed from service with the army, and all early models are sent for disposal. Nevertheless, in the “survivalist” subculture, such devices are still very popular, since they are lightweight and do not restrict movement when walking, running and shooting.