ARMY DA PAM 385-61 PDF

a. This pamphlet explains the minimum safety criteria and standards for use in processing, handling, storage, transportation, disposal, and decontamination of blister agents H, HD, L, and HT; and nerve agents GB, GA, and VX, including those levels of agents listed in AR 50-6, table 9-2. (See AR 385-61 for responsibilities and policies.)

b. Although there is also a concern with other agents such as BZ and GD, the small quantities of these agents in the inventory and their isolation at few locations have precluded detailed standards in this pamphlet. The general requirements of this pamphlet will be applied to GD and other experimental chemical agents (see glossary for definition) exhibiting similar toxicity to nerve and mustard agents.

c. All pertinent information necessary to safely conduct operations involving the latter agents will be addressed in safety submissions and related standing operating procedures (SOPS).

d. Airborne exposure limits (AEL) for agents are contained in AR 385-61 and DA Pams 40-8 and 40-173. Unless otherwise noted, "AEL" in this document refers to the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) for unmasked agent workers.

e. For research development test and evaluation (RDTE) solutions of chemical agents (as defined in AR 50-6, table 5-1) the provisions contained in this pamphlet may be deviated from with approval of the responsible installation/activity commander/director, or his designated representative. The provisions contained in this pamphlet should be used in conjunction with hazard analysis/standing operating procedures and good lab practices to ensure safe operations with RDTE solutions. Each installation/activity that conducts RDTE solution operations must have a program document that describes how operations will be conducted in a safe manner.

Applicability. This pamphlet applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve. It applies to all Army civilian employees, and Army contractors (unless otherwise specified within contract clauses) with a responsibility for toxic chemical agent operations or a toxic chemical agent mission.