Honest Query About BOB and NBC Gear

[FlashPan]

Hi all,

As the title says I have this honest query about this as I keep on moving backwards and forwards on this myself.

I live and work in central London and if I had to trek back home (for whatever reason) it'll be about 4 or 5 miles.

The contents on my BOB are pretty standard for what you would expect that'll be needed in a more "urban" environment. I shan't go into the main listing of it's contents but am doubting the validity of my NBC gear I keep with it. Is it suitable, will it work, is it really needed etc.

My BOB is a non-descript (for obvious reasons) Targus laptop backpack about 40 litres I reckon. I have an British Army NBC suit, all still air tight vacuum sealed - Trousers, smock, thin rubber over boots, S10 mask with the inner and rubber gloves, sealed filters (in date Scott 2000s).

I'm wavering on this as it's just so bloody heavy to carry and takes up I would say more that 50% in my bag (also have the S10 bag as well).

I was of the thinking that London would be more of a target for something more dirty/bio than radiological, hence why I have this kit.

What do you chaps think? Is it worth it or not to have/carry. If something dirty was to happen and I had the opportunity to get the kit on and move away from the area then what? Would this kit suffice considering although new in box, unused and still sealed but a few years old now?

I get to a clean area but the kit itself is contaminated, so I take it off and then poison myself....

....see the thought processes I am having here!

The only thing I am certain about is if it is nuclear then that is it game over so no need to worry about it.

[Deeps]

I think this is one of those where only you can decide what works for you. For myself I'd not bother, I handed back my respirator when I left because I don't think I'll need it but I get your point about the middle of London. Maybe compromise and just take the respirator, it will be handy if CS is getting lobbed about if nothing else. It really is up to you though mate, sorry for being wishy washy.

[sniper 55]

As I see it theres two main problems. One is what happens if you get stopped carrying the kit, it might be legal but plod is going to be a bit iffy I suspect, and may well take you for a terrorist.
Two is will you actually know about it if a dirty bomb is used? How long will it take after an explosion (if theres one) or after some sort of bio/chem weapon before it's made public exactly whats happened, or do you just put the kit on after any explosion.
Thats before we even get to decontaminating yourself or knowing when it's safe to remove the kit.
As deeps says I think I'd personally just carry the mask.

[FlashPan]

Cheers chaps,

Yep I had thought about the prospect of "dodgy lookingness" as well.

I guess it mainly boils down to the fact that if "something" was to happen I wouldn't know until it was too late anyhow.

So I think I'll remove it from the BOB, luckily for me I have ample space in my office so I guess I could keep the NBC kit separate...something else to ponder on.

Thanks again.

[Yorkshire Andy]

Ditch the suit and trousers replace with "cheap" PVC none breathable waterproof jacket and pants smaller and less conspicuous. OK not as good but almost vapour tight and keep agents off your skin. .

And a escape mask....eg

http://www.healthandcare.co.uk/protecti ... AohE8P8HAQ

[Arzosah]

Ditch the suit and trousers replace with "cheap" PVC none breathable waterproof jacket and pants smaller and less conspicuous.

I've often wondered if something like that could be relevant. You can pick up stuff like that at car boots very often round here. And you certainly wouldn't look enough like one of the terrorists to be arrested/shot.

[Briggs 2.0]

Cheers chaps,

Yep I had thought about the prospect of "dodgy lookingness" as well.

I guess it mainly boils down to the fact that if "something" was to happen I wouldn't know until it was too late anyhow.

So I think I'll remove it from the BOB, luckily for me I have ample space in my office so I guess I could keep the NBC kit separate...something else to ponder on.

Thanks again.

Do you carry the self-injectors?

[90.]

I'd add some close fitting clear or slight tint glasses, safety glasses or cycling glasses and a respirator like this:http://www.protectivemasksdirect.co.uk/ ... -941-p.asp

In the aftermath of 911 many people died as a result of inhaling the dust from the towers, the above mask dont look millitary at all just pollution concious.

I keep a few good disposable masks in the truck and house.

90.