TM 10-1670-287-23&P
0012 00
MC-4 RAM AIR FREE-FALL PERSONNEL PARACHUTE SYSTEM
SALT/FRESH-WATER CONTAMINATION TEST
0012 00-1
THIS TASK COVERS:
Inspect
INITIAL SETUP:
Equipment Condition
Laid out on packing table or other suitable area.
Personnel Required
92R(10) Parachute Rigger
INSPECT
Look for a white crystalline residue. If evidence of salt-water/fresh-water contamination is found, refer to
the procedures detailed below:
Rinsing Parachute Assembly Immersed in Salt-Water. If the parachute, or any of its components, has
been immersed in salt water in excess of 24-hours it will be condemned. Additionally, if the parachute, or
any of its components, has been immersed in salt-water for a period less than 24-hours, but which cannot
be rinsed within 48-hours after recovery, it will also be condemned, unless the following actions are
performed. Upon removal from the salt-water, the parachute is placed in a single heavy-duty plastic trash
bag, the top of the bag secured closed and kept in a wet state until a rinse can be performed following
normal rinse procedures. The bag must be doubled when outside temperatures exceed 85 degrees F.
The bags must be inspected after transport and storage to ensure the bag did not get torn and the
assembly was allowed to dry. Parachutes recovered using this method must be rinsed NLT than seven
(7) days after the salt-water immersion or be condemned. However, if the cited time limitations can be
met, then immediately upon recover, suspend or elevate the parachute assembly in a shaded area and
allow it to drain for at least 5-minutes. Do not attempt to wring the fabric or the suspension lines. Within
48-hours after recover, under the supervision of a qualified parachute rigger (92R), rinse the recovered
parachute assembly as follows:
1. Place the parachute assembly in a large watertight container filled with a suitable amount of fresh,
clean water to cover the assembly.
CAUTION
Equipment made of cotton fabric immersed in salt water is to be
condemned. Refer to WP 0011 00, INSPECTION, for equipment
disposition.
NOTE
If the salt-water-soaked parachute assembly is too large to be
placed into a rinsing container, then the rinsing process will be
affected by applying fresh, clean water to the assembly using a
hose.
2. Agitate the container contents by hand for 5-minutes.
3. Remove the parachute assembly from the container and suspend or elevate it in a shaded area,
allowing a 5-minute drainage period. Do not attempt to wring the fabric or the suspension lines.
