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F.A.Q. about POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask / Gas Mask |
| 1. Q: What is the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: The POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask is truly new and different than all other emergency escape masks. It was designed and manufactured for the fastest possible emergency escape from biological and chemical terror attack. ------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Q: What can the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask protect me from? A: Biological and chemical terrorist threats, including anthrax, cyanide, sarin, and smallpox. It also provides protection against irritants and toxic substances such as smoke, terrorist gases, combat gases, powder/aerosol tear gases, and airborne viruses and bacteria, each alone or in any combination, as may be used by terrorists or as a result of fire or other disasters. ------------------------------------------------------------ 3. Q: Why does the mask come sealed in a foil bag? A: The POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask is sealed at the factory to keep it at peak effectiveness until the bag is torn open for instant use. Never open the foil bag until the mask is actually needed for use. ------------------------------------------------------------ 4. Q: How does a POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask go from its sealed foil bag to the face in 6 seconds? A: The foil bag tears open easily and the folded mask almost unfolds itself in your hands to be instantly worn. The pliable design of the mask material conforms to facial features and the head harness adjusts itself. There are no filters to uncap or screw in; no nose clip or "snorkel type" mouthpiece to grip; and there are only two adjustable straps to tighten. For further directions, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 5. Q: How do I know if the mask is sealed properly against my face? A: There is an in-and-out billowing motion of the mask while breathing. The exhaled air is released through the precision one-way exhalation valve causing the mask to billow out. Likewise, when inhaling, the valve is closed against contaminants and the mask pulls in against the face as clean air flows through the filters. If you cannot attain this effect immediately, check the seal of the mask making sure that no hair is between the mask and the face and that the adjustment straps are properly attached to the fabric panels of the head harness. To see mask features, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 6. Q: Why are there two square-framed filters? A: The POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask has two specially designed filters with a large surface area and military grade activated carbon for filtering a high volume of clean air. By allowing a larger amount of air to be filtered (more than most masks, in fact), the POTOMAC accommodates the amount of air you need when running to make a fast escape. The unique filter shape is also part of the very lightweight and compact folded design of the mask. To see mask features, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 7. Q: Can the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask be used on a beard? A: No. As in the case with military masks as well, beards, do not allow proper sealing of the mask against the face. ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Q: How do the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask's eye lenses allow for adequate vision during escape? A: The optically clear and impact-resistant eye lenses are specially anti-fogging-coated to maintain vision during escape. The precision framed lenses eliminate distortions found in soft visors and eliminate the weight of rigid visors, both problems common to other types of masks and hoods. To see mask features, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 9. Q: Can I wear my eyeglasses with a POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: No. As is the case with military masks as well, glasses must be removed before putting on the mask because they can cause openings in the proper sealing of the mask against the face and let unfiltered air in. Contact lenses can be worn; however, if they are not already in your eyes do not take the valuable time to insert them before putting on the mask. ------------------------------------------------------------ 10. Q: Can I talk to others and use cellular phones while using the mask? A: Yes. The POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask provides clear speech transmission - in person or by phone. ------------------------------------------------------------ 11. Q: Why is the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask yellow? A: The yellow color gives the mask high visibility for rescue. ------------------------------------------------------------ 12. Q: Can I reuse the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: No. It cannot be reused after the foil bag has been torn open and mask has been used. ------------------------------------------------------------ 13. Q: How long will the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask provide protection? A: Like any other military or civilian mask, the amount of time the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask will provide protection varies upon the agent and the concentration level that is used. ------------------------------------------------------------ 14. Q: How long is the shelf life of POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask, and how do I know that my mask has not expired for use? A: POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask filtration is rated for use for five years from the date of manufacture. Both the box and the foil bag containing the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask are marked with its expiration date. Dispose of the mask after the expiration date. We only sell factory-fresh masks from current production. ------------------------------------------------------------ 15. Q: How do I know that my POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask is certified for use? A: The POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask is independently laboratory tested by NC-Laboratory Spiez, the Swiss Defense Procurement Agency, and rated and certified in accordance with European Norm (EN) 149:2001 FFP3 and European Norm (EN) 403:1993 HCN, as well as European Conformance Standard CE-0158. Production of the masks is under strict quality controls of DIN ISO-9001, certified by the DQS - a member of IQNET, The International Certification Network. To see certifications, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 16. Q: Who manufactures the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: Helsatech GmbH - part of the Helsa Group in Germany. Helsa is one of the oldest and most renowned suppliers of high-tech activated filtration for military and civilian products that provide protection from biological and chemical terror weapons. In fact, Helsa was one of the major suppliers of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protective suits during the Persian Gulf War. Helsa also supplies luxury car manufacturers with original cabin air filtration and many other civilian applications marked by excellence in materials and design. For further information about the Helsa Group or helsatech GmbH, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 17. Q: What are the folded adjustment straps at the bottom of the mask? A: The two adjustment straps, each folded against themselves, are designed to offer additional support when you run. To use these straps, unfold and extend them to their full length. A light touch to the fabric panels on the top of the head harness provides instant connection. They can also be freely lifted off and reattached to the fabric panels for readjustment or release, according to fit. For illustration, click here. ------------------------------------------------------------ 18. Q: Can I run while using the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: Yes. It was designed especially for the extreme exertion of escape and the heavy and rapid breathing needed to go the distance until reaching a safe location. Besides supplying the large amount of filtered air, it is comfortable and does not cause the excessive overheating common to hoods and hooded masks. ------------------------------------------------------------ 19. Q: What about the elderly or others with me who might have trouble putting on their POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask? A: Experts advise that you must put on your own mask first before helping anyone else put on their masks, even though this might go against your instincts. ------------------------------------------------------------ 20. Q: What is the proper way to remove the POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask from the face? A: First release the adjustment straps. Then place the fingertips of one hand under the chin and simply lift the mask up and over the head in a single motion, so that it falls freely behind you. If you suspect a removed mask is contaminated, leave it behind; do not carry it with you. ------------------------------------------------------------ 21. Q: Can I remove my POTOMAC Emergency Escape Mask to eat or drink? A: No. Wait until you are safely away from the emergency site before removing the mask for any reason. |
