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In 1998, as part of the management plan for the purchase of the Royal Navy (RN) Upholder Class Submarines (subsequently designated Victoria class), initiatives for submarine air quality were identified. This air quality study is a continuation of this plan; with the objective to obtain information to assist in confirming the status of the submarines and what future air quality management was necessary. This trial thus represents a baseline habitability evaluation of Canada's Victoria class submarines to confirm compliance with the current maximum permissible contaminant limits stipulated in the Air Purification Standard, BR 1326, and how that can best be achieved. To achieve this aim the study monitored the effects of: air purification capabilities (management of Oxygen (O2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2)); routine housekeeping procedures (cleaning and cooking); lifestyle effects (smoking); system effects (engine, compressor and motor); and the effectiveness of snorting, the resulting air exchange and the reliability of monitoring instruments. Monitoring the atmospheric conditions has shown that under normal routine operational conditions, following standard operating practices and procedures, all contaminants found in the atmosphere were within limits set in BR 1326. However, when there are unexpected contributions of contaminants, such as the intake of engine backfire emissions, combustible by-products and key aromatics (i.e., Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) remain within limits, but the total allowable organics limit is exceeded (40 mg/m3)., The original document contains color images. Text in English, abstracts in French and English.

Prior to the Canadian Navy's move to the new Victoria class submarine (former RN Upholders), DCIEM was tasked to re-examine the air quality on an Oberon class submarine to determine if the atmosphere complied with Air Purification Standard BR 1326. The objective of the study was to obtain information to assist in developing plans for future submarine air quality management. Since the information would be directly applicable and transferable to the Victoria submarines, the conduct of a trial on an Oberon was warranted. This trial represents a baseline evaluation of submarine air quality under patrol conditions. Over a 24-hour period, the functional and detection capabilities of analytical instruments for monitoring the atmosphere were assessed and a fingerprint' of the contaminants onboard was obtained. A profile of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) accumulation and Oxygen (O2) consumption was determined and the effectiveness of air purification (CO2 scrubbing; O2 generation; and, snorting) was assessed. In addition, Carbon Monoxide (CO) was monitored and Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) was measured in representative smokers and nonsmokers. Ammonia (NH4), Ozone (O3), and Nitrous compounds (NO(x) were measured to assess, respectively, whether the sanitary systems, electrical systems, and engine exhaust gases posed any problems. Hydrogen (H2), Arsine, and Stilbene were monitored to assess any potential hazard from charging the batteries. To assess the health hazard potential of aerosolized particles derived from cooking, smoking, and diesel fuel & exhaust gases, concentrations of respirable airborne particulates were measured. All contaminants covered by BR 1326 were found to be within allowable limits. Respirable particulates are not covered by BR 1326, or by any other Military Standard, and the data were interpreted by applying the Threshold Limit Value/Time Weighted Average (TLV/TWA) civilian occupational health guidelines., Summary in French and English.

Indoor Firing Ranges (IFR) within DND are typically used by Canadian Forces (CF) personnel, Cadets, RCMP, and civilian organizations for firing small bore weapons in support of both operational/ occupational and recreational requirements. As indoor ranges are an enclosed space, control measures must be in place to ensure that contaminants generated during weapons' firing are kept within acceptable exposure limits. The contaminant of most concern when firing a weapon in an enclosed space is lead. During firing lead from the round is physically chaffed off as the round passes down the barrel and further lead is released as the round strikes the backstop. All of this contributes to the presence of airborne lead and exposure to a contaminant which can cause a major respiratory health concern. Thus, it is important to ensure that lead exposures are kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) through the consistent, thorough evaluation of all aspects of an IFR. Assessment of the potential lead exposure, within an IFR, requires an evaluation of the current cleaning procedures, sanitation practices of users, assessment of IFR ventilation, air monitoring of lead concentrations, and monitoring of blood lead levels of personnel when required. Due to the potential health implications it is essential that inspections of FR be complete. Thus, this guideline has been written with the intention of providing a comprehensive "step by step" methodology for evaluating IFR's within DND. It is intended for use by Preventive Medicine Technician's (PMed Techs) who are aware and comfortable with the principles and practices of Industrial Hygiene: specifically those trained in the use and handling of air sampling pumps; velometers; calibrators; and, the general concepts of conducting an Indoor Firing Range survey.