GasRam™ for the SWAT Operator
Exam Answers
1. 73psi - The Fike burst disc is designed to rupture at 73psi. That pressure is far below the rupture parameters of the GasRam™ body. If the GasRam™ body is pitted from corrosion the rupture pressure changes and should be checked before use. (Back to the exam)
2. 6 months - The GasRam should be checked at a minimum every six months while in storage. When checked a new coating of protective oil should be applied. (Back to the exam)
3. True - You can simply remove the end cap, attach a new canister, reinsert into the in place GasRam and ignite the fuse. If you have a second end cap you can remove one and replace with the second cap to expend a second canister without removing the ram. (Back to the exam)
4. All of the Above - There are five parts to a GasRam™. The body, the probes, the cap, handles and the pressure relief valve. (Back to the exam)
5. Authorization from the chief and/or the Sheriff - Although an authorization from your chain of command may be needed before you use the GasRam™ it is not a "safety" concern. You should always wear eye protection and hand protection. An APR is suggested for eye protection which it will also protect you from the chemicals. Hand protection should be heavier gloves than nomex if you are going to handle a GasRam that is hot. Be sure you only use the recommended canisters. Using an explosive canister could lead to a catastrophic failure of the GasRam™. (Back to the exam)
6. Spear probe - There is no attachment to the GasRam™ called a spear probe. The three probes are 12" probe, 24" probe and the door ram. (Back to the exam)
7. Hand tight - When putting the Fike valve back together the top should only be screwed in hand tight to the fike valve body. To much pressure may rupture the Fike disc and make your GasRam™ inoperable. (Back to the exam)
8. Hand and eye protection - Hand and eye protection should be worn when handling the GasRam™. If it is a hot ram, gas has just been deployed, your nomex gloves will not protect you from the heat generated by the burning canister. Your APR is the best eye protection because it will also protect you from any airborne non-lethal particulates. (Back to the exam)
9. Obstructions - Prior to using the GasRam™, always check the interior of the ram and the probes for obstructions. If found clean the obstructions out. (Back to the exam)
10. Pyrotechnic - ONLY pyrotechnic canister can be used in the GasRam. Any other canisters used in the GasRam™ may lead to serious injury or death. Military smoke grenades should not be used. They build up pressure rapidly and may cause your Fike rupture disc to fail releasing the smoke on the outside of the structure. (Back to the exam)
11. False - Your GasRam™ should be loaded a safe distance from the CP and in a position of cover from your threat. The GasRam™ will probably have a residual odor of agent and if you have an accidental discharge of a canister you don't want to drive your CP out of position. (Back to the exam)
12. False - The GasRam™ should be stored empty in a dry place protected from the weather. It should have a coating of gun oil applied while it is in storage to impede the forming of corrosion. (Back to the exam)
13. False - The canister in a GasRam™ can be discharged using a parachute cord tied to the safety pin. The safety pin can the be removed from inside the armored car by pulling on the parachute cord. (Back to the exam)
14. Leave the end cap loose enough for some discharge - Leaving the end cap loose will allow for some agent to escape so you see that the canister is working and discharging it contents. You will need to practice to see how loose to keep you Ram. each ram is a little different in threads. As a rule of thumb tighten the end cap hand tight and back off a quarter turn. (Back to the exam)
15. True - When inserting the GasRam™ try and avoid gas lines and electric lines. If you penetrate a gas line you may start a fire when the canister in the GasRam™ ignites. (Back to the exam)
