Chapter 9 Technical Decontamination Objectives:
Description: Chapter 9 Technical Decontamination Objectives: Operations Level: Mission Specific Identify and describe the types of decontamination. Describe the purpose of technical decontamination. Describe the methods of technical decontamination.
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slide1. Chapter 9 Technical Decontamination<br>
slide2. Objectives: Operations Level: Mission Specific Identify and describe the types of decontamination.
Describe the purpose of technical decontamination.
Describe the methods of technical decontamination.
Describe the process of technical decontamination.<br>
slide3. Introduction (1 of 4) This chapter addresses competencies and job performance requirements found in:
NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents
NFPA 1072, Standards for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications<br>
slide4. Introduction (2 of 4) Contamination
Process of transferring a hazardous material from its source to people, animals, environment, or equipment, which can act as a carrier
Decontamination
Physical and/or chemical process of reducing and preventing the spread and effects of contaminants<br>
slide5. Introduction (3 of 4) Contamination must be removed efficiently in a systematic fashion.
Decontamination
Process-driven activity driven by nature of contaminant<br>
slide6. Introduction (4 of 4) Three categories of decontamination:
Emergency decontamination
Mass decontamination
Technical decontamination<br>
slide7. Types of Decontamination (1 of 6) Emergency decontamination
Used for potentially life-threatening situations
Rapidly removes contaminant from person
Less “formal” than technical decontamination
Goal is to:
Reduce effect of exposure
Get victim clean enough for medical care
Victims often must remove clothing.<br>
slide8. Types of Decontamination (2 of 6) Mass decontamination
Method of performing emergency decontamination on large number of people
Can take place anywhere
Goal is to remove contaminants quickly to reduce impact of exposure.<br>
slide9. Types of Decontamination (3 of 6) Technical decontamination
Goal is to reduce or eliminate contamination from responder PPE prior to removing it.
Often a water-based process
Uses scrub brushes, catch basin, and cleaning solution
Can be conducted in many ways
Intended only for ambulatory victims<br>
slide10. Types of Decontamination (4 of 6) Gross decontamination
Takes place within controlled decontamination corridor
Involves prewash before technical decontamination Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide11. Types of Decontamination (5 of 6) Decontamination process must be flexible and creative in some cases.
May be necessary to decontaminate:
Law enforcement and canines after a mission
A criminal subject, secured firearms, or other specialized equipment
Evidence or sample taken at the scene<br>
slide12. Types of Decontamination (6 of 6) Chain of custody
Maintain when decontaminating evidence
Must document:
Identity of personnel
who handled evidence
Date and time evidence
was handled/transferred
Reason for doing so Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide13. Technical Decontamination (1 of 4) NFPA 1072 definition of contamination:
Planned and systematic process of reducing contamination to as low a level as reasonably achievable<br>
slide14. Technical Decontamination (2 of 4) May involve several stations or steps
Commonly done on ambulatory responders not in need of emergency decontamination<br>
slide15. Technical Decontamination (3 of 4) Multiple personnel (decontamination team) use brushes to scrub and wash person or object.
May involve water or special cleaning solution
Takes place in warm zone within decontamination corridor<br>
slide16. Technical Decontamination (4 of 4) Typical positions:
Washer/rinser
Positioned next to catch basins
Bagger
Positioned at end of decontamination line
Greeter
Positioned at junction of hot zone and decontamination corridor<br>
slide17. Technical Decontamination Corridor © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide18. Dry Decontamination Removing all PPE and placing it into bags for disposal
May be necessary to lightly brush off visible decontamination
Next-generation dry wipe:
Encapsulates hazardous material
Is disposed of
Process similar to wet decontamination<br>
slide19. Methods of Technical Decontamination (1 of 3) Some hazardous materials have chemical properties necessitating different methods of decontamination.
Circumstances may require responders use an alternate to water for decontamination.<br>
slide20. Methods of Technical Decontamination (2 of 3) Physical techniques
Absorption
Adsorption
Vacuuming
Washing<br>
slide21. Methods of Technical Decontamination (3 of 3) Chemical degradation
Dilution
Disinfection
Evaporation
Neutralization
Solidification
Sterilization
Isolation and disposal<br>
slide22. Physical Techniques Actual removal of contaminant particles from the surfaces of responders and equipment
Decisions about which techniques to use are based on available equipment.<br>
slide23. Absorption (1 of 2) Spongy material is mixed with liquid hazardous material.
Used for decontaminating equipment and property © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide24. Absorption (2 of 2) Material becomes hazardous once in contact with contaminant.
Must be disposed of properly © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide25. Adsorption Contaminant adheres to surface of added material rather than combining as with absorption.
Sand can be used to adsorb motor oil. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide26. Vacuuming Removal of dust, particles, and some liquids by sucking them up into container
Filtering system prevents material from recirculating and reentering atmosphere.
HEPA vacuum cleaner
Removes hazardous dusts, powders, or fibers 0.3 micron or larger
Must replace filters regularly<br>
slide27. Washing Removes oily substances and solvents from responder PPE, tools, and equipment
Process:
Use soap and water.
Scrub with brush or sponge.
Rinse with water.
Repeat wash-rinse cycle as necessary.<br>
slide28. Chemical Degradation Occurs when natural or artificial process causes breakdown of chemical substance
Example: letting contaminated soil sit in sun for long periods
Applying heat promotes chemical degradation in some materials.
Consult experts when considering chemical degradation.<br>
slide29. Dilution Uses plain water to fully rinse contaminated person or object to weaken concentration of hazard
Fast and economical
Consider, will contaminant react adversely or generate unwanted by-product?
More water used = more hazardous waste generated<br>
slide30. Disinfection Destroys disease-carrying microorganisms, excluding spores
Commercial disinfectants
Packaged with brochure that describes product’s limitations and capabilities
Disinfection of biological hazards
Specialized form of decontamination
Requires advice of knowledgeable expert<br>
slide31. Evaporation Natural form of chemical degradation
Safe, noninvasive way to allow chemical substance to stabilize without intervention
Decision to use evaporation must be well thought-out.<br>
slide32. Neutralization Used when corrosivity of acid or base needs to be reduced
Weak base neutralizes strong acid
Weak acid neutralizes strong base
Not used for skin decontamination
Generates heat
Requires good working knowledge of chemistry<br>
slide33. Solidification Causes hazardous liquid to become solid
Substance becomes easier to handle, but chemical properties remain the same.
Commercial products available
Mostly cement-based<br>
slide34. Sterilization (1 of 2) Used for biological agents
May involve use of heat, chemical means, or radiation
Kills microorganisms, including spores<br>
slide35. Sterilization (2 of 2) Not intended for responders
Primarily used for:
Environmental decontamination
Tools and equipment<br>
slide36. Isolation and Disposal (1 of 2) Two-step process for items that cannot be completely decontaminated
Contaminated items are:
Removed and isolated in designated area
Placed into suitable container for transport to approved facility<br>
slide37. Isolation and Disposal (2 of 2) Consider legal ramifications, costs, and responsibility for decision.
Removed items may be used as evidence.<br>
slide38. The Technical Decontamination Process (1 of 6) Should occur in predesignated decontamination corridor in warm zone
Corridor is set up
and staffed prior to
entry team making
access and going to
work in hot zone. Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide39. The Technical Decontamination Process (2 of 6) Warm zone becomes “warm” upon commencement of decontamination process.
Corridor is considered cold prior to contaminated responders passing through.<br>
slide40. The Technical Decontamination Process (3 of 6) Decontamination corridor entry and exit points should be:
Clearly marked
Easily seen
Readily accessible<br>
slide41. The Technical Decontamination Process (4 of 6) Decontamination area should be well lit if operation occurs at night.
Level of PPE should be no less than one level below what entry team is wearing.<br>
slide42. The Technical Decontamination Process (5 of 6) Decontamination corridor stations may include:
Collection basins
Portable sprayers
Sponges
Buckets
Long-handled scrub brushes
Tarps<br>
slide43. The Technical Decontamination Process (6 of 6) Technical decontamination process should be:
Clearly laid out
Easily understood by those being decontaminated<br>
slide44. Performing Technical Decontamination (1 of 9) Process starts before entry team enters hot zone.
Pre-entry briefing should cover:
Location of decontamination corridor
Process to be used
How decontamination team will communicate
Notify decontamination team that responders are en route.<br>
slide45. Performing Technical Decontamination (2 of 9) Decide which responder begins process first.
More grossly contaminated responder goes first if both have an adequate air supply.
If one responder has less air, he or she goes first.<br>
slide46. Performing Technical Decontamination (3 of 9) Responders should
place contaminated
hand tools or other
equipment in tool drop
area near entrance of
corridor.
Samples or evidence should be handed over to decontamination team. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide47. Performing Technical Decontamination (4 of 9) Entry team proceeds to gross decontamination if required.
Portable shower using
low-pressure,
high-volume waterflow
may complete this step.
Boot wash station may
be incorporated. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide48. Performing Technical Decontamination (5 of 9) Technical decontamination involves one to three wash-and-rinse stations.
One contaminated responder is allowed in wash-and-rinse station at a time.
Scrubber should pay special attention to:
Gloves
Crevices in PPE
Boot soles
Rinse from top of head downward.<br>
slide49. Performing Technical Decontamination (6 of 9) After protective equipment is scrubbed and rinsed, it can be removed from responder.
Leave SCBA face piece, air-purifying respirators, or PAPR face piece in place as long as possible.
Roll PPE or fold back so contaminated side contacts only itself.
Remove outer chemical gloves.<br>
slide50. Performing Technical Decontamination (7 of 9) Responder proceeds to cold zone end of corridor.
Helmets, face pieces, and other ancillary equipment are removed and placed in separate area or plastic bag.
Inner gloves are removed and discarded.<br>
slide51. Performing Technical Decontamination (8 of 9) Responder exits decontamination area and enters cold zone for shower and fresh clothes.
Proceeds to medical station for evaluation<br>
slide52. Performing Technical Decontamination (9 of 9) Each decontamination position performs self-decontamination (or uses buddy system).
Members start decontamination process at the point assigned in decontamination line.<br>
slide53. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (1 of 3) Typically done at end of decontamination line
Should be based on nature of contaminant
Check for effectiveness of decontamination using method that offers most accurate results.<br>
slide54. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (2 of 3) Visual inspection is first step.
If contaminant is corrosive, swipe pH paper at various locations to check for corrosive residue.
PID might be used to check for residual organic compounds.<br>
slide55. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (3 of 3) Radiation detectors might be used to check for radiation contamination.
Ultraviolet light may be used to check PPE if hydrocarbon contamination is suspected.<br>
slide56. Reports and Documentation (1 of 2) Person responsible for decontamination corridor should complete required documentation.
Items to record:
Name of all persons processed through decontamination corridor
Information on released substance<br>
slide57. Reports and Documentation (2 of 2) Items to record (cont.):
Potential for health effects of accidental exposure
Actions taken to limit exposure
Detailed description of decontamination activities
Any breaches or failures of PPE noted during decontamination<br>
slide58. Summary (1 of 6) Decontamination is the physical and/or chemical process of reducing and preventing the spread of contaminants from people, animals, the environment, or equipment involved.
Efforts should be matched to the known or anticipated physical and chemical properties of the released substance.<br>
slide59. Summary (2 of 6) Three major categories: emergency decontamination, mass decontamination, and technical decontamination. Gross decontamination takes place within a controlled decontamination corridor and generally consists of a prewash before technical decontamination takes place.<br>
slide60. Summary (3 of 6) Decontamination corridor is a controlled area in the warm zone, for which access is limited to only those persons who have entered the hot zone or who are participating in decontamination.<br>
slide61. Summary (4 of 6) Responders may employ any number of technical decontamination methods. It is up to the responder to match the best decontamination method with the physical and chemical characteristics of the contaminant.<br>
slide62. Summary (5 of 6) PPE removal within the decontamination corridor: remove the PPE from the person, don’t take the person out of the PPE.
After personnel are thoroughly decontaminated and have showered and donned clean clothes, they should proceed to a medical station for evaluation.<br>
slide63. Summary (6 of 6) Use detection techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination.
Document your account of the entire incident.<br>
slide2. Objectives: Operations Level: Mission Specific Identify and describe the types of decontamination.
Describe the purpose of technical decontamination.
Describe the methods of technical decontamination.
Describe the process of technical decontamination.<br>
slide3. Introduction (1 of 4) This chapter addresses competencies and job performance requirements found in:
NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents
NFPA 1072, Standards for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Professional Qualifications<br>
slide4. Introduction (2 of 4) Contamination
Process of transferring a hazardous material from its source to people, animals, environment, or equipment, which can act as a carrier
Decontamination
Physical and/or chemical process of reducing and preventing the spread and effects of contaminants<br>
slide5. Introduction (3 of 4) Contamination must be removed efficiently in a systematic fashion.
Decontamination
Process-driven activity driven by nature of contaminant<br>
slide6. Introduction (4 of 4) Three categories of decontamination:
Emergency decontamination
Mass decontamination
Technical decontamination<br>
slide7. Types of Decontamination (1 of 6) Emergency decontamination
Used for potentially life-threatening situations
Rapidly removes contaminant from person
Less “formal” than technical decontamination
Goal is to:
Reduce effect of exposure
Get victim clean enough for medical care
Victims often must remove clothing.<br>
slide8. Types of Decontamination (2 of 6) Mass decontamination
Method of performing emergency decontamination on large number of people
Can take place anywhere
Goal is to remove contaminants quickly to reduce impact of exposure.<br>
slide9. Types of Decontamination (3 of 6) Technical decontamination
Goal is to reduce or eliminate contamination from responder PPE prior to removing it.
Often a water-based process
Uses scrub brushes, catch basin, and cleaning solution
Can be conducted in many ways
Intended only for ambulatory victims<br>
slide10. Types of Decontamination (4 of 6) Gross decontamination
Takes place within controlled decontamination corridor
Involves prewash before technical decontamination Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide11. Types of Decontamination (5 of 6) Decontamination process must be flexible and creative in some cases.
May be necessary to decontaminate:
Law enforcement and canines after a mission
A criminal subject, secured firearms, or other specialized equipment
Evidence or sample taken at the scene<br>
slide12. Types of Decontamination (6 of 6) Chain of custody
Maintain when decontaminating evidence
Must document:
Identity of personnel
who handled evidence
Date and time evidence
was handled/transferred
Reason for doing so Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide13. Technical Decontamination (1 of 4) NFPA 1072 definition of contamination:
Planned and systematic process of reducing contamination to as low a level as reasonably achievable<br>
slide14. Technical Decontamination (2 of 4) May involve several stations or steps
Commonly done on ambulatory responders not in need of emergency decontamination<br>
slide15. Technical Decontamination (3 of 4) Multiple personnel (decontamination team) use brushes to scrub and wash person or object.
May involve water or special cleaning solution
Takes place in warm zone within decontamination corridor<br>
slide16. Technical Decontamination (4 of 4) Typical positions:
Washer/rinser
Positioned next to catch basins
Bagger
Positioned at end of decontamination line
Greeter
Positioned at junction of hot zone and decontamination corridor<br>
slide17. Technical Decontamination Corridor © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide18. Dry Decontamination Removing all PPE and placing it into bags for disposal
May be necessary to lightly brush off visible decontamination
Next-generation dry wipe:
Encapsulates hazardous material
Is disposed of
Process similar to wet decontamination<br>
slide19. Methods of Technical Decontamination (1 of 3) Some hazardous materials have chemical properties necessitating different methods of decontamination.
Circumstances may require responders use an alternate to water for decontamination.<br>
slide20. Methods of Technical Decontamination (2 of 3) Physical techniques
Absorption
Adsorption
Vacuuming
Washing<br>
slide21. Methods of Technical Decontamination (3 of 3) Chemical degradation
Dilution
Disinfection
Evaporation
Neutralization
Solidification
Sterilization
Isolation and disposal<br>
slide22. Physical Techniques Actual removal of contaminant particles from the surfaces of responders and equipment
Decisions about which techniques to use are based on available equipment.<br>
slide23. Absorption (1 of 2) Spongy material is mixed with liquid hazardous material.
Used for decontaminating equipment and property © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide24. Absorption (2 of 2) Material becomes hazardous once in contact with contaminant.
Must be disposed of properly © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide25. Adsorption Contaminant adheres to surface of added material rather than combining as with absorption.
Sand can be used to adsorb motor oil. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide26. Vacuuming Removal of dust, particles, and some liquids by sucking them up into container
Filtering system prevents material from recirculating and reentering atmosphere.
HEPA vacuum cleaner
Removes hazardous dusts, powders, or fibers 0.3 micron or larger
Must replace filters regularly<br>
slide27. Washing Removes oily substances and solvents from responder PPE, tools, and equipment
Process:
Use soap and water.
Scrub with brush or sponge.
Rinse with water.
Repeat wash-rinse cycle as necessary.<br>
slide28. Chemical Degradation Occurs when natural or artificial process causes breakdown of chemical substance
Example: letting contaminated soil sit in sun for long periods
Applying heat promotes chemical degradation in some materials.
Consult experts when considering chemical degradation.<br>
slide29. Dilution Uses plain water to fully rinse contaminated person or object to weaken concentration of hazard
Fast and economical
Consider, will contaminant react adversely or generate unwanted by-product?
More water used = more hazardous waste generated<br>
slide30. Disinfection Destroys disease-carrying microorganisms, excluding spores
Commercial disinfectants
Packaged with brochure that describes product’s limitations and capabilities
Disinfection of biological hazards
Specialized form of decontamination
Requires advice of knowledgeable expert<br>
slide31. Evaporation Natural form of chemical degradation
Safe, noninvasive way to allow chemical substance to stabilize without intervention
Decision to use evaporation must be well thought-out.<br>
slide32. Neutralization Used when corrosivity of acid or base needs to be reduced
Weak base neutralizes strong acid
Weak acid neutralizes strong base
Not used for skin decontamination
Generates heat
Requires good working knowledge of chemistry<br>
slide33. Solidification Causes hazardous liquid to become solid
Substance becomes easier to handle, but chemical properties remain the same.
Commercial products available
Mostly cement-based<br>
slide34. Sterilization (1 of 2) Used for biological agents
May involve use of heat, chemical means, or radiation
Kills microorganisms, including spores<br>
slide35. Sterilization (2 of 2) Not intended for responders
Primarily used for:
Environmental decontamination
Tools and equipment<br>
slide36. Isolation and Disposal (1 of 2) Two-step process for items that cannot be completely decontaminated
Contaminated items are:
Removed and isolated in designated area
Placed into suitable container for transport to approved facility<br>
slide37. Isolation and Disposal (2 of 2) Consider legal ramifications, costs, and responsibility for decision.
Removed items may be used as evidence.<br>
slide38. The Technical Decontamination Process (1 of 6) Should occur in predesignated decontamination corridor in warm zone
Corridor is set up
and staffed prior to
entry team making
access and going to
work in hot zone. Courtesy of Rob Schnepp<br>
slide39. The Technical Decontamination Process (2 of 6) Warm zone becomes “warm” upon commencement of decontamination process.
Corridor is considered cold prior to contaminated responders passing through.<br>
slide40. The Technical Decontamination Process (3 of 6) Decontamination corridor entry and exit points should be:
Clearly marked
Easily seen
Readily accessible<br>
slide41. The Technical Decontamination Process (4 of 6) Decontamination area should be well lit if operation occurs at night.
Level of PPE should be no less than one level below what entry team is wearing.<br>
slide42. The Technical Decontamination Process (5 of 6) Decontamination corridor stations may include:
Collection basins
Portable sprayers
Sponges
Buckets
Long-handled scrub brushes
Tarps<br>
slide43. The Technical Decontamination Process (6 of 6) Technical decontamination process should be:
Clearly laid out
Easily understood by those being decontaminated<br>
slide44. Performing Technical Decontamination (1 of 9) Process starts before entry team enters hot zone.
Pre-entry briefing should cover:
Location of decontamination corridor
Process to be used
How decontamination team will communicate
Notify decontamination team that responders are en route.<br>
slide45. Performing Technical Decontamination (2 of 9) Decide which responder begins process first.
More grossly contaminated responder goes first if both have an adequate air supply.
If one responder has less air, he or she goes first.<br>
slide46. Performing Technical Decontamination (3 of 9) Responders should
place contaminated
hand tools or other
equipment in tool drop
area near entrance of
corridor.
Samples or evidence should be handed over to decontamination team. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide47. Performing Technical Decontamination (4 of 9) Entry team proceeds to gross decontamination if required.
Portable shower using
low-pressure,
high-volume waterflow
may complete this step.
Boot wash station may
be incorporated. © Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Photographed by Glen E. Ellman.<br>
slide48. Performing Technical Decontamination (5 of 9) Technical decontamination involves one to three wash-and-rinse stations.
One contaminated responder is allowed in wash-and-rinse station at a time.
Scrubber should pay special attention to:
Gloves
Crevices in PPE
Boot soles
Rinse from top of head downward.<br>
slide49. Performing Technical Decontamination (6 of 9) After protective equipment is scrubbed and rinsed, it can be removed from responder.
Leave SCBA face piece, air-purifying respirators, or PAPR face piece in place as long as possible.
Roll PPE or fold back so contaminated side contacts only itself.
Remove outer chemical gloves.<br>
slide50. Performing Technical Decontamination (7 of 9) Responder proceeds to cold zone end of corridor.
Helmets, face pieces, and other ancillary equipment are removed and placed in separate area or plastic bag.
Inner gloves are removed and discarded.<br>
slide51. Performing Technical Decontamination (8 of 9) Responder exits decontamination area and enters cold zone for shower and fresh clothes.
Proceeds to medical station for evaluation<br>
slide52. Performing Technical Decontamination (9 of 9) Each decontamination position performs self-decontamination (or uses buddy system).
Members start decontamination process at the point assigned in decontamination line.<br>
slide53. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (1 of 3) Typically done at end of decontamination line
Should be based on nature of contaminant
Check for effectiveness of decontamination using method that offers most accurate results.<br>
slide54. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (2 of 3) Visual inspection is first step.
If contaminant is corrosive, swipe pH paper at various locations to check for corrosive residue.
PID might be used to check for residual organic compounds.<br>
slide55. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technical Decontamination (3 of 3) Radiation detectors might be used to check for radiation contamination.
Ultraviolet light may be used to check PPE if hydrocarbon contamination is suspected.<br>
slide56. Reports and Documentation (1 of 2) Person responsible for decontamination corridor should complete required documentation.
Items to record:
Name of all persons processed through decontamination corridor
Information on released substance<br>
slide57. Reports and Documentation (2 of 2) Items to record (cont.):
Potential for health effects of accidental exposure
Actions taken to limit exposure
Detailed description of decontamination activities
Any breaches or failures of PPE noted during decontamination<br>
slide58. Summary (1 of 6) Decontamination is the physical and/or chemical process of reducing and preventing the spread of contaminants from people, animals, the environment, or equipment involved.
Efforts should be matched to the known or anticipated physical and chemical properties of the released substance.<br>
slide59. Summary (2 of 6) Three major categories: emergency decontamination, mass decontamination, and technical decontamination. Gross decontamination takes place within a controlled decontamination corridor and generally consists of a prewash before technical decontamination takes place.<br>
slide60. Summary (3 of 6) Decontamination corridor is a controlled area in the warm zone, for which access is limited to only those persons who have entered the hot zone or who are participating in decontamination.<br>
slide61. Summary (4 of 6) Responders may employ any number of technical decontamination methods. It is up to the responder to match the best decontamination method with the physical and chemical characteristics of the contaminant.<br>
slide62. Summary (5 of 6) PPE removal within the decontamination corridor: remove the PPE from the person, don’t take the person out of the PPE.
After personnel are thoroughly decontaminated and have showered and donned clean clothes, they should proceed to a medical station for evaluation.<br>
slide63. Summary (6 of 6) Use detection techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination.
Document your account of the entire incident.<br>