Hazardous Materials for First Responders 4 th Edition Chapter 9 Decontamination
Learning Objective 1 Define decontamination. 9 1
Decontamination is an essential part of ensuring the safety of emergency responders and the public. Get it off Keep it off Contain it 9 2
Before initiating decontamination, answer these questions. Immediately or can it wait? SAFE? Alternative? Adequate resources? Time limit? Reusable or disposable? Save money or add value? 9 3
REVIEW QUESTION What is decontamination? What questions should be answered before initiating decontamination? 9 4
Learning Objective 2 Identify various decontamination methods. 9 5
Wet decontamination may necessitate collection of runoff water. Courtesy of the U.S. Marines, photo by Warren Peace 9 6
Dry decontamination may include several methods of removing the contaminate. Removing clothing and putting in container Allowing contaminate to evaporate Vacuuming Brushing a surface Scraping material off Using sticky tape to clean or wipe off contamination 9 7
Dry decontamination may use dry materials to remove liquid chemicals by absorption. Courtesy of the U.S. Army, photo by Staff Sgt. Fredrick P. Varney, 133 rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. 9 8
Physical decontamination removes the contaminant without changing the material chemically. Absorption Brushing and scraping Evaporation Washing and vacuuming Adsorption Dilution Isolation and disposal 9 9
Chemical decontamination makes the contaminant less harmful through a chemical process. Bleach to sanitize Solidification Degradation Neutralization Disinfection Sterilization 9 10
REVIEW QUESTION What are the different methods of decontamination? 9 11
Learning Objective 3 Discuss the general guidelines for decon operations. 9 12
Several general guidelines for decon operations exist. Technical decon setup before hot zone entry Emergency/mass decon speed determined by material/type of incident Wear appropriate PPE Avoid contact with haz materials, including victims May be coupled with separation of victims (Continued) 9 13
Several general guidelines for decon operations exist. Assess all victims decon needs from hot zone before moving to cool zone Establish decon points clearly Remove clothing, but no need for complete disrobing every time Decon personnel from hot zone before moving to cool zone Decon emergency responders separately from victims (Continued) 9 14
Several general guidelines for decon operations exist. Establish treatment and triage outside decon Communicate clearly with victims Provide privacy, warm water for washing Preserve and record belongings Provide clean/alternative clothing 9 15
Learning Objective 4 Describe the different types of victims that may receive decontamination. 9 16
The recipients of decontamination will be from a variety of groups. Courtesy of FEMA News Photos, photo by Michael Rieger. 9 17
Triage procedures should be predetermined in local emergency response plans. Courtesy of U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM) 9 18
Decon of ambulatory victims should be conducted within the isolation perimeter. Courtesy of Doug Weeks 9 19
Decon of non-ambulatory victims may have to occur in the hot zone if movement is not possible. Courtesy of Doug Weeks 9 20
Deceased victims must be handled with the utmost level of respect and dignity. Delay until all viable victims are removed Must include decon before transfer Operate with minimal disturbance Agency with jurisdiction Remain untouched Preserve incident scene Large numbers may be beyond local capability May need specialty teams, onscene morgue 9 21
REVIEW QUESTION What are the general guidelines for decontamination operations? Describe the different types of recipients of decontamination. 9 22
Learning Objective 5 Describe emergency decontamination. 9 23
The goal of emergency decon is to remove the contaminant from the victim as quickly as possible. 9 24
Emergency decon is necessary in specific instances. Failure of protective clothing Accidental contamination of first responders Heat illness or other injury Immediate medical attention required 9 25
There are limitations when using emergency decon. Removal may not occur May require more decon later Can harm environment Contamination may happen before responders realize the situation 9 26
DISCUSSION QUESTION What are the advantages and limitations of emergency decon? 9 27
REVIEW QUESTION What is emergency decontamination? When might it be used? 9 28
Learning Objective 6 Perform emergency decontamination. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 9-1. 9 29
Learning Objective 7 Describe technical decontamination. 9 30
Technical decon uses chemical or physical methods to remove contaminants. Courtesy of U.S. Air Force, photo by Chiaki Iramina 9 31
During technical decon there are several steps Operations-Level responders should take. Dress in appropriate PPE Establish water supply Perform physical decon Assist in undressing/ removal of PPE Set up decon corridor Establish perimeters Assist individuals in decon Perform other duties per SOPs 9 32
There are several resources to use for determining technical decon procedures. NIOSH pocket guide Technical experts SDSs ERG Emergency response centers Other Pre-incident plans Poison Control Centers 9 33
Technical decon may be accomplished using several techniques. Absorption Picking up liquid contaminants Adsorption Liquid interacts with surface of sorbent material Must be compatible Brushing and scraping Remove large particles Not sufficient alone (Continued) 9 34
Technical decon may be accomplished using several techniques. Chemical degradation Another material to change chemical structure Dilution Water to flush contaminates Accessibility, speed, economy Evaporation Some evaporate quickly and completely Not generally used (Continued) 9 35
Technical decon may be accomplished using several techniques. Isolation and disposal Isolates contaminated items No decon can mean disposal Neutralization Changing the ph Not on living tissue Sanitization, disinfection, or sterilization Reduces Kills most Kills all (Continued) 9 36
Technical decon may be accomplished using several techniques. Solidification Treats liquid chemically so that it becomes solid Vacuuming HEPA filters to vacuum solids Not a regular vacuum Washing Uses prepared solutions Accessibility, speed, economy 9 37
REVIEW QUESTION What techniques might be used for technical decontamination? 9 38
Technical decon stations may vary depending on the needs of the situation and SOPs. 9 39
Learning Objective 8 Set up and implement a technical decontamination corridor and undergo decontamination. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 9-2. 9 40
Learning Objective 9 Perform technical decontamination on a non-ambulatory victim. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 9-3. 9 41
Learning Objective 10 Discuss mass decontamination. 9 42
Mass decon is initiated when the number of victims and time does not allow other in-depth decon. Courtesy of David Lewis 9 43
Responders can take specific actions to help combat the chaos of the incident. Communicate Clear, short, specific directions Use highly visible methods to mark corridors 9 44
Mass decon can be accomplished through several methods. Washing Isolation Dilution 9 45
Mass decon can be most readily and effectively accomplished with a simple shower system. Dilutes Washes away Water Large volumes of low-pressure Delivered in fog pattern Time Varies Consider Overhead sprinklers Wading in public water 9 46
Clothing removal is recommended and it should be placed in a container for disposal. 9 47 Courtesy of Glen Rudner
Several innovations and products are available to assist in mass decon operations. Portable water heater Forced air heater 9 48
Victim priority takes into consideration both medical needs and decontamination. Courtesy of Doug Weeks 9 49
DISCUSSION QUESTION What are the advantages and limitations of mass decon? 9 50
Learning Objective 11 Perform mass decontamination. This objective is measured in Skill Sheet 9-4. 9 51
Learning Objective 12 Determine the effectiveness of decontamination operations. 9 52
The effectiveness of decon operations must be evaluated, this can be through several methods. Victims Tools and equipment Courtesy of New South Wales Fire Brigades 9 53 Large numbers checked briefly Checked as they exit decon corridor If contamination is detected, redirect to decon Victims still complaining of effects Stored in decon until emergency ops over Checked for contamination Includes apparatus
DISCUSSION QUESTION What should be done if the effectiveness of decon is called into question? 9 54
Learning Objective 13 Explain how to implement decontamination. 9 55
Decon implementation includes several important factors. Appropriate site Number of stations and setup of corridor Method for collecting evidence Appropriate termination procedures 9 56
REVIEW QUESTION What factors should be considered when choosing a decontamination site? 9 57
Site selection is influenced by several factors. Wind direction Weather Accessibility Terrain and surface material Lighting/ electricity Drains and waterways Water supply 9 58
The decon corridor layout should be established before performing any work in the hot zone. Ensure privacy Tents or trailers allow more Bag and tag clothing/ effects Items in bags labeled with name Use female responders whenever possible for women victims Items may need decon before return Contaminated clothing should remain in warm zone on dirty side of decon line (Continued) 9 59
DISCUSSION QUESTION How can you ensure privacy at a decon corridor? 9 60
The decon corridor layout should be established before performing any work in the hot zone. Identified With barrier tape, safety cones, or other visuals May require Containment basins Recovery drums 9 61
Decon operations can present other considerations as well. Law enforcement and military personnel Animals Criminal suspects Courtesy of FEMA News Photos, photo by Jocelyn Augustino 9 62
Decon can be difficult to execute in freezing weather and can require special considerations. Wet or dry methods? Wind chill? Shelter for victims? Decon indoors? Victim transport? How can icy conditions be managed? 9 63
REVIEW QUESTION How does cold weather decontamination differ from normal weather decon? 9 64
Decon of evidence must be performed under direction of law enforcement. 9 65
After decon termination a debriefing will be held for those involved. Return Personal items Provide Info about delayed health effects May require Reports Technical documentation 9 66
Decon debriefing may include exposure records which contain specific information. Activities performed Product involved Reason for being there Symptoms experienced Hazards associated with product Equipment failures or malfunctions Monitoring levels in use Circumstances of exposure Other pertinent info 9 67
DISCUSSION QUESTION Who needs copies of exposure records for future reference? 9 68
An activity log should be maintained during the incident or put together afterward. Chronology of events Activities during event Activities during decon procedure 9 69
Summary Contamination is a concern at hazardous materials incidents. Exposure can occur and cause harm. Decontamination is conducted to prevent the spread of contaminants. 9 70