Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Unit 3.4 Decontamination (Core)

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Objectives q Identify appropriate level of protection q Identify what objects become contaminated q Identify various methods of decontamination q Describe emergency decontamination q Identify appropriate methods for dealing with contaminated patients Unit 3.4  2

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Objectives (cont.) q Demonstrate emergency decontamination q Perform technical decontamination Unit 3.4  3

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Types of Contamination q Direct contamination q Contact with product or vapors q Cross contamination q Contact with a contaminated object Unit 3.4  4

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Assessment of Contamination q Proper training q Proper protection q Physical and chemical properties q Is it needed q Type required Unit 3.4  5

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Decontamination Methods q Dry  Brushing, removing, vacuuming q Does not involve liquids q Usually the first step of decon process q Important if chemical is water reactive q Wet decontamination  Flushing, dilution q Commonly uses water Dilution or physical removal by flushing Unit 3.4  6

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Decontamination Methods (cont.) q If material is not water soluble Then surfactant must be used Laundry detergent is common Unit 3.4  7

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Gross Decontamination q Occurs at edge of hot zone q Leaves bulk of contamination in hot zone q Combination of methods q Hands off process q Advantages: q Minimizes the risk through the rest of process q Lowers possibility of exposure to vapors Unit 3.4  8

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Secondary Decontamination q Occurs after gross, in warm zone q Systematic head to toe removal q Methods: Usually wash followed by rinse and removal of PPE q Hands-off until wash and rinse is done q Process will vary Unit 3.4  9

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Tertiary Decontamination q Fine removal of remaining contaminants q Usually performed at hospital q Includes  Hygiene showers, skin debridement, dialysis, surgical interventions Unit 3.4  10

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Emergency Decontamination q Rapid removal of contaminants q Advantages q Requires minimal special equipment q Performed by operations level responders q Enables rapid medical treatment q Minimizes risk down stream Unit 3.4  11

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Emergency Decontamination q Equipment q Hydrant gate valve q 200’ 2 1/2” hose q 50’ 1 1/2” hose q Gated wye q 1 1/2” nozzle q Cribbing q Salvage cover or plastic sheeting q Set up wind hill Unit 3.4  12

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Decontamination Steps strip flush wrap Unit 3.4  13

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Technical Decontamination q A thorough step by step process used to remove contaminates from responders or victims in a non-urgent manor. q More thorough removal of contamination q Methods will vary with chemical q Technician level assistance is required Unit 3.4  14

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Mass Decontamination q Rapid flush of large number of victims q Methods  Single engine or multiple engine q Considerations q Scene control q Use of hand lines and deck guns q Hands-off operation Unit 3.4  15

Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training Program Summary q Types of decontamination q Methods of decontamination q Stages of decontamination Unit 3.4  16