Florida Operations Level Hazardous Materials Training

Unit 3.4Decontamination (Core)

Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Objectives Identify appropriate level of protection Identify what objects become contaminated Identify various methods of

decontamination Describe emergency decontamination Identify appropriate methods for dealing

with contaminated patients

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Objectives (cont.)

Demonstrate emergency decontamination Perform technical decontamination

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Types of Contamination

Direct contaminationContact with product or vapors

Cross contaminationContact with a contaminated object

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Assessment of Contamination

Proper training Proper protection Physical and chemical properties

Is it neededType required

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Decontamination Methods

Dry Brushing, removing, vacuumingDoes not involve liquidsUsually the first step of decon process Important if chemical is water reactive

Wet decontamination Flushing, dilutionCommonly uses water

Dilution or physical removal by flushing

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Decontamination Methods (cont.)

If material is not water solubleThen surfactant must be usedLaundry detergent is common

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Gross Decontamination

Occurs at edge of hot zone Leaves bulk of contamination in hot zone Combination of methods Hands off process Advantages:

Minimizes the risk through the rest of processLowers possibility of exposure to vapors

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Secondary Decontamination

Occurs after gross, in warm zone Systematic head to toe removal Methods: Usually wash followed by rinse

and removal of PPE Hands-off until wash and rinse is done Process will vary

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Tertiary Decontamination

Fine removal of remaining contaminants Usually performed at hospital Includes Hygiene showers, skin

debridement, dialysis, surgical interventions

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Emergency Decontamination

Rapid removal of contaminants Advantages

Requires minimal special equipmentPerformed by operations level respondersEnables rapid medical treatmentMinimizes risk down stream

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Emergency Decontamination

Equipment Hydrant gate valve 200’ 2 1/2” hose 50’ 1 1/2” hose Gated wye 1 1/2” nozzle Cribbing Salvage cover or

plastic sheeting

Set up

wind hill

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Decontamination Steps

strip

flush

wrap

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Technical Decontamination

A thorough step by step process used to remove contaminates from responders or victims in a non-urgent manor.More thorough removal of contaminationMethods will vary with chemicalTechnician level assistance is required

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Mass Decontamination

Rapid flush of large number of victims Methods Single engine or multiple

engine Considerations

Scene controlUse of hand lines and deck gunsHands-off operation

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Florida Operations LevelHazardous Materials Training Program

Summary

Types of decontamination Methods of decontamination Stages of decontamination

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