HazMat Operations:Decontamination

contact with a contaminated person or object

the process whereby a spilled or released material physically contacts a person or thing; this is referred to as primary contamination

4. rapid removal of contamination from a person or PPE in order to prevent or minimize health effects due to exposure to a material

the deliberate, systematic, and thorough process for removing contaminants from persons and equipment leaving the hot zone

The two general means of decontamination are physical and chemical.

involve the actual removal of the contaminant physically from the contaminated equipment or person.

Dilution, Absorption, Heat or freezing, Air flow, Disposal, etc.

is the process of chemically altering the contaminant’s identity in order to transform it into a less hazardous material. Chemical reactions can be both difficult and dangerous to control, and it is therefore not recommended for use on living tissue. Great consideration should be given before use on PPE encapsulated personnel.

Adsorption, Neutralization, Solidification, Washing, Disinfection, etc.

· Designate and cordon off a holding area for contaminated personnel immediately
· Direct all contaminated personnel to the area
· Victims should be decontaminated as quickly as possible; modesty, however, should also be considered by the responders.