Decon Flashcards
Used at 10:1 or 5:1 for bio
Bleach
Bleach contact times
1 min for surface disenfection
20 min for bio
Power cleaner
Contains trisodium phosphate
Tide
Contains ethanol and sulfuric acid
Dawn
Helps break substances down into smaller particles to assist in removal/decon
Emulsifier
3 part solition
Can be used in spray packs
dahlgreen
All purpose cleaner
Powder form
Spic and span
What are five commonly referenced hazmat decontamination agents?
Spic and Span, Dawn, Tide, Bleach, and Dahlgren
These agents are used to remove or neutralize hazardous materials.
What type of contaminants is Spic and Span primarily effective against?
Particulate and greasy contaminants
It is used to lift and emulsify soils.
What is the chemical base of Spic and Span?
Sodium carbonate
It is a non-ionic detergent solution.
What is a recommended usage procedure for Spic and Span in decontamination?
Dilute per manufacturer instructions and apply with brushes, mops, or sprayers
Scrub from top to bottom, then rinse with water.
What are the limitations of using Spic and Span?
Does not chemically neutralize hazardous chemicals or kill all pathogens
It is mainly a cleanser and has poor efficacy against some pesticides.
What precautions should be taken when using Spic and Span?
Wear gloves and eye protection; avoid skin contact
It is mildly caustic and can irritate skin/eyes.
What is Dawn primarily effective against?
Petroleum-based contaminants
It emulsifies oil and is used to clean wildlife after oil spills.
What is the recommended dilution for Dawn in emergency decontamination?
0.5%–5% soap solution in water
A few drops per liter to a few tablespoons per gallon.
What are the limitations of using Dawn?
Does not neutralize chemicals or reliably kill microorganisms
It only helps remove them.
What precautions should be taken when using Dawn?
Avoid antibacterial versions; rinse thoroughly
Cold water diminishes its cleaning power.
What is Tide effective against?
Organic stains and soils from fabric
It is known for effective physical removal of contaminants.
What is a common usage of Tide in decontamination?
Used in equipment and PPE decontamination
It can be mixed into buckets of warm water for washing.
What are the limitations of Tide?
Not a disinfectant or chemical neutralizer
Leaves surviving bacteria/chemicals intact.
What is bleach primarily effective against?
A wide range of biological agents and chemical warfare agents
It is a powerful oxidizing agent and broad-spectrum disinfectant.
What is the recommended dilution of bleach for decontamination of anthrax?
About a 1:9 dilution yielding ~0.5% hypochlorite
Applied for 60 minutes to inactivate spores.
What is a key precaution when using bleach?
Use in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear
Avoid mixing with ammonia or other cleaners.
Fill in the blank: Spic and Span is mainly a _______.
cleanser
It does not neutralize hazardous chemicals.
True or False: Dawn is effective for radiological decontamination.
True
It can remove radioactive dust from skin or surfaces.
Fill in the blank: Tide is often used as a _______ for decontaminating gear and clothing.
pre-wash
It excels at removing gross contamination.
What is the primary use of bleach in decontamination?
Bleach is typically used in diluted form for decontamination, particularly against biological hazards and certain chemical agents.
What are the common dilutions of bleach used for decontamination?
- 0.5% (1:10 household bleach) for skin or delicate surfaces
- 5% (undiluted household bleach or 1:1 dilution) for equipment and environmental surfaces
What is the recommended contact time for bleach during decontamination?
At least 10–30 minutes for chemical neutralization or disinfection, if time permits.
What are the limitations of using bleach for decontamination?
- Corrosiveness and toxicity
- Can damage metals, fabrics, and electronics
- Produces chlorine gas if mixed with acids or ammonia
- Efficacy varies against different chemicals
- Loses potency over time and with exposure to light/heat
What is Dahlgren Decon?
A purpose-built decontamination solution developed by the U.S. Navy designed to neutralize both chemical and biological threats.
What components are in Dahlgren Decon?
- Quaternary ammonium surfactant
- Hydrogen peroxide (about 3%)
- Organic solvent/activator (diacetin)
What is the effectiveness of Dahlgren Decon against biological threats?
Achieved 99.99% inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virus in one minute and complete inactivation of Bacillus anthracis surrogate spores in 5 minutes.
What is the recommended usage for Dahlgren Decon?
Apply via a sprayer or foam applicator onto contaminated surfaces, gear, or vehicles, with a recommended contact time of 2 to 10 minutes.
What are the main limitations of Dahlgren Decon?
- Logistical and cost-related
- Requires training for use
- Limited window of effectiveness (8–12 hours once mixed)
- Components can be irritants
What is the best practice for using Dahlgren Decon?
Use for high-end threats or broad unknown hazards, especially for chemical warfare agents and biological decontamination.
What should be done for immediate life-saving decontamination of a person exposed to a chemical?
Use copious water and a mild soap (e.g., Dawn) as the first-line method.
What is the effectiveness of bleach against biological hazards?
A 0.5% hypochlorite solution can achieve high-level disinfection with enough wet contact time.
What is the recommended procedure for biological decontamination on surfaces or equipment?
Remove organic material with detergent, then apply a disinfectant like bleach or Dahlgren.
What is the strategy for dealing with radiological hazards?
The strategy is purely to remove radioactive materials, as they cannot be neutralized by chemicals.
Fill in the blank: Dahlgren Decon is considered ‘the most effective and fastest reacting _______ on the market.’
[decontaminant]
True or False: Bleach can effectively neutralize radioactive contamination.
False
What should be done after using bleach for decontamination to avoid corrosion?
Always rinse and clean equipment thoroughly after bleach decon.
What is the ideal choice for rapidly neutralizing deadly toxins like ricin or fentanyl?
Dahlgren Decon is ideal for rapidly neutralizing these chemicals.
What should be done with bleach runoff?
Proper disposal is required, as bleach runoff is considered a biohazard waste.
What is the main advantage of using Dahlgren over bleach?
Dahlgren is less damaging to equipment while still effectively killing pathogens.
What is the recommended duration for keeping surfaces wet with bleach solution during decontamination?
10+ minutes
What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn during decontamination of biological hazards?
Appropriate PPE
How should radioactive materials on people or objects be managed?
Remove and contain
What is the gold standard for radiological decontamination of skin?
Gentle washing with soap and water
What type of soap is recommended for flushing away radioactive dust?
Used in radiation industry
Spic and span
What is the recommended approach when washing contaminated skin?
Work from the least contaminated area toward the most contaminated
What should be avoided to prevent spreading radiological particles during decontamination?
Scrubbing too hard
What detergent solutions are effective for cleaning surfaces and equipment of radioactive particles?
Strong detergent solutions (e.g., Tide or Spic and Span)
Is bleach effective for radiological decontamination?
No
What should be used to survey individuals/equipment after decontamination?
Meters and papers
What should responders avoid using on hair/skin during radiological decontamination?
Conditioners or lotions
What is the best type of soap for petroleum-based hazards like oil spills?
High-surfactant detergents (e.g., Dawn)
What is the primary reason for using Dawn soap on wildlife during oil spills?
It effectively breaks up oil while being gentle
What is the recommended method for cleaning equipment or large areas with oil?
Use stronger solutions of Spic and Span or Tide
Is bleach effective on hydrocarbons?
No
When should Dahlgren Decon be used?
CWA, TIC, toxic, viral
What should be contained during oil cleanup to prevent spreading contamination?
Rinse water
What has been proven effective in cleaning wildlife and equipment during disasters like Deepwater Horizon?
Diluted Dawn
What is the structured approach to decontamination?
Gross removal → chemical neutralization → rinse
What do EPA and CDC guidelines endorse for biological decontamination?
Bleach solutions
What is a significant strength of soap and water in decontamination?
Effectively removes contaminants
What is the primary takeaway regarding decontamination methods?
No single solution is perfect for all hazards
What is the purpose of a mass decontamination setup?
To enable rapid processing of large groups of contaminated people in an emergency.
What are the three zones in a decon corridor?
- Hot
- Warm
- Cold
What is the ideal water temperature for decontamination?
Above ~77 °F.
What should victims do before entering the showers?
Remove all clothing and jewelry (down to undergarments).
What type of soap should be used for general contaminants?
A mild detergent like Spic and Span or Dawn dish soap.
Fill in the blank: For oily chemical agents, use _______ to help remove toxins.
[soap]
What solution can be used for disinfection after a soap-and-water wash?
A bleach solution (approximately 0.5% hypochlorite).
True or False: Dahlgren Decon is effective for neutralizing chemical warfare agents.
True.
What should be done with collected clothing and personal items?
Treat as contaminated waste and place into polyethylene bags or drums.
What is the role of sump pumps in the decontamination process?
To continuously transfer contaminated runoff to the main containment tank or blivets.
What is a key consideration for non-ambulatory victims during decontamination?
Use Hazmat Sked stretchers or Raven bi-fold stretchers for retrieval and transport.
What should responders do when cleaning a non-ambulatory victim’s back?
Log-roll the patient gently to one side to clean their back.
What is the purpose of using a decon bench or platform during non-ambulatory decontamination?
To support a stretcher at waist height for easier access.
What is crucial to prevent during rinsing of non-ambulatory victims?
Avoid getting water into the patient’s airway.
What should be done if a victim shows signs of contamination after decontamination?
Direct them to go through a secondary decon cycle or a special cleaning station.
What materials should be used for collecting debris during decontamination?
- Heavy-duty drum liners
- 55-gallon drums
What is a common technique to maximize throughput in mass decontamination?
Use a two-line or three-line system.
What should be done in cold weather to prevent hypothermia during decontamination?
Use warmed water heaters and keep victims covered until just before they rinse.
What is the purpose of technical decontamination?
To thoroughly clean emergency responders, their PPE, and equipment after exposure to hazardous substances.
What type of protective gear should responders wear during technical decontamination?
One level lower PPE than the entry team, or as appropriate.
What is the first step in the technical decontamination workflow?
Initial Rinse (Gross Decon).
Fill in the blank: For dry contaminants, a gentle water mist or wiping with _______ can prevent kicking up dust.
[wet rags]
What should responders focus on while scrubbing during technical decontamination?
Areas likely to harbor contamination: around seals, gloves, boots, and creases.
What is the purpose of the two-person decon team?
One member handles removal of the other’s gear.
What should be done with contaminated water and solids after mass decontamination?
Treat as hazardous waste and dispose of properly.
What is the first step in the decontamination process?
Flush the area being scrubbed with water from a hose or sprayer to carry away contaminants into the basin.
What should be done after scrubbing the suit?
Do a second comprehensive rinse of the suit to wash off all remaining suds and contaminants.
What is the critical step in PPE removal?
The responder moves to the decon bench/platform and sits with the dirty side facing their boots.
How should the responder remove their protective suit?
A decon team member unzips or cuts the protective suit, touching only the outside and turning it inside-out.
What is the purpose of personal wash (secondary decon)?
To ensure any trace contamination that might have bypassed the suit is washed off.
What type of soap can be used for personal decontamination?
Standard liquid soap, mild soap, or specific decon soap provided in kits.
What should be done after the personal decon shower?
Dry off with disposable towels and put on clean clothes or a clean coverall.
What is the focus during equipment decontamination?
To scrub contaminated tools and equipment thoroughly using appropriate chemicals.
What should be done with used decon solutions and rinse water?
Collect them and transfer into sealed waste barrels or containment bladders.
True or False: Decon team members can cross from dirty to clean side without undergoing decon themselves.
False
What is Dahlgren Decon used for?
It is ideal for high-risk unknowns, chemical warfare agents, and potent toxins.
What is bleach used for in decontamination?
It is a neutralizer for biological agents and many chemical agents.
Fill in the blank: _______ is particularly noted for radiological decontamination of skin and equipment.
Spic and Span
What is Dawn dish soap effective at breaking down?
Organic or oily contaminants.
What unique use does Tide detergent have in decontamination?
Mixing powdered form with water to create a paste for stubborn contamination on skin.
What should be documented after a decontamination incident?
What went well and what equipment or steps caused bottlenecks.
What is the role of a safety officer during decontamination operations?
To observe the decon operations and ensure protocols are followed.
What is a best practice for responders after decontamination?
Monitor with detection equipment to confirm they are clean.
What should be done if a decon crew member tears a suit?
They must enter the decon line and go through the process.
What is Decon?
The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment
Critical for health and safety at hazardous waste sites
Why is Decon critical?
It protects responders and citizens from hazardous substances
Prevents contaminants from permeating protective clothing and equipment
What are the main protective roles of Decon?
Minimizes transfer of harmful materials, prevents mixing of incompatible chemicals, protects the community
Prevents uncontrolled transportation of contaminants from the site
What drives Decon processes?
Chemical & physical properties of the hazardous material
Essential for determining Decon procedures
When should Decon procedures be established?
Prior to going down range
Ensures readiness for contamination scenarios
What PPE should personnel partaking in Decon wear?
Similar or one level lower PPE than the responders going down range
Ensures safety during the Decon process
What is Mass Decon?
The physical process of reducing or removing surface contaminants from large numbers of victims quickly
Used in potentially life-threatening situations
When is Mass Decon initiated?
When the number of victims and time constraints do not allow for an in-depth decontamination process
Focuses on speed and efficiency
What is the main method used in Mass Decon?
Utilizing large volumes of low-pressure water or soapy water solution
Aims to reduce the level of contamination
List the steps for Ambulatory Mass Decon
- Ensure Responders have Appropriate PPE
- No Physical Contact
- Set Up Appropriate Mass Decontamination System
- Instruct Victims to Remove Contaminated Clothing
- Flush victims with water
- Direct victims to Triage
Focused on individuals who can move independently
List the steps for Non-Ambulatory Mass Decon
- Ensure Responders have Appropriate P.P.E.
- Set Up Appropriate Mass Decontamination System
- Remove Contaminated Clothing
- Flush Victims with Water
- Move Victims through Decon into Triage
Focused on individuals unable to move independently
True or False: Mass Decon is a gross decontamination process.
True
Emphasizes rapid decontamination for large groups
What is the purpose of technical decontamination?
To remove contaminants from responders, their equipment, and victims, minimizing the spread of contamination and ensuring responder safety.
Technical decontamination is essential in hazardous materials incidents.
What does ALARA stand for in the context of decontamination?
As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
This principle emphasizes reducing contamination levels to the lowest possible extent.
What factors determine the scope and level of decontamination at a hazardous materials incident?
The chemical and physical properties of the contaminants involved.
Understanding the nature of the contaminants is critical for effective decontamination.
In what scenarios can technical decontamination be utilized on victims?
In non-life-threatening contamination incidents.
This allows for timely and effective decontamination without posing additional risks.
What is the difference between ambulatory and non-ambulatory decontamination?
Ambulatory: quicker, victims assist in moving through the decon line.
Non-Ambulatory: more equipment and labor-intensive, victims moved by responders.
Each type of decontamination requires different resources and approaches.
How many decontamination systems can be deployed simultaneously?
Two systems, one for ambulatory victims and one for non-ambulatory victims.
Adequate resources are necessary for deploying multiple systems.
What is the purpose of establishing a RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM?
To be prepared for rescue in case a first responder falls out while down range.
The team should be in similar level PPE.
What should be done after a victim is removed from the HOT zone?
Victims should go through non-ambulatory decon, be cut out of their ensemble, and immediately assessed and transported.
This ensures proper handling of contamination.
Why is it important to remove a victim’s ensemble quickly?
To remove a majority of the contaminants that are likely on their garment.
Quick removal minimizes exposure to harmful substances.
What is the first action after a victim is cut out of their ensemble?
Immediately assess and determine treatment necessities.
This step is crucial for effective medical intervention.
Fill in the blank: After being removed from the HOT zone, victims should be taken through _______.
non-ambulatory decon
