HAZ 006: Decontamination Flashcards
What is decontamination?
The procedure used to remove hazardous materials from people and equipment
Crew from which appliance will carry out the decontamination?
Crew from the FRU appliance
In which zone is the decontamination zone set up?
Other the cold Zone (outer Corden), but then once set up, it becomes the warm zone
It should be established using warning tape and traffic cones
What information does the IC and HMEPO need to gather, before deciding on a plan and prior to establishing the decontamination zone
Five answers
Type and scale of the contamination
General weather conditions and wind direction
Available drainage
Slope on ground
Ease of access for oncoming vehicles
What are the four types of firefighter decontamination?
Emergency decontamination
Urgent removal of GTS and/or PPE
Code 1 Wet decontamination
Using the Hughes MD4 shower unit
Where contaminant of run off is necessary
Low foaming detergent can be used
Code 2 Wet decontamination
For minor contamination
Using a brush attached to a fire hose, plus detergent
Code 3 Dry decontamination
Removal of suit using safe undressing procedure
What is the Hughes Shower MD4? Describe some of the features
A rapidly erected decontamination shelter for firefighter use
Has a heavy duty, air inflated frame and a removable inner lining
Red (entry) and green (exit) points
A shower system is fitted, comprising of six shower positions with spray heads or washing brushes
Removable plastic floor panels
What is the GTS Cleaning Protocol (Buddy System)?
It’s requires GTS wearers to systematically clean their partners using the interval brushes and sprays supplies
It is each wearers responsibility to make sure their team member is properly cleaned
Should be used with Code 1 and 2 (wet) decontamination
What is the Safe Undressing Procedure (SUP)?
Support staff provide two plastic bags by the exit point
Wearers step into the bags, then the decontamination operatives disarm the wearers ADSU using the key
Operatives peel the suit down to boot level, ready for the wearer to step out of the suit
What is Mass decontamination (MD)?
A process designed to be employed at any incident where large numbers of the public have, or may have, become contaminated
Who is responsible for the decontamination of members of public?
London Ambulance Service (LAS)
What are the definitions of Improvised Decontamination and Interim Decontamination?
Improvised Decontamination
The use of an immediately available method of decontamination prior to the use of specialist resources
Interim Decontamination
The use ofstandard Fire Service frontline equipment to provide a planned and structured decontamination process for large numbers of the public prior to the availability of purpose designed decontamination equipment
What is the process for Interim Decontamination?
Two pumping appliances should be parked 1.5-2m apart, with exhaust facing away from the walkway in the middle
Two short ex ladders should be placed between the appliances, acting as a roof
Hose reels are then run around the appliance and on to the roof, keeping the route clear of trip hazards
The hose reel branches are hung through the ladder sections and set on a wide come spray, with a maximum pressure of 10-20 BAR
