Post-Fire Decontamination

Question 1

Stage 1 - On Scene Post Fire Gross Decontamination

Answer 1

Upon exiting the hot zone and before entering the apparatus or the Rehab Area, a gross Decontamination should be conducted on all members exposed to the products and byproducts of combustion. A gross decontamination should consist of the following but not be limited to: brushing and rinsing off debris in a systematic and thorough manner. The object of gross decontamination is to get rid of as much debris and products of combustion as quickly as possible.

Question 2

Set-up of Decontamination Area

Answer 2

At the request of Incident Command, the engine operator (or designate) will set up the gross decontamination area using the decon kit (supplied on all engines), a pylon, and a 44mm hose with a Decon nozzle (green).

Question 3

Decontamination Kits

Answer 3

1. Wipes
2. Disposable coveralls
3. Hand brushes
4. Seat covers
5. Disposable bags for bagging gear and station wear
6. Gear tags
7. Zip ties
8. Medical gloves

Question 4

Personal Decontamination

Answer 4

After exiting the hot zone, crews shall remain on air when possible and report directly to the designated decontamination area.
Note: Those members with the lowest air supply should be decontaminated first and as a rule, personnel are to remain on-air until gross decontamination is complete.

Question 5

Cold Weather

Answer 5

During cold weather, minimal water should be used during the process. Use the brushes thoroughly to get as much debris off as possible. If cold weather prohibits firefighters from doffing bunker gear, firefighters can don the coveralls from the Decon Kit overtop of the duty gear as a temporary measure until firefighters get back to the station.

Question 6

Stage 2 - Decontamination - Before Entering Apparatus

Answer 6

The goal of stage 2 decontamination is to keep the cab of the apparatus as clean as possible and to avoid secondary contamination back at the fire station. It is extremely important to perform stage 2 decontamination prior to entering the apparatus and before leaving the incident scene.

Question 7

Stage 3 - Decontamination - Back at the Station

Answer 7

Once back at the station, time will be allotted for firefighters to perform a full and thorough decontamination of both themselves and all the tools and equipment used at the fire scene.
The company officer shall determine which happens first based on the level of exposure at the fire scene. Different roles will have different levels of exposure. Ideally, if the contamination is minimal, the clean-up of tools, equipment and apparatus should be completed first. If firefighters feel they have been heavily contaminated, showering as soon as possible should be the priority.

Question 8

Cleaning regulator

Answer 8

To clean the regulator (demand valve), ensure SCBA cylinder is attached and open to pressurize the system, immerse regulator in the Ecolab Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner (facepiece wash bucket) and agitate it. Rinse the regulator by agitating it in a sink of clean, warm water. Shake regulator to remove excess water. With the air turned on, open the bypass until all mist has disappeared. If the regulator was dunked, it must be thoroughly dried.

Question 9

Important when cleaning gloves

Answer 9

Do not use a brush on the shell of firefighter gloves. Instead, use a sponge or soft cloth for cleaning soil from these surfaces.

Question 10

Important when cleaning radios

Answer 10

Do not disassemble the radio. This could damage radio seals and result in leak paths into the radio.

Question 11

Gas monitors and TIC

Answer 11

Gas monitors can be cleaned with soap and water. Wet a cloth and wipe down the monitor, paying close attention to the nooks and crevasses. Do not submerge or get excessive amounts of water in the sensors.