Section 301.03

I. Scope:

This standard establishes a procedure for the decontamination of people, equipment and apparatus that becomes contaminated as a result of an exposure to a hazardous material. It was created to:

A. Prevent the spread of contaminants beyond the hazard zone of an incident involving a hazardous material.

B. Reduce the possibility of death or injury due to exposure of a hazardous material.

C. Establish a procedure to decontaminate equipment and apparatus exposed to a hazardous material so that the equipment and apparatus might promptly be put back into service.

II. General:

A. Contamination is the transfer of a hazardous material to persons, equipment and the environment due to an exposure or contact with a hazardous material. The magnitude of the exposure depends on the duration of the exposure, the volume and concentration of the hazardous material.

B. Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment. Decontamination should occur in the warm zone so as to minimize the possibility of secondary contamination.

C. There are four basic methods of decontamination available to response personnel:

1. Dilution: The use of water to flush the contaminant from the victim or piece of equipment. Be sure to impound or collect the contaminated water from this process.

2. Absorption: The use of an absorbent for picking up a liquid contaminant. This works well on a spill.

3. Chemical Degradation: The use of another material (e.g. Household bleach or baking soda) to change the chemical structure of the hazardous material so as to neutralize the material.

4. Isolation and Disposal: The isolation of the hazardous material by collecting it and then disposing of it in accordance with regulations. While this may be a costly alternative, it is often the easiest technique to employ.

A. If contamination has occurred at a Hazardous Materials Incident, the Incident Commander shall establish a decontamination sector in the warm zone. The site of the decontamination sector should be selected on the basis of:

1. Accessibility and location (consider privacy of potential victims and rescue workers).

B. All personnel, victims and equipment must be decontaminated prior to being allowed entry into the cold zone. The specific decontamination measures employed in the decontamination sector will depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident and level of contamination.

C. Members assigned to the decontamination sector will instruct contaminated members to follow the following procedure:

1. Gross Decontamination: A decontamination washer will remove the majority of the contamination from the victim and his tools by hosing down the victim or providing a possible shower. A catch basin may be used to confine the water used in this process.

2. Tools and Equipment: Any tools or equipment used by the victim should be discarded at a designated location for further decontamination, if necessary.

3. Scrub Down: The victim should then step into a rinse area where a decontamination worker will scrub them with detergent and water. The water may be kept for analysis prior to being released or utilizing the isolation and disposal method.

4. Final Step: After being washed down, the victim should then proceed to the final area where the articles of clothing and often equipment will be removed. These items should be left in the decontamination area for further treatment or disposal as required.

D. If a contaminated victim must be transported prior to being properly decontaminated, a Medical Centre and the destination emergency room shall be notified.

E. If an Ambulance or fire apparatus becomes contaminated, the Ambulance or fire apparatus shall be quarantined until the unit can be properly decontaminated.

F. Members who are exposed to a hazardous material shall complete an incident report and a copy will be placed in their file.