On scene decontamination of PPE and skin is performed to remove contaminants following exposure to products of combustion. On scene decontamination can reduce Hazardous compounds from entering the body through absorption, ingestion and inhalation. Showering as soon as possible after a fire event exposure can further reduce absorption of hazardous compounds.
Decontamination of all PPE, apparatus, and any other device or item used by personnel assists in preventing unnecessary exposure to chemicals and or toxins commonly encountered by firefighters.
It is critical to ensure that all equipment, apparatus, and most importantly personnel are properly and thoroughly decontaminated after any exposure before returning to full operational readiness. This should be done by systematically having one firefighter shower, while others prepare equipment to return to service as soon as possible unless operational circumstances dictate otherwise. The following terms are provided with specific definition for the purposes of this POG.
• PPE - Personal Protective Equipment includes, bunker gear coats (outer shell, inner liner, DRD), bunker gear pants (outer shell, inner liner, suspenders), balaclava, gloves, helmet, boots
• Soiled - PPE exposed to sweat, mild odors, dust, debris, etc.
• Contaminated – PPE exposed to, but not limited to, physical and gaseous products of combustion, petroleum or chemical products, other oils, anatomical tissues or body fluids, or otherwise determined by Incident Command, (IC), as being potentially hazardous.
• Mitigation - Reducing or neutralizing the severity of hazardous exposures described in the definition of “Contaminated”
• Contained/Containment - Physically separating contaminants from the environment.
• Decontamination - The washing, neutralizing and / or sterilizing of PPE in order to return it to service.
Operational Procedures:
Prior to returning to station, contaminated PPE shall be contained in clear plastic bags and seats in apparatus shall be covered with clear plastic disposable seat covers, both provided by this department. Contaminated PPE, SCBA or other equipment shall not be transported in the cab area of any Fire Department Vehicle. Side pockets of apparatus will be used to transport contaminated equipment. Side pockets will also be sanitized after this type of use. IC. and or Lieutenants in charge of apparatus will supervise all decontamination procedures and enforce its resolution.
Donning of SCBA: SCBA shall be used anytime the environment has potential to become or may be hazardous, including but not limited to elevated temperatures, toxic atmospheres, oxygen deficient atmospheres, confined spaces, biologically hazardous atmospheres or any area where the Incident Commander and or his designate in Charge deems that respiratory protection is, or may be, required. This shall include wearing SCBA and being "on air" at all times while inside any structure that has been on fire. SCBA shall be worn throughout overhaul and shall not be removed regardless of visibility or Carbon Monoxide (CO) readings. Firefighters when exiting a building should remain on air for at least 2 minutes for bunker gear to off gas in the fresh air.
Doffing Bunker Gear/Equipment: Unless operational circumstances dictate otherwise, contaminated bunker gear shall be contained before leaving the scene in the following manner. When applicable don a Non-surgical mask, safety glasses and surgical gloves during the time of doffing your PPE. PPE will be removed in the following order.
· Remove Helmet
· Disconnect Regular from mask and remove SCBA
· Remove FF gloves
· Remove balaclava
· Remove face piece
· Remove bunker coat - separate inner liner and outer layer (Place in separate Bags) Remove bunker pants - separate inner liner and outer layer (place outer layer of bunker pants in bag with bunker coat outer layer then place inner liner of bunker pants with inner liner of bunker coat in clear bag).
· Don spare Coveralls
· Don decon white booties
· Tie Bag and place on apparatus. (NOT IN CAB OF ANY VEHICLE)
· Decon SCBA and facepieces
· Place SCBA and facepieces in outside pocket ( face pieces may require extra cleaning back at station)
· Remove surgical gloves/ Non- surgical mask and dispose in garbage bag.
· Clean and return decon equipment and return to pocket
On Scene Decon
The OIC and/or designate at the incident will determine if Light or Gross Decon is required. For the purposes of this POG, “Light Decon” will not require any on scene mitigation, only on return to station. Decon other than “Light” will be required on scene.
· A Decon Kit will be available on all SJRFD Engines. Items included in this kit are: Garbage Bags, Small Brush, Disposable Sponge Wipes, Large Scrub Brush, Small Bottle of Detergent, 2 ½” Hose Adapter, Hose, Nozzle (low pressure), Boot Covers, disposable seat covers.
· The OIC and/or designate will determine the on-site decontamination area which will be a lighted area utilizing a “Light Water Spray” from the on-site hand line. The Decon area will usually be in the “Warm Zone”, to the side of the primary attack engine, using the decon Hand Line. Deconned equipment shall be bagged at the scene and placed on the engine for further decon on return to station.
· Dry Light Decon shall include brushing debris from helmet, facepiece, SCBA, bunker clothes and boots prior to removal. It is also recommended to wipe down head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms and hands with disposable wipes.
· Wet Light Decon will include the steps listed in Dry Light Decon as well as rinsing with a light water spray to remove debris from helmet, facepiece, SCBA, bunker clothes and boots prior to removal. Straps on SCBA should be loosened before starting wet light decon to allow all water to access all areas of the SCBA and bunker clothes.
· Gross Decon Will include flushing the affected personnel from the helmet down, then scrubbing with soap and water solution from helmet down to feet rinsing in the same manner. Straps on SCBA should be loosened before starting wet light decon to allow all water to access all areas of the SCBA and bunker clothes. Personnel providing Decon on scene shall wear gloves, non- surgical mask for protection and/or PPE appropriate to the suspected hazard.
· Personnel involved with interior attack/overhaul will have their bunker gear and SCBA deconned prior to doffing their SCBA. If a Firefighter is returning to the hot zone, dry brush debris from helmet, facepiece and SCBA prior to cylinder change. Personnel performing cylinder change shall wear gloves and PPE appropriate to the suspected hazard.
· Cold Weather Decon- When deconning in cold weather, personnel will utilize SJRFD Decon Trailer. Decon trailer will be deployed to hazard scene so firefighters can use trailer as shelter to perform decon in a less harsh environment.
· Dry-Decon may have to be conducted when weather is not conducive to the above.
· All SCBA Cylinders must be deconned prior to being placed on Tac 1.
Station Decon of Personnel and Equipment:
OIC’s priority upon return to station will be to Decon affected apparatus and equipment efficiently and effectively. This will be accomplished in the following manor.
1. Engine, Rescue, Truck Interiors and Pockets.
2. Rescue, Vent and Reciprocating Saws.
3. All Hand Tools utilized.
4 Radios worn in the hot zone should also be deconed.
5. Hose and Nozzles.
6. Facepiece and SCBA, as per the current POG #07-02-04, Proper Use and Care of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
7. Any other activities deemed necessary by the OIC.
8. Helmets, Boots, Gloves and other personnel’s personal equipment.
Cleaning Helmet and Helmet Liner:
Don Medical Gloves and remove helmet liner, front and rear pads.
Submerge helmet liner and pads into soapy water solution and hand wash. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Squeeze out excess water. Inspect helmet for damage due to heat exposure, (bubbling, soft spots, warping, decolorization), cracks or deep scratches in shell, misaligned helmet interior, malfunctioning ratchet, and a broken visor. Using a solution of warm water and mild soap, clean exterior and interior of helmet. Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Cleaning Firefighting Gloves:
Don medical gloves and remove firefighting gloves from clear plastic bag. Inspect gloves for damage, rips, tears or excessive damage. Don personal firefighting gloves and wash in soapy water solution by briskly rubbing together, ensuring cleaning of all gloves surface. Remove firefighting gloves and submerge in soapy water solution when completed, thoroughly rinse gloves with water inside and out. Do not wring or twist firefighting gloves, squeeze excess water from gloves and place in drying room to air dry. Wring or twisting of firefighting gloves will degrade performance of gloves.
Cleaning of Structural Firefighting Boots:
Boots are to be sprayed with water and scrubbed with soapy water to remove excess debris at the scene. Particular attention should be paid to soles of boots. If boots have been exposed to body fluids, i.e. blood, vomit etc., rinse with clear water, spray with a germicidal solution such as MSA™ Confidence Plus™ or equivalent, then scrub and rinse again before mounting fire apparatus. Upon return to station inspect firefighting boots for rips, tears, leaks or excessive tread wear.
Proper care and Maintenance of Personal Protective Clothing: (POG #07-02-06)
Each member shall ensure that their contaminated Bunker Gear (PPE) is prepped for washing, including their affected balaclava and gloves. All washing of bunker gear will be recorded in the station wash logbook.
Firefighters assigned to washing contaminated PPE shall don the following appropriate PPE in preparation for washing.
· Medical gloves.
· Respiratory protection, (N95, Non-surgical mask)
· Disposable Smock.
· Disposable booties.
When exposed to heavy contaminants, affected personnel will:
1. Shower, scrubbing all skin surfaces with soap and water, with emphasis on areas around the face, mouth, neck, underarms, nose and under fingernails. Shampoo hair thoroughly.
2. Do not smoke, drink, eat, touch face or skin without surgical gloves until step #1 above is complete.
3. Change into clean clothes. It is highly recommended all individuals keep a full change of
clothes with them for this purpose.
Bunker Gear Washing Area/ Extractor Washer:
Please ensure the following procedures are followed once all washing of contaminated PPE is completed.
· Don Appropriate PPE to start cleaning laundering area.
· Wipe down the entire front of extractor including the handles, buttons and any other area of the unit that may have been touched.
· Wipe down Floors, walls, door handles and any surrounding areas that may have come in contact with contaminated equipment.
· Remove garbage bags after decontamination process and place outside of station after shift has been completed.
· Run Extractor Washer through another cycle empty for cleaning procedure to be completed.
NOTE:
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the OIC to meet extenuating circumstances.
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