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1.5 Public Health CE#23035

Decon 101
Course: HazMat Awareness - Decontamination
Time Allocation: Approximately 1.5 hours (Lecture)
Intended Audience: Public Health Professionals
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the four main decontamination categories (Physical, Chemical, Dry, Wet). 2. Describe the four levels of Decon (Emergency, Gross, Technical, Mass).
3. Explain a proper setup of a decontamination line and control zones.
4. Explain the special considerations for weather (cold) and patient population (pediatric, elderly).

I. Introduction & Key Concepts (20 Minutes)
• Definition of Decontamination: Removing or neutralizing contaminants from people and equipment.
• Purpose: To prevent secondary contamination and minimize exposure to hazardous substances.
• Site Management: o Hot Zone: Dangerous Area. o Warm Zone: Decontamination Corridor/Entry Point. o Cold Zone: Safe Area.
• Key Principle: Disrobing (stripping clothing) removes roughly 90% of contaminants.

II. Methods of Decontamination (20 Minutes)
A. Physical Decontamination Methods (Focus on removing the contaminant, not destroying it) • Dislodging/Displacing: Brushing off dry particulates (must be done downward). • Scraping/Wiping: Removing viscous liquids or solids from boots/equipment. • Vacuuming: Using HEPA vacuums for dry particulates. • Evaporation: Allowing volatile liquids to evaporate (usually on equipment).
B. Chemical Decontamination Methods (Focus on inactivating the contaminant) • Absorption: Using pads, sawdust, or kitty litter to soak up liquids. • Adsorption: Using specific materials to attract and trap contaminants. • Washing/Rinsing: Using soap and water (surfactants) to reduce adhesion forces. • Neutralization: Using a second chemical to neutralize corrosive materials (e.g., weak base on an acid).
C. Dry vs. Wet Decontamination • Dry Decontamination: Preferred first step to prevent spreading contaminants via water runoff (e.g., absorbing materials, vacuuming). Wet Decontamination: High-volume, low-pressure water shower.

III. Levels of Decontamination (20 Minutes)
1. Emergency Decon: Rapid, immediate decontamination needed in lifethreatening situations. Often just high-volume water flushing or stripping clothing.
2. Gross Decon: A systematic, high-volume, low-pressure water spray to wash off the majority of contaminants.
3. Technical Decon: Detailed, multi-step decontamination process using specialized equipment, typically conducted in a designated corridor, for personnel and equipment.
4. Mass Decon: Emergency Decon performed for large crowds at an incident.

IV. Special Considerations (20 min)
• Cold Weather: Use dry decontamination techniques (e.g., brushing, blotting) when temperatures are below 36°F(2°C). • Runoff Management: Containment of water is critical. • Victim Needs: Consider non-ambulatory, disabled, elderly, or children.

IV. Review, Questions and Evaluation (10 min)

Instructor: James McDonald, M.S., HO, EMT
Title: Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for NJACCHO
Contact: PHEP@NJACHO.ORG
Cell: 862-326-1957
Certified by NJ Division of Fire Safety as a Level 2 Fire Instructor and Hazmat Technician Instructor