
Control measure
Firefighter decontamination: Radioactive materials
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Firefighter decontamination: Radioactive materials |
Understand:
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Practical application
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Firefighter decontamination: Radioactive materials |
Demonstrate:
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Control measure knowledge
Once any contamination with a radiation source has been identified using appropriate instrumentation, decontamination procedures should be implemented. Decontamination for radioactive materials is usually a ‘dry’ or ‘safe’ undress process. Using large amounts of water, such as in showers, is discouraged as this will lead to the spread of contamination. Wet decontamination should only be used where emergency responders have been inadvertently contaminated; this should be restricted to using wet flannels and wipes wherever possible.
Whenever emergency responders have been contaminated with radioactive materials, medical attention should be sought at the earliest opportunity.
Strategic actions
Provide procedures and support arrangements regarding the hazards that may be encountered and actions to take to decontaminate emergency responders from radioactive contamination
Provide equipment to allow contamination monitoring and the decontamination of responders who have become contaminated by radioactive materials
Provide means for occupational health monitoring for responders who may have become contaminated
Tactical actions
Ensure an appropriate decontamination process is set up before committing responders into the radiation hazard area
Monitor for contamination of radioactive material before and after decontamination to determine the effectiveness of the process
Consider a safe undress/dry decontamination from chemical protection clothing (CPC) or firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) where radioactive materials are involved
Where necessary, consider further decontamination with soapy water and flannels if skin has become contaminated – all contaminated waste must be contained
Seek medical attention for any emergency responder who may have been exposed to radioactive material
- Control measureContainment: Radioactive materials
- Control measureDecontamination: Radioactive materials