206.02 FIREGROUND EXPOSURE REDUCTION AND DECONTAMINATION GUIDELINES

Questions and Answers

What should personnel ideally do before consuming food or drinks during an incident response?

Conduct a safety briefing

Invest in high-quality personal protective equipment

Finish initial decontamination (correct)

Notify the Incident Commander

What is a recommended practice to reduce the risk of contamination following decontamination procedures?

Proceed immediately to the incident command post

Re-enter the Hot Zone without restrictions

Engage in a leisure activity to relax

Cool down before entering any contaminated areas (correct)

What is the most critical action when personnel are reassigned to the Hot Zone after completing a decontamination process?

Immediately reload hose lines without checks

Notify other personnel about the change

Go through the decontamination process again upon exiting (correct)

Skip the decon process for efficiency

What specific step should personnel take when reloading hose lines to mitigate contamination risks?

Clean contaminants off the hose lines prior to reloading Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for personal protective equipment (PPE) once personnel are released by the Incident Commander?

Bag and seal the PPE at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander regarding decontamination?

Ensure a decon location is designated and announced Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a guideline for setting up the decon hose line?

It should provide enough flow to rinse off contaminants without embedding them Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order for rinsing off contaminants from personnel exiting the Hot Zone?

From the collar-line down, focusing on high collection points Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate for personnel to go off-air during decontamination?

After the initial rinse using approved doffing techniques Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel consider when decontaminating equipment like SCBA and tools?

Using soft bristle scrub brushes and department-issued soaps is advisable Signup and view all the answers

What should a Drop Zone be established in relation to personnel?

Downwind of personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which order of operations should personnel follow for the decontamination of skin?

Clean hands, face, neck, and then exposed skin Signup and view all the answers

What type of gloves and protection should personnel wear when cleaning equipment?

EMS gloves and eye protection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decontamination Guidelines for Fire Department Personnel

Decontamination is essential for personnel exposed to combustion products or contaminants to prevent further exposure.
Gross decontamination must occur before entering the Cold Zone or leaving the incident scene.

Incident Commander Responsibilities

Each incident requires a designated decon location announced by the Incident Commander.
Generally established by the first arriving engine company or initial Incident Commander.

Engineer's Role in Decontamination Setup

The Engineer oversees the decon process, including setting up approved hose lines and supporting equipment outside the Hot Zone.
Sufficient water flow is necessary to prevent contaminants from embedding into PPE and equipment.
Additional lines may be set up for decon of multiple personnel.
A Drop Zone can be established downwind to manage decontamination logistics.

Personnel Procedures upon Exiting Hot Zone

Personnel must remain on-air and proceed directly to the decon location.
Those with the lowest air supply are prioritized for decontamination.
Rinsing should be systematic, targeting high collection points and avoiding saturation of PPE inner linings.

Equipment Decontamination

Post-rinse, personnel can doff their SCBA using approved techniques.
Suitable PPE (EMS gloves and eye protection) should be worn during equipment decontamination.
Use department-issued soaps, soft-bristle scrub brushes, and cleaners to aid the process.

PPE Handling

Depending on the incident’s extent, all PPE can be placed in a prepared Drop Zone.
Approved methods should be utilized for cleaning exposed skin areas like the head, neck, and hands.

Eating and Hydration Post-Decontamination

Personnel should avoid consuming food or drinks until initial decontamination is completed.

Cooling Down After Decontamination

Cooling down post-decon helps reduce potential for further contamination.

Minimizing Contamination in the Cold Zone

Complete decon processes prior to entering the Rehab Sector.
When reassigned to the Hot Zone, re-exit through the decon process as needed (e.g., salvage efforts).
Clean contaminants off hose lines before reloading and follow decon steps after all equipment handling.
After being released from the incident, recommend sealing PPE in bags to prevent off-gassing and contamination of the apparatus cab.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the critical protocols for personnel during decontamination processes. Participants will learn the importance of resisting the urge to eat or drink, cooling down after decon, and limiting contamination in designated zones. The rules outlined are essential for maintaining safety in hazardous environments.