- The level and type of personal protective equipment (PPE) (structural firefighting PPE, liquid-tight or gas-tight chemical protective clothing or reusable or disposable protection)
- The type and quantity of contaminant
- The type and availability of decontamination additives
- The ability to monitor and detect contamination
- The availability of drainage and containment options
- The conditions of the weather (rain and wind)
- The topography of the area
- The availability of equipment to conduct the decontamination
The location of the decontamination area should consider the following:
- The topography of the ground – it should be a flat area or sloped away from unprotected personnel in the cold zone
- Wind direction should be blowing away from unprotected personnel
- Any drainage in the area should be identified as either surface, foul or combined drainage and then blocked using a suitable drain blocker or mat
- It should be set up in the cold zone until ready to receive contaminated members of personnel, at which point it will become the warm zone
- It should be appropriately marked to prevent unprotected people from entering the decontamination zone
- Operational circumstances and the risk assessment
- The level and method of decontamination
- The weather conditions
- Location of breathing apparatus entry control
- Location of a pumping appliance if wet decontamination is being provided
Disrobe assistants
The process of undressing contaminated personnel presents a high risk of contamination passing from the PPE to the operative and responder. The application of a strict and well-rehearsed undressing procedure is important in preventing this. It is important for personnel involved in this process to fully understand their role and the procedures to be adopted.
Every attempt should be made to contain run-off from the decontamination process until expert advice is received regarding appropriate disposal. See also Disposal of contaminated water (October 2012)