Decontamination Procedure for Affected Persons

In the event of a hazardous material incident involving a chemical, biological or radiological substance, the SCDF will set up personnel decontamination facilities on site to decontaminate the affected persons. This is a critical process to save lives and prevent cross contamination.

A full decontamination process will entail the following six steps. The removal of a victim’s clothing could significantly remove most of the contaminant (up to 80%).

Step 1: Register

• Collect a personal effects bag.

• Write your NRIC number on the personal effects bag with a non-soluble marker.

• Remove small and important personal effects and valuables and place them into the personal effects bag. Seal the bag and hand it over to the SCDF personnel for follow up action.

• Collect a trash bag and cable tie and move into the shower unit.

Step 2: Undress

• Remove remaining personal effects and clothes.

• Place them into the trash bag.

• Seal the trash bag with the cable tie.

• Dispose the trash bag into the trash bin.

Step 3: Shower

• Collect a sponge.

• Bend forward and wash your hair first.

• Wet your entire body and apply the non-ionic soap provided.

• Scrub your entire body thoroughly, concentrating on the armpits and groin area.

• Dispose the contaminated sponge into the trash bin.

• Shower thoroughly for 2 minutes to wash off the contaminated detergent.

Step 4: Dry Up

• Collect a towel.

• Dry your entire body.

• Dispose the contaminated towel into the trash bin.

Step 5: Monitor

• Hold your arms in an outstretched position, forming a T-shape with your body so that rescuers can scan for the effectiveness of the
  decontamination procedure.

• If a casualty fails the check, he must repeat the decontamination procedure from step 3 (showering).
  

Step 6: Get Dressed

• Collect a robe and a pair of slippers.

• Put on the robe and slippers and rest at the temporary holding area.