Should we be mobilised to an incident involving hazardous
substances, special protection will be required. Four gas
tight chemical protection suits are carried on each fire
engine. They are a 'Cover All' suit that that completely envelopes the wearer and their breathing apparatus.
Below you can see the dressing and decontamination
procedures at a training exercise.
THE DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURE.
A cordoned off area is selected down wind incorporating a suitable drain, as in the middle and right hand pictures. A length of hose is laid to the drain terminating in a controlled coupling to provide a constant flow of water. A hose reel is laid to the drain terminating in a soft brush. A bucket of disinfectant is provided. The crew decontaminate each other with the equipment provided. Following disrobing the suits are examined by a Hazardous Materials Officer then sent away for test or disposal.
