SectorsIntervention_Decontamination2

Claude REY

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The C.B.R.N. Decontamination

The C.B.R.N. Contaminants

Decontamination is a physical, chemical or mechanical operation intended to eliminate or reduce the presence of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear substances which are deposited, not only on the persons, but also on the equipments (vehicules, tools, etc.), the buildings, the ground and the vegetation.
Decontamination aims at to ward off the major risk of the transfer of the contamination, either by the natural elements (wind, heat), or by the inter-human proliferation of toxics at the time of a contact, what could cause the aggravation of the intoxication.

The C.B.R.N. contaminants emit and proliferate in the sky by the natural elements, such as: wind and heat.
The chemical contaminants show up, generally, in the scape of liquid. In contact with the air, they are transformed into gas or aerosol, and then they spread toxic and mortal vapours in the zone where they are settle.
The nuclear and biological contaminants emit radiations or spread micro-organisms and they prove to be harmful for the living organisms.

The Procedures of Decontamination

Increased Vigilance + Precise Diognosis + Swift Intervention
= Mastery of the Proliferation of the Contamination

First of all, at the time of the establishment of a contaminated zone, it must to undertake quickly at the identification and the evaluation of the quantity, the quality and the dissemination of the contaminant substance, in order to launch the suitable device of decontamination.
Then, in order to slow down, and to stop even, the emanations of C.B.R.N. contaminants, it is utilized aqueous and foaming solutions. After their application on the contaminated zone, these stay on the sides without any streaming. They isolate the product contaminating from the ambient air and thus, they limit the evaporation of the active components. The major part of the time, these solutions reduce the effect of contamiant products.

The Inconveniences

In spite of the progress recently accomplished on the material and methodology, the means of decontamination show up still undeniable gaps.

- The interventions of decontamination are
essentially manual
- For a fast and safe intervention, according to
the type of contamination, it must to have much
manpower to minimize the harmful effects and
to master the proliferation of the contaminated
emanation
- According to the place and surface, the
decontamination shows difficult and perious
for the personnel

- Exposure of the personnel in zones at the high risks, in spite of the individual
protective equipments (protecting masks, gloves and heavy wears)
- Discomfort of the heavy wears over a long period
- Restriction of the duration of the operational capacities of the combattants:
they cannot make prolonged efforts