Assessment of a Prototype Chemical Protective Undergarment during Simulated Field Decontamination
Abstract
A simulation study was conducted to assess the feasibility of carrying out a field decontamination of a nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) ensemble based upon a prototype chemical protective undergarment (PCPU). Six pairs of subjects wearing the ensemble were sprayed with a dyed tracer agent and followed a mutual serial process to replace the PCPU and other chemical protective gear. Coveralls were worn underneath the ensemble to show traces of the simulant acquired in contaminative contacts. Results were that all 12 subjects became simulant-contaminated; probabilistic extrapolation predicts a success rate of only 8 in 1000. Certain steps in the decontamination procedure were identified as having significantly contributed to the probability of contamination. Simulation completion time was comparable to that of the equivalent procedure for MOPP4. A questionnaire on subjective perceptions revealed that subjects underestimated the degrees of hazard associated with certain steps. Although training and procedural/ instructional improvements can reduce the likelihood of contamination, some of the hazards are a direct consequence of the PCPU design. Recommendations are made for changes to the PCPU design and the way it is utilized in order to reduce the hazards of undertaking a field decontamination with a PCPU-based NBC ensemble.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA267810
Entities
People
- Brian E. O'hearn
- Carolyn K. Bensel