Chapter 4
Donning and Doffing
70
SAFETY FIRS T
Edition 1 – December 2019
MSA G1 Classic Breathing Apparatus
Post Incident Wash-Down
The objective of on-scene contaminant management is to minimise the possibility of
hazardous compounds found in the products of combustion from entering the body.
Part of this management includes the wash down of the operators’ PPE while
remaining in full PPC/PPE with facemask donned and breathing from the air cylinder.
Wash down refers to the actions taken at the incident or training ground to minimise
potential operator exposures to harmful substances. This is done by removing as much
contamination and soil from PPC/PPE as practicable and minimising the potential
exposure pathways of the contaminants that remain. Wash down is completed for
operators who may be re-deployed or those finishing duties at an incident and
preparing to send PPC for dry cleaning. Exposure to contaminants is minimised by
implementing effective contaminant management practices.
Wash down must occur at the conclusion of every operational or training
activity.
BA set pressure of approximately 100 bar, notwithstanding dynamic risk
assessment, should be allowed for exit/decontamination activities.
