crossed a contaminated area. The mop is the least
DETAILED EQUIPMENT DECON (DED)
tiring method of applying DS2. Using a mop to apply
DS2 creates a large amount of spillage. However,
ALFA Company is normally responsible for the
continual use of the M13 (decon scrub brush) requires
setup, the operation, and the closure of the DED
the scrub team to exert more energy than using the
portion of the thorough decon operation. The COC
mop. In hard-to-reach places, use the M13 to apply
will select the DED site. The DED for chemical and
DS2.
biological contamination is comprised of five stations.
Before the start of this operation, the scrub team
For radiological contamination, the DED uses all but
pours 5-gallon cans of DS2 into 30-gallon trash cans
station 2, DS Application. Actions at each station are
if mops are going to be used instead of the M13. Each
described below. Appendix VI is a work/rest table for
member of the scrub team will wear wet weather gear
DED.
to protect themselves from the DS2.
NOTE: Water adversely affects DS2's ability to
Station 1--Initial Wash
react with chemical agents. When water in DS2
reaches 20 percent by weight, the reaction between
The objective of this station is to remove the gross
DS2 and the chemical agent stops.
contamination and dirt from the vehicle. The vehicle
If there is excess water remaining on the vehicle
is sprayed for 2 to 3 minutes with hot, soapy water.
from station 1, there are several options:
The vehicle is then scrubbed to help remove caked-on
dirt. The mechanical action of scrubbing also helps
Wait for most of the water to evaporate.
remove thickened chemical agents. Although the
Remove the excess water.
undersurface is difficult to reach, try to remove as
Increase the amount of DS2 applied.
much dirt as possible. This station will use
approximately 250 gallons of water per vehicle.
There must be sufficient DS2 on the item being
Larger vehicles or vehicles with large quantities of dirt
decontaminated for complete neutralization to occur.
will use more water. The runoff from this station is
The DS2-to-agent ratio needs to be 55 to 1 for H agents
contaminated and must be treated as hazardous.
and 25 to 1 for G agents. DS2 should be applied with
This station requires high water pressure systems
scrubbing. Scrubbing increases the mixing of the
(M12A1 PDDA), rather than high water volume
agent with DS2, especially when thickened chemicial
systems (65-gpm pumps).
agents are present.
Station 3--Wait/Interior Decon
Hot, soapy water is water heated to about 120F
to 140F to which a detergent has been added. Hot
The objective of this station is to allow the DS2 to
water alone is less effective than hot, soapy water.
neutralize the chemical agent and to decontaminate
Because of the high temperature, some agents are best
the interior of the vehicle completely. Vehicles are
removed by steam through vaporization. Finally, for
moved to a concealed position. Vehicles will remain
some chemical agents cold water exhibits better
in station 3 for no less than 30 minutes. When you
solvent characteristics.
allow the DS2 to remain on the contaminated surface
for 30 minutes, the amount of agent that will later
desorb (off gas) will be significantly reduced. When
Station 2--DS2 Application
there is a 30-minute contact time, there will be no
resorption after decon operations for most chemical
The objective of this station is to apply
agents. However, studies suggest that HD vapor will
decontaminant to the entire vehicle. The vehicle is
desorb after decon, even if DS2 is allowed to remain
divided into four parts, and a member of the scrubbing
for 30 minutes.
team is assigned each part of the vehicle. This limits
While the vehicle is held in this station for the DS2
the work load of each member of the scrubbing team
to react completely, the driver inspects the interior of
and avoids duplication of work. DS2 is applied
starting at the top of the vehicle and working toward
the vehicle for liquid contamination. The driver will
the undercarriage. Every effort is made to apply DS2
be given M8 detector paper. If the driver identifies
to the undercarriage, especially if the vehicle has
chemical contamination, he or she will be given decon
