Personal Protective Equipment for Rescuers Involved in CBRN Incidents. Case Study for Selected Hazard Scenarios

Abstract

One of the challenges in modern rescue are terrorist attacks in which use is made of chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The mass nature of such incidents causes participation in the operations of various services. The first stage of responding to CBRN incidents is often attended by several hundred rescuers. Important factor influencing the speed and effectiveness of actions thus increasing the safety of rescuers is the appropriate selection and optimization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Although the discussion on the selection of PPE during CBRN incidents has been going on for many years, the main emphasis is on solutions used by the military. There is much less work on PPE for rescuers who are usually the first line of defence. The variety of tasks performed by them and a multitude of factors determining the selection of PPE makes it difficult to find a unified approach to this problem. The aims of this paper consist of identification of factors that should be taken into account when selecting PPE for rescuers, reviewing the standards in this area and select the optimal PPE for rescuers during CBRN incidents based on the two the most realistic hazard scenarios. This study contains a critical review of literature and standards in the field of PPE for rescuers, includes outcomes from observation and may be a catalyst for a discussion of this problem.

Suit Up: A Systematic Review of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Recommended and Utilized by Various Classes of Responders to Nuclear Radiological Disasters at Nuclear Power Plants

“…Glove selection needed to be appropriate for the job and level of exposure involved. 28 For example, two pairs were required for workers with lower probability of exposure and four pairs for workers with higher probability of exposure. 27 The PPE ensemble for plant workers (and relevant responders) with higher exposures included a cotton liner as a base, followed by several layers of chemical or barrier gloves, and a cut resistant or a specialist glove on the outside.…”

“… 26 In CBRN events, chemical resistant gloves were evident. 28 Multiple layers also provide physiological properties. One article mentioned that the cotton base layer acted as thermal insulation under rubber gloves for some responders.…”