Live Agent Toxicological Testing
During 2005-2006 a landmark study was completed by The Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence which established a milestone in understanding the efficacy of the modern chemical and biological (CB) decontaminants available in the world today. In this unprecedented and comprehensive study the performance of these decontaminants were tested against live agents in an experimental model that integrated an extensive variety of conditions. Included in the elements of the testing were:
- Efficacy against HD, GD, VX and Anthrax (in vitro);
- Efficacy against HD, GD, VX and Anthrax (rest-decontamination);
- Large scale decontamination (in vitro is just an indication; large scale can be different);
- Effects of agent/decontaminant on a multitude of surfaces (plastic, rubber, metal, paint);
- Effects of the decontaminant on radiological decontamination;
Closed circuit video observation in a controlled laboratory environment
One of the critical elements of this test was finding consistent and controlled methods of applying the decontaminant to the agent in the laboratory. This required that special attention was given to selecting appropriate application devices that had the capability to handle the entire variety, forms and types of decontaminants in a relatively equal fashion.
A primary decontaminant applicator chosen for this function was our M11-SST. Composed of high quality stainless steel it repeatedly conducted live agent decontaminations of HD, VX, GD and Anthrax in hostile laboratory surroundings while performing flawlessly. The M11-SST shown in the photo below was used hundreds of times applying all varieties of decontaminants in deadly environments.
The M-11 SST applying one of the decontaminants to the test grid
At the conclusion of the test and due to its superior performance the M11-SST canister was then ordered in significant numbers by the NL MoD to replace canisters that are currently in the field. The procurement of BCDS‘s M11-SST is has been considered a success for the Royal Netherlands Army. Partially because they will not have to re-train with a new device, partially because its simplicity makes it well liked by the end users and finally because its performance and reliability have proven that it is very effective as a decontamination applicator.
All tests were done with "hot" agents, including the Anthrax and radiological tests.
Now this applicator is available to all first responders at both civil and military levels as the Hot Shot Decon Sprayer®. It is ideal for
- Effective operational decontamination during a CB attack.
- Mitigating transportation accidents involving leaking HazMats and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC’s).
- Rapid remediation of CB contaminated environments including industrial accidents and spills
- Rapid remediation of CB contaminated crime scenes including illegal laboratory facilities.
- Mitigate contaminated environments to improve access and extrication of causalities.
- Help mitigate any contaminated scene until support arrives
|
