Training and Decontamination

Training

Responders who perform jobs where illicit drugs including fentanyl may be present should receive special training in how to conduct an on-scene risk assessment. Responders should demonstrate an understanding of the following:

• How to recognize the form and determine the quantity of illicit drugs
• How to recognize situations that may cause illicit drugs to enter the air
• How to safely collect, handle, process, and store evidence that may be contaminated by illicit drugs
• When to use PPE; what PPE is necessary; how to put on, use, take off, dispose of, and maintain PPE; and the limitations of PPE
• What the potential exposure routes are for illicit drugs
• How to recognize the signs and symptoms of poisoning from an illicit drug exposure
• When and how to seek medical help

NIOSH has developed a tool-kit for first responders to help with training on this topic.

Decontamination

Steps to clean and remove illicit drugs

• Remove contaminated PPE.
• Responders who come into contact with illicit drugs should shower immediately with soap and water to thoroughly wash and rinse skin that may have been exposed.
• Avoid breaking the skin while cleaning and cover all open wounds.
• Do not use hand sanitizer (or any alcohol based cleaner) or bleach to clean skin that may have come into contact with illicit drugs.
• Remove and wash all clothing that may have come into contact with illicit drugs. Carefully place clothing in labeled, durable 6 mil polyethylene bags and keep segregated from other laundry.
• Clean reusable PPE and equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Place contaminated single-use PPE in labeled durable 6 mil polyethylene bags and dispose of appropriately.

Actions for Employers

• Identify hazards to which workers might be exposed and provide appropriate PPE to protect them.
• Provide training on the department's internal procedures and NIOSH's recommended Standard Safe Operation Procedures.
• Comply with OSHA's hazardous materials standard (29 CFR 1910.120) when conducting clean-up operations involving hazardous substances.