Subjecting the SE-shield system to the Big Wet


   

Decontamination follows every job in hazardous environments. Why? Because the protective equipment has been exposed to toxic substances, and is a hazard in itself.

The exterior of the equipment must be cleaned thoroughly BEFORE you take it off.

Solution? Take a shower with all your gear on.


This is one of the most powerful portable decontamination units available.

We decided to put the the SE-shield Tyvek F suit with the SE400 respirator and pressurisation hose to the test.

 

Enter with trepidation.

This first responder is in for the shower of a lifetime. Come on, hop in!

 
Suddenly you are hammered by water from all sides.
 
Water, water everywhere. How could you still breathe through the filters of the SE400 respirator?
 

Easily, as it turns out.

The SE400 respirator gets a tremendous soaking, but still functions normally.

 
In fact, without the SE400,
you could drown standing up.
 

Twenty-eight special nozzles deliver high pressure water at an enormous rate. One thousand litres per minute hits you — for three minutes running.

That means 3,000 litres in 3 minutes.

 
How much water is 3,000 litres?Think bathtubs. It is about 12 tubs filled to the rim.
 
If you were to use 3,000 litres in your normal shower at home, you'd need to spend almost 11 hours under the water flow. The first responders do it in three minutes. No wonder they come out clean.
 
Although the 28 nozzles make sure no area is left unwashed, the first responders are required to turn even their most unattractive side to the water spray.
 
The SE400 respirator was not affected in any way by the deluge. Nor did the first responders have any trouble breathing during the entire three-minute ordeal, thanks to the SE400.
 
   
NOTE: During this type of wet decontamination procedure, the first responder should step into the shower with the suit intact and the SE400 respirator working. Prior to entering, the pre-filters and pre-filter holders must be removed from the filters and discarded.