What should be done first when performing personal decontamination?

When performing personal decontamination, the priority is to remove contaminated clothing safely. This step is essential because contaminated clothing can be a significant source of asbestos fibers, which can cling to fabrics and pose serious health risks if not handled properly. By removing these items first, you effectively minimize the risk of spreading asbestos particles to other areas and protect both yourself and others from exposure.

In this process, the focus is on eliminating the highest levels of contamination before addressing other elements like personal hygiene items. After safely removing clothing, other decontamination measures, such as using hand sanitizer or other personal cleaning methods, can follow to ensure thorough cleansing. However, the initial action must be the removal of any clothing that might harbor asbestos fibers. This systematic approach ensures that the decontamination process is effective and safe.