RADIOLOGICAL DECONTAMINATION IN THE FIELD [Main Title]

Technical film, intended for trained personnel, demonstrating in detail how an area of countryside might be decontaminated, following an accident which leads to a large-scale release of radioactive material. The issues of disposal and decontamination are discussed in depth.

Rolling text at the start and end of the film provides opening and closing explanation and indicates by its conclusion that 'with adequate training and equipment, large scale decontamination operations can be successfully carried out with the minimum of hazard to the personnel involved'. Black and white actuality scenario-based footage follows, accompanied by explanatory commentary. The importance of correctly worn protective clothing is stressed and shown. Once fully attired, personnel tend to lose their individuality, so it is recommended that names or symbols are marked on the back of the suits. Decontamination at the scene of the 'incident' is shown, largely featuring the dismantling and burial of heavy debris and the surface decontamination of land, which is measured, marked out and should be affixed with warning notices. The recovery of samples for radioactive analysis is referenced and shown in detail, under controlled conditions. The burial pit is filled by masses of contaminated debris, the area is power washed with water and the ground surface undergoes grading. The burial pit is covered and marked, concluding site operations. By adopting the decontamination system, as shown, "it is possible to achieve a thousand fold reduction in the general level of contamination". Following site operations, personnel in full protective clothing are monitored and undressed by trained staff, which includes careful vacuuming of the protective suit. The specialist cleaning of a contaminated respirator and its component parts is shown. The cleaning of large vehicles used for debris clearance and ground contamination is illustrated. Finally, the contaminated protective clothing is put in a special laundry, equipped for the handling of radioactive clothes. Only when free from residual contamination can such clothing be reissued. Although the filming location is not stated, the style of military uniform seen in the early part of the film, along with a brief flash of 'Maralinga Fire Service', written on the side of a water truck, indicates that filming may have taken place in Australia.