The Science of Safe Decontamination: Protecting Sensitive Equipment from CWAs

What is Decontamination?  

Decontamination is the process of making a person, object, or area safe by absorbing, destroying, neutralizing, or removing Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs). It is a critical component of CBRN defense, alongside avoidance and protection. Decontamination reduces and removes hazards from CWAs and Toxic Industrial Chemicals to minimize risks. 

What makes Something Considered to be Sensitive?  

Some materials are considered sensitive because of their chemical composition and position within the system. Flight critical components, computers and electronics, optical devices, and components of a system comprised of materials with vulnerabilities to CBRN agents can all be considered sensitive equipment. These components may not be resistant to exposure to hazardous substances or standard decontamination processes, making specialized decontamination essential to prevent performance degradation. 

Decontamination of CWAs on Sensitive Equipment 

Sensitive equipment decontamination applies to items that cannot be decontaminated using conventional methods, such as rinsing with water or applying chemically reactive decontaminants. Some CWAs require specialized solutions to ensure the integrity and functionality of sensitive equipment. (List CWAs that are relevant to Sensitive Equipment) 

Proven Performance: Field Trial Results 

The recent field trials for FAST-ACT decontamination were conducted at the CBRN Academy in Seibersdorf Laboratories, Austria. To simulate real-world contamination scenarios, sensitive equipment—including laptops and a computer screen—was deliberately exposed to mustard (HD), a blister agent. Each device was contaminated with up to 260 mg of the agent to thoroughly assess how well FAST-ACT could neutralize and remove hazardous substances without compromising functionality. 

To begin the decontamination process, operators identified contaminated areas visually and confirmed the presence of the agent using specialized detection paper. FAST-ACT powder was then applied using puffer bottles, targeting the affected areas. Decontamination mitts and wipes were used in subsequent steps to ensure thorough removal of the agent while being gentle on delicate equipment. This dry decontamination method was chosen to avoid potential damage caused by liquid-based solutions, which can be harsh on electronics and other sensitive materials. 

After each decontamination cycle, specialized detection equipment was used to assess whether any hazardous residue remained. Over the course of six cycles, the contaminant was reapplied between tests to measure FAST-ACT’s sustained effectiveness. Additionally, one laptop was left covered in FAST-ACT Powder for 20 hours to examine its compatibility with sensitive electronics over an extended period. This rigorous testing process helped confirm the practical application of FAST-ACT as a safe and effective solution for decontaminating high-value, mission-critical equipment. 

The Path to Effective Decontamination 

Sensitive equipment is designed with hardening, survivability, decontamination capability and compatibility in mind. Because of this, commanders and their staff must understand the appropriate decontamination process and its implications. 

According to NATO guidelines, SE is likely to require additional decontamination processes. The trials have shown that FAST-ACT in its current form, fit, and function is a viable solution for decontaminating sensitive equipment, no changes required. The training effort is minimal, no specialized decontamination training is required, other than being familiar with the properties of the SE to be decontaminated.  

Decontamination of Sensitive Equipment with FAST-ACT 

FAST-ACT is a dry decontamination technology designed to rapidly neutralize a wide range of chemical hazards in a single response tool. Its highly adsorptive and destructive properties allow for effective decontamination while maintaining material compatibility and preserving equipment functionality. 

FAST-ACT’s key decontamination products for sensitive equipment include: 

• FAST-ACT Puffer Bottles – Provide controlled dry decontaminant application 

• FAST-ACT Decontamination Mitts – Enable targeted contamination removal 

• FAST-ACT Decontamination Wipes – Effectively remove surface residues

Discover how FAST-ACT can provide the right decontamination solutions for your team.