Anthrax remediation and response

A method for remediating the effects of a biological attack comprising the steps of:

• exposing mail items suspected of contamination from exposure to a biological agent to sufficient electron beam radiation to substantially decontaminate said mail items;
• transporting said mail items in a vehicle from a first location to a second location, wherein said exposing step occurs at said second location;
• and
• decontaminating said vehicle after said transporting step, wherein said decontamination step comprises the steps of:
• creating a vehicle decontamination area;
• positioning said vehicle in said vehicle decontamination area;
• and spraying an interior of said vehicle with a bleach solution;
• wherein said vehicle decontamination area includes an underlying, impermeable layer that is strong enough to withstand the traction of tires and a barrier to prevent run-off of liquids utilized in the decontamination process and to allow their collection at the end of the process.

A remediation method comprising the steps of:

• conducting remediation activities at a site where a biological attack may have occurred;
• establishing an exclusion zone with restricted access thereto;
• wherein said exclusion zone includes the site of the suspected biological attack;
• establishing a contamination reduction zone adjacent to said exclusion zone;
• wherein a person entering said exclusion zone or exiting from said exclusion zone does so through said contamination reduction zone;
• wherein said contamination reduction zone has located therein means for decontaminating personal protective equipment worn by said person exiting said exclusion zone;
• and
• establishing a support zone adjacent to said contamination reduction zone;
• wherein said support zone is a clean zone and wherein said support zone includes dressing facilities and equipment.

A remediation method in response to a biological attack on a facility comprising the steps of:

• entering an exclusion zone of a facility where a biological attack is at least suspected to have occurred;
• donning personal protective equipment prior to entering the exclusion zone;
• wherein said personal protective equipment includes an outer personal protective garment, an underlying clothing layer, a first inner pair of gloves, a second inner pair of gloves, an outer pair of gloves, and a foot covering;
• a person exiting said exclusion zone;
• a person decontaminating said personal protective equipment;
• wherein said decontamination step comprises the following steps:
• rinsing said outer personal protective garment with a soap solution;
• rinsing said outer personal protective garment with water;
• removing said outer personal protective garment;
• removing said outer pair of gloves and said first pair of inner gloves;
• spraying said outer personal protective garment with a bleach solution;
• removing said underlying clothing layer without pulling said underlying clothing layer over said person's head;
• removing said foot covering;
• spraying said underlying clothing layer with a bleach solution;
• spraying said foot covering with a bleach solution;
• removing said second pair of inner gloves;
• and spraying said second pair of inner gloves with a bleach solution.