The detailed technique for removing contaminated clothing to maximise decontamination effectiveness without spreading hazardous material to your face and skin.
Removing contaminated outer clothing is the single most effective decontamination action available to a civilian in the immediate aftermath of chemical, biological, or radiological exposure. Studies consistently show that clothing removal eliminates approximately 80% of surface contamination. Done correctly, it reduces continued exposure significantly. Done incorrectly — dragging contaminated fabric across the face — it can increase exposure to the most vulnerable areas.
Contamination from external hazards lands primarily on clothing, not directly on skin (except for the face and hands if unprotected). The clothing acts as a reservoir, holding contamination in contact with the body. Removing it removes the source of ongoing absorption. The underlying skin, once exposed, can then be washed.
This is as true for chemical agents as for radiological particles and biological material.
Before starting, assess your clothing:
Remove the outermost layer first:
For T-shirts, hoodies, and other pull-over garments:
Option A — Roll and pull:
Option B — Cut it off: If scissors or a knife are available, cut the garment off from the hem upward. Cutting along the sides and shoulders avoids any contact with the face entirely and is the fastest method. Carry a small pair of scissors in your emergency kit for this purpose.
⚠️ The most common mistake is pulling a T-shirt straight up and over the face in the normal way — this drags the contaminated outer surface directly across the nose, eyes, and mouth. This is the opposite of decontamination.
Trousers, skirts, and underwear:
Shoes and boots carry significant contamination from ground contact:
Remove all:
All removed clothing and accessories should be placed in plastic bags:
If you have clean, sealed clothing available:
If no clean clothing is available:
Office and formal clothing are typically button-front or zip — remove normally, being careful not to contaminate the face when handling the collar.
Remove from the top: unbutton, pull shoulders off first, then pull arms out without dragging the collar across the face.
Gloves worn during removal significantly reduce hand contamination:
| Item | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Jacket / coat | Unzip; shoulders off first; arms out without face contact |
| T-shirt / hoodie | Roll outer surface inward; pull neck away from face; OR cut off |
| Trousers | Unbutton; remove shoes first; push down and off |
| Shoes / boots | Remove before trousers come off feet; bag separately |
| Jewellery | Remove everything; bag with clothing |
| Bag contaminated items | Double-bag; seal; leave outside clean areas |
| Clean clothing | From sealed supply only; inside-out order |
Take Clothing Removal as Decontamination with you — no internet needed when it matters most.
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