WNS nylon decontamination discussion
Posted: Feb 11, 2008 12:55 am
Regarding concerns about using 1:10 household bleach-to-water solutions to decontaminate vertical gear, this issue has come up previously in the context of rescue workers needing to decontaminate rope and webbing materials following exposure to human pathogens.
CMC Rescue issued a technical advisory in 1999 that covers this issue. The document is available here: http://newyorksearchandrescue.org/downl ... %20Web.pdf
CMC tests on nylon rope reportedly found minimal impact on rope strength when following standard decontamination procedures.
In one test, ropes were immersed in a 1:10 bleach/water solution for 10 minutes, followed by a 10 minute rinse. After 14 days, the reported strength loss was 2%.
In a CMC test conducted similarly except using straight household bleach, the strength loss after 14 days was 13%.
CMC Rescue issued a technical advisory in 1999 that covers this issue. The document is available here: http://newyorksearchandrescue.org/downl ... %20Web.pdf
CMC tests on nylon rope reportedly found minimal impact on rope strength when following standard decontamination procedures.
In one test, ropes were immersed in a 1:10 bleach/water solution for 10 minutes, followed by a 10 minute rinse. After 14 days, the reported strength loss was 2%.
In a CMC test conducted similarly except using straight household bleach, the strength loss after 14 days was 13%.