mixing  these  solutions,  and  consult  the  MSDS  for specific  precautions. Decontaminating  Foods All food should be carefully monitored. Foods in metal or glass packages may be safe. Contamination is best removed from the external surfaces by washing. Food  items  in  sealed,  dustproof  packages  may  also  be safe, provided the wrapper is not broken. To remove the contamination from these packages, vacuum them and carefully  remove  the  outer  wrap.  Some  vegetables  can also be decontaminated if they are carefully washed, dried,  monitored,  and  peeled-if  monitoring  shows contamination  is  not  above  specified  limits.  When surface  contamination  cannot  be  physically  removed, the  food  should  be  condemned.  All  foods  must  be inspected and approved by the medical officer. Decontaminating  Spaces  and  Equipment Thorough cleaning of all surfaces is vital. Work should commence overhead and continue downward in the direction of the liquid flow. When feasible, the first step should consist of flushing the surfaces with safe water. Do not get water on electrical controls that are not  waterproofed.  The  second  step  involves  systematic scrubbing  with  chemical  cleaning  agents.  Piping, ductwork, stanchions, bulkheads, coamings, and decks should   be   repeatedly   scrubbed   until   monitoring indicates  that  a  safe  condition  exists. Bare  metal surfaces  should  be  given  an  initial  scrubbing  with alkaline  detergents  to  remove  grease  film.  When available, citric acid solution should then be applied and allowed to remain for a minimum period of 10 minutes. Rinse  the  surface  with  safe,  fresh  water,  allow  to  dry, and monitor. In the absence of citric acid, vinegar may be used, but it is less effective. Decontaminating  Utensils  and  Dinnerware Treat metal utensils and dinnerware such as metal tableware and cutlery in the same manner as other metal surfaces. Wash with a detergent followed by an acid treatment. When  possible,  immerse  utensils  and dinnerware in the acid solution. Crockery and glass present no particular cleaning problem, provided the glazed surfaces are without scratches or foreign deposits such as stains or hard water scale. Plastic ware may present some difficulty because of the relatively porous character of the surface, scratches, and the presence of foreign deposits. Both glassware and plastic ware should be machine washed, rinsed, dried, and each item monitored. Those that do not pass should be inspected for  cracks  and  surface  defects.  Cracked  and  badly scratched  items  should  be  disposed  of  immediately.  The other items still showing contamination should be given repeated  washings  until  safe,  or  they  should  be segregated to await natural decay of contamination or disposal  of  the  item. Protection of Personnel When you are engaged in decontamination, wear protective clothing as prescribed by the ship’s damage control  bill.  If  protective  clothing  is  not  available, similar garments may be substituted. Care must be taken  to  make  sure  substitute  clothing  adequately prevents  radioactive  particles  from  coming  in  contact with the skin or gaining entry to the body by ingestion, inhalation, or through breaks in the skin. Masks should be worn. In the absence of regulation masks, chemical goggles  should  be  worn  to  protect  the  eyes.  A  high efficiency  particulate  air  (HEPA)  filter  respirator  also can be used to protect the lungs. Spaces that were not contaminated, or that have been  decontaminated,  must  be  carefully  protected.  All personnel and material must be carefully monitored (decontaminated if needed) before anyone is permitted to enter these spaces. Cleaning gear, items of protective clothing,   and   so   forth,   used   in   decontamination procedures should be segregated and disposed of as contaminated  according  to  their  level  of  contamination. To  familiarize  yourself  with  protective  clothing  and equipment, and with the procedure for adapting regular issue clothing for NBC warfare protection, see  Military Requirements  for  Petty  Officer  Third  Class, NAVEDTRA  12044. Preventing Recontamination Contaminated  items  brought  accidentally  into spaces   should   be   removed   and,   pending decontamination  of  the  affected  areas,  these  areas should be roped off. Personnel who may have walked through these areas or who may have otherwise come in contact with radioactive particles should be sent to the decontamination  station. DEFENSE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL AGENTS The   United   States   has   renounced   all   use   of biological agents in warfare, but the need still exists to be prepared to defend ourselves against these agents if 1-19