Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51020.15.4 Decontamination from Chemical Agents – General

• Any inmate exposed to a chemical agent shall be afforded an opportunity to decontaminate as soon as practical. Staff shall provide reasonable accommodation to disabled inmates who require assistance exiting a contaminated area and during the decontamination process.

• If an inmate refuses to decontaminate, no other action is necessary, unless the inmate was exposed in a cell and not removed from the cell where the exposure occurred. In these instances, refer to Section 51020.15.6. If an inmate refuses decontamination, the LNS shall be responsible to explain the importance of decontamination and encourage the inmate to decontaminate.

• Inmates in an adjacent cell or in the general area where chemical agents are used shall be questioned by custody staff to determine if decontamination is warranted.

• Decontamination of those inmates not directly exposed to chemical agents will be based upon obvious, physical effects of the chemical agent.

• The need to medically treat an inmate for serious injury may supersede the need to decontaminate from the effects of exposure to chemical agents.

• Inmates exposed to chemical agents shall be allowed to change their clothes as soon as practical.

• Inmates exposed to chemical agents in a cell shall be afforded the opportunity to exchange linens and bedding, including the safety blanket, when applicable.