Meth decontamination is a process that involves a variety of key objectives that must be addressed in a thorough, safe manner. In order to effectively and safely carry out meth decontamination, a comprehensive plan of action must be created and then implemented. A meth decontamination work plan needs to include:

  • Site security strategy
  • Site testing plan
  • Site map
  • Decontamination specialist personal protective equipment
  • Decontamination equipment, agents, and other resources
  • Regulatory and institutional compliance

Site Security Strategy

A meth decontamination work plan needs to include a site security strategy. If meth contamination is suspected at a particular location, the first security step that must be taken is cordoning off the site to ensure that no unauthorized person is able to gain access to the property. From the moment meth contamination is suspected at a particular location, the property must be presumed to be dangerous. Only duly authorized people can be allowed into the premises. Moreover, they can only be permitted access to a site suspected of meth contamination if they don appropriate personal protective equipment. 

Site Testing Plan

A meth decontamination work plan needs to include specific information pertaining to testing. There needs to be a comprehensive site testing plan.

A site testing plan needs to include specific locations within a property suspected of contamination. The site testing plan needs to be so detailed that it includes exact locations in a property suspected of contamination that will be swabbed down to the square inch.

Site Map

An important element of a meth decontamination work plan is the development of what is known as a site map. A meth decontamination site map contains two primary features.

First, a meth decontamination site map includes an identification of suspected locations at the premises that might be contaminated by the drug. The site map identifies those areas in which swabs should be taken as part of the meth testing process. 

Second, a meth decontamination site may need to also include an identification of any aspects of a property that are otherwise hazardous. Primary examples of what is included in this regard in a site map of dangerous defects in the premises. These include any defects that could prove dangerous in areas of the premises that include:

  • Ceilings
  • Roof
  • Walls
  • Floors
  • HVAC equipment

Decontamination Specialist Personal Protective Equipment

A meth decontamination work plan needs to include specific reference to the personal protective equipment or PPE that needs to be utilized during the two primary phases of the process. These are the testing and actual decontamination phases of meth remediation. 

The basic personal protective equipment necessary for the testing process includes the following (at a minimum):

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Wrist and arm protective covering
  • Protective eyewear
  • Disposable N100 or P100 FFR respirator device

The basic PPE needed for the actual meth decontamination process includes:

  • Nitrile gloves (recommended course is to wear double nitrile gloves)
  • Chemical hazards protective ensemble (NFPA 1999 single or multiple use ensemble or 1994 class four ensemble)
  • SCBA respiratory protection (full face device)

Because of the need for absolutely effective PPE, the recommended course of action is for two people to be involved in the PPE donning process. In other words, the specialist putting on PPE needs to be aided by another person trained in the use of meth decontamination PPE. This joint effort best ensures that an individual is appropriately protected before embarking on meth decontamination.  

Decontamination Equipment, Agents, and Other Resources

A meth decontamination work plan also needs to include specific information about needed equipment, decontamination agents, and other resources. There are commercially available agents that can be used to decontaminate a meth site. 

The work plan should also delineate who specifically is responsible for obtaining necessary equipment, decontamination agents, and other resources. This includes a designated person who will be charged to the all-important task of obtaining appropriate personal protective equipment. 

Regulatory and Institutional Compliance

In developing a meth decontamination work plan, attention must be paid to what (if any) state, local, or institutional protocols exist in regard to meth decontamination. Many states and localities have developed some meth decontamination protocols or standards. Similarly, some institutions have also developed their own meth decontamination protocols or standards. 

For the purposes of developing and implementing a meth decontamination work plan, the term institution encompasses businesses, schools, governmental properties, motels, and a wide array of other properties that can become contaminated with meth. 

Fentanyl decontamination involves the creation of a similar work plan. The same elements discussed here that are included in a meth decontamination work plan are also included in the fentanyl cleanup process. 

On a final note, meth decontamination is a highly complicated and hazardous process. It cannot safely and effectively be undertaken by a layperson. The associated risks simply are far too great not to engage the services of an experienced professional meth decontamination company.