Fire and Rescue NSW deploys mobile decontamination gantry during floods

Decontamination system used in Australia during Port Macquarie flood

Fire and Rescue NSW has reported the first operational use of a mobile decontamination gantry during a flood incident in Port Macquarie.

The unit was introduced to clean vehicles and personnel exposed to floodwater during multi-agency emergency response efforts.

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the gantry processed over 150 vehicles and cleaned more than 250 emergency workers on Wednesday.

Developed after earlier flood response identified safety risks

Fire and Rescue NSW stated that the mobile gantry was created based on experiences during the 2021 New South Wales floods.

During that period, emergency personnel relied on manual methods such as pressure hoses, which were time-consuming and posed health risks.

The new system was designed to reduce manual handling and speed up the decontamination process.

Rapid set-up and remote deployment capability

The organisation explained that the gantry can be deployed within hours to incidents requiring fast decontamination.

It can be used at scene and positioned to intercept vehicles before they return to base or re-enter community areas.

The system’s flexibility is intended to improve both public health outcomes and response efficiency.

Risk reduction for emergency services personnel

Greg Wright, Superintendent HAZMAT and Counter Terrorism at Fire and Rescue NSW, said the system improves safety during emergency operations.

Wright said:
“In the past, vehicle decontamination was conducted using labour-intensive methods such as pressure washers and hoses, which is time-consuming and also exposes personnel to unnecessary risks.”

“This system significantly reduces both risk and resource requirements, allowing crews to return to their base with a reduced risk of injury or illness, allowing them to focus their efforts on community recovery.”

Wright added that the gantry now forms part of the agency’s broader approach to hazardous materials and environmental protection strategies.

Fire and Rescue NSW deploys mobile decontamination gantry during floods: Summary

Fire and Rescue NSW has used a portable decontamination gantry for the first time during flood operations in Port Macquarie.

The system was introduced to address risks identified in the 2021 New South Wales floods.

It processed more than 150 vehicles and cleaned over 250 personnel.

The gantry is portable and can be deployed within hours.

It replaces pressure hoses and manual cleaning methods.

Greg Wright of Fire and Rescue NSW said the gantry reduces risks and resource demands.

The system contributes to the agency’s environmental and HAZMAT strategies.