Well since I had to go thru various types HAZMAT training thought by different agencies question of personal equipment was always a touchy one.

They all agreed on tossing away the bags, clothes and "junk". Weapons (knives), multi tools, lighters were always a no no as well. Electronics were also disposed of. And this is where it got tricky. Some instructors told us that it is ok to leave somebody with their wedding band or a chain (religious or sentimental) or a watch. Others told us that it has to be taken of and deposited in a ziploc bag for further decon (with your name on top). Some instructors allowed wallets to be deposited into that Ziploc bag as well. Others only a content and some even stated that drivers license is the only thing allowed inside. Why this is a gray area and so many different opinions? Just because nobody every did it. All of the mass casualty incidents involving decon are written on paper and when NBC attack happens that’s the first time it will be implemented.

My friend who got decontaminated in NJ following 911 lost everything but his wallet, wedding band and a cell phone (?). But than again there was a lot of improvisation happening that day.

Army once stated that they can decon 50 people in 60 minutes... NYC EMS can decon one person every 4 minutes. Army never calculated in "the human nature factor" since their experiments were done on enlisted men who followed orders.

Decon possibility is what made me stop bringing expensive knife to work.