Decontamination

Why this section is important: A worker who does not properly decontaminate him/her self, may potentially contaminate his/her co-workers and even his/her family!

Decontamination Plan

• Are the chosen decontamination methods effective for the specific hazardous substances present?

• Do the methods themselves pose any health or safety hazards?The number and placement of decontamination stations.

• The necessary decontamination equipment and methods.

• Standard Operating Proceduress to prevent contamination of clean area and to minimize worker contact with contaminants during removal of personal protective equipment.

• Methods for disposing of clothing and equipment that may not be completely decontaminated.

• Decontamination activities should be confined to a designated area within the Contamination Reduction Zone.

• All personnel, clothing equipment, and samples leaving the contaminated area of a site must be decontaminated to remove any harmful chemicals or infectious organisms that may have adhered to them.

Sample Decontamination Plan

Decontamination Methods

• Physical removal of contaminants through loosening with soap and water, or evaporation.

• Inactivation of contaminants by chemical detoxification, neutralization, dissolving in solvent or removal with surfactants.

• A combination of both physical and chemical means.

Decontamination Equipment

• Plastic drop cloths for storing heavily contaminated equipment and outer protective clothing,

• Drums or suitably lined trash cans for storing disposable clothing and heavily contaminated PPE that must be discarded, and for storing contaminated solutions,

• Lined boxes with absorbents for rinsing off solid or liquid contaminants,

• Washing and rinsing solutions selected to reduce contamination and the hazards associated with contaminants,

• Large galvanized tubs, stock tanks, or children’s wading pools to hold wash and rinse solutions. These should be at least large enough for a worker to place both booted feet in, and should have either no drain or be connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system,

• Plastic sheeting, sealed pads with drains, or other appropriate methods for containing and collection contaminated wash and rinse solutions spilled during decontamination,

• Long-handled, soft-bristled brushes to help wash and rinse off contaminants,

• Paper or cloth towels for drying protective clothing and equipment,

• Lockers and cabinets for storage of decontaminated clothing and equipment,

• Shower facilities for full body wash or at a minimum, personal wash sinks (with drains connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system).

Evaluating Effectiveness of Decontamination

• Inspect for discolorations, stains, corrosive effects, and substances adhering to objects, which indicate surface contamination,

• Swipe testing inner and outer surfaces of protective clothing,

• Determining permeation rates of contaminants into protective clothing.

Thought Questions:

info@oltrain.com

Phone:  1.877.OLTRAIN (877.658.7246) (US tollfree) or 1.813.655.5919 (International)

Fax:  1.888.457.6331 (US tollfree) or 1.813.354.4659 (International)

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