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E-mail: hazmat@iuoeiettc.orgE-mail: hazmat@iuoeiettc.org

HAZWOPERHAZWOPERDECONTAMINATIONDECONTAMINATION

International Environmental Technology and Training CenterInternational Environmental Technology and Training Center

“Working safely with hazardous materials”Vincent J. Giblin, General President

Decontamination

This material was produced under grant number 46C5-HT16 from the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of

Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department

of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or

organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Decontamination

Decontamination:AN INTRODUCTION

The process of removing and neutralizing contaminants that have collected on workers and equipment.

Decontamination

Why is the decontamination process important?

Reduces: Potential exposure to contaminants

when removing PPE; Transfer of harmful materials

into clean areas.

Decontamination

Why is the decontamination process important?

Helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals.

Protects the community by preventing the movement of contaminants from the site.

Decontamination

When should a decontamination plan be developed?

Before any workers and/or equipment enter areas where potential hazardous exposure exists.

Part of site’s Health and Safety Plan (HASP).

Decontamination

What is the purpose of the decon plan?

Identify procedures: Site-specific; Hazard-specific.Determine: Number/layout of decon stations; Equipment needed.

Decontamination

What is the purpose of the decon plan?

Establishes methods/procedures to: Prevent contamination of clean areas; Reduce worker contact with contaminants

during PPE removal; Dispose of contaminated clothing/equipment

that is not completely decontaminated.

Decontamination

How do Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prevent contamination?

SOPs: First step in the decontamination process; Reduce contact with waste and thus the

potential for contamination.

Decontamination

What are general methods of decontamination?

All workers, clothing, equipment, and samples leaving contaminated areas must be decontaminated by: Physical removal; Chemical removal; Combination of both methods.

Decontamination

What are some procedures for testing the effectiveness decontamination?

Decontamination methods: Vary in their effectiveness for removing

different materials. Must be evaluated at the beginning/and

periodically.

Decontamination

What is a decontamination line?

A sequence of decon stations is called the decontamination line.

Heavy equipment, personnel, and hand tools should have separate decon lines.

Decon ProceduresDecon Procedures

Decontamination

What are the parameters for establishing decon stations?

Number of Decon Stations is determined by: Physical state of the contaminants; Ease of removal; Level of protection worn by site workers.

Must be listed in the site Health and Safety Plan.

Decontamination

What are some special decon arrangements for workers using PPE or in hot environments?

Use a cooling station within decon line: Set-up in a shaded area; Use wind to aid cooling process.

Decontamination

What are some special decon arrangements for workers using PPE or in hot environments?

Use cooling devices (water hoses, ice packs, or wet towels).

Refer to ACGIH for work/rest breaks.

Decontamination

Should workers on the decontamination line all wear the same level of protection?

No.Workers at the beginning of the line may require more protection.

Decontamination

Controlling the Decontamination Process:SITE CONTROL ZONES

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Decontamination

What determines the level of PPE required for decontamination workers?

Type of equipment used. Nature of the specific

contaminants.

A qualified health and safety expert should select the appropriate equipment/clothing.

Decontamination

Equipment Used in Decontamination Process:EXAMPLES

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Decontamination

Heavy Equipment Decontamination Procedures:EXAMPLES

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Decontamination

Are high-powered jet sprays the best way to decontaminate heavy equipment?

Drawbacks: Contamination may spread in the mist of

water droplets; Contaminants may embed more deeply

into equipment or materials.

Decontamination

Are high-powered jet sprays the best way to decontaminate heavy equipment?

To reduce the spread of contamination use: Low-pressure wash-down lines; Protective enclosures.

Decontamination

Decon Equipment - Decon/Disposal Procedures

Examples

Decontamination

In an emergency, should the victim be decontamination or treated first?

PRIMARY CONCERN:

Prevent loss of life or severe injury to site personnel.

Live through the emergency or die from overexposure?

Emergency DeconEmergency Decon

Decontamination

This material was produced under grant number 46C5-HT16 from the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of

Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department

of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or

organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Decontamination

END•This publication was made possible by grant

numbers 5 U45 ES06182-13 AND 5 U45 ES09763-13 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS),

NIH. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily

represent the official views of the NIEHS, NIH.