1293 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 258131293 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813Phone: (304) 253-8674 - Fax: (304) 253-7758Phone: (304) 253-8674 - Fax: (304) 253-7758
E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]
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
DocumentDocument
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
DocumentDocument
Decontamination
Heavy Equipment Decontamination Procedures:EXAMPLES
DocumentDocument
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.