Decontamination

Decontamination Instructional Goal • understand the purpose and principles of decon • see the potential for work-related exposure during decon • demonstrate decon principle is the field

Decontamination is . . . process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment

Why Decon? • Protect personnel by reducing the transfer of harmful materials into clean areas; • Helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals; • Protects the community by preventing uncontrolled transportation of contaminants from the site.

Decontamination Plan • Establish methods and procedures • Determine appropriate decon methods • Determine number and layout of decon stations • Establish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas • Determine decon equipment needed • Establish methods for disposing of clothing and equipment

S O Ps for Decontamination Minimize contact with waste • Stay out of the contaminant • Use remote sampling • Protect equipment • Wear disposable outer garments • Use disposable equipment when possible • Encase contaminant sources

S O Ps for DecontaminationMaximize Worker Protection • Check PPE before use • Proper dressout procedures • Training and retraining

Decontamination Maximize Worker Protection Fasten all fasteners & Seal all gaps

Levels of Contamination • Surface - easy to detect and remove • Permeation • Contact time • Concentration • Temperature • Size of molecules and pore space • Physical state of waste

Key Questions Is the decon method effective for the specific substances present? Does the method itself pose any health or safety hazards?

Hazardous Waste Decontamination Methods Isolation-Dry Decon Contaminants end up in the Bag “Bag and Stash”

Decontamination Methods Physical Removal • Loose contaminants • Adhering contaminants • Solidification • Rinsing • Volatile Liquids

Decontamination Methods Chemical Removal • Dissolving Contaminants • Surfactants • Neutralizers • Disinfection / Sterilization

Testing for Effectiveness • Visual Observation • Natural & UV Light • Wipe Sampling • Cleaning Solution Analysis • Testing for Permeation

Health and Safety Hazards of Decontamination • Consider compatibility of decon solutions or other decon materials BEFORE use • Consider the effect of the decon method on decon personnel and workers BEFORE use

Decon Facility Design • Depends on site-specific factors • Provides an organized process to reduce levels of contamination • Flow patterns and separate stations

DecontaminationDisposal Methods All equipment and materials used for decontamination must be decontaminated or disposed of properly

DecontaminationPersonal Protection Decon workers stationed closest to the Exclusion Zone need more PPE than decon workers stationed near the Support Zone

Basic 6 - Step Decon Line 1) Equipment Drop 2) Gross Decon - wash / rinse boots & gloves 3) Air Tank Change 4) Boots, gloves, & outer garment off 5) SCBA Facepiece Removal 6) Field Wash

ENTER EQUIPMENT DROP 1 HOT ZONE SHOWER STALL Field wash boots and CPC 2 5 GAL PAIL WITH WASHWATER SPARE AIR TANKS Get full air tank and return 3 RETURN WITH NEW AIR TANK Bag for SCBA OR Drop SCBA Leave SCBA facepiece on Bag 55-85 gallon 4 Step into bag and peel CPC off and into bag Drum for bagged CPC DIRTY SIDE CLEAN SIDE Tub for SCBA facepiece Remove SCBA facepiece and inner gloves 5 Wash face and hands 6 SUPPORT ZONE Tub with washwater and towel

Decontamination Emergency Decontamination • Procedures must be established • Stabilize first or decon first??? • Protect medical personnel • Dispose of contaminated stuff

Accident or Injury Life-saving Procedures Required? Yes Contaminants Hazardous? Yes No No Grossly Decontaminate or Cover or Wrap Contaminated Areas! Perform Life-Saving Procedures! Decontaminate as much as possible! Additional Emergency Care Needed? No Further Medical Attention or Surveillance Needed? Yes No Report to Safety Officer! Yes Transport to Medical facility!

Decontamination