1293 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813 Phone: (304) 253-8674 - Fax: (304) 253-7758

1. HAZWOPER DECONTAMINATION International Environmental Technology and Training Center “Working safely with hazardous materials” Vincent J. Giblin, General President 1293 Airport Road, Beaver, WV 25813 Phone: (304) 253-8674 - Fax: (304) 253-7758 E-mail: hazmat@iuoeiettc.org

2. 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.

3. Decontamination:AN INTRODUCTION The process of removing and neutralizing contaminants that have collected on workers and equipment.

4. Why is the decontamination process important? Reduces: • Potential exposure to contaminants when removing PPE; • Transfer of harmful materials into clean areas.

5. Why is the decontamination process important? • Helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals. • Protects the community by preventing the movement of contaminants from the site.

6. 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).

7. What is the purpose of the decon plan? Identify procedures: • Site-specific; • Hazard-specific. Determine: • Number/layout of decon stations; • Equipment needed.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 Procedures

13. What are the parameters for establishing decon stations? Number of Decon Stationsis 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Controlling the Decontamination Process:SITE CONTROL ZONES Document

18. 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.

19. Equipment Used in Decontamination Process:EXAMPLES Document

20. Heavy Equipment Decontamination Procedures:EXAMPLES Document

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Decon Equipment - Decon/Disposal Procedures Examples

24. 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 Decon

25. 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.

26. 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.