Decontamination Instructional Goal understand the purpose and principles of deconunderstand the purpose and principles of decon see the potential for work-related exposure during deconsee the potential for work-related exposure during decon demonstrate decon principle is the fielddemonstrate 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;Protect personnel by reducing the transfer of harmful materials into clean areas; Helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals;Helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals; Protects the community by preventing uncontrolled transportation of contaminants from the site.Protects the community by preventing uncontrolled transportation of contaminants from the site.

Decontamination Plan Establish methods and proceduresEstablish methods and procedures Determine appropriate decon methodsDetermine appropriate decon methods Determine number and layout of decon stationsDetermine number and layout of decon stations Establish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areasEstablish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas Determine decon equipment neededDetermine decon equipment needed Establish methods for disposing of clothing and equipmentEstablish methods for disposing of clothing and equipment

S O Ps for Decontamination Minimize contact with waste Stay out of the contaminantStay out of the contaminant Use remote samplingUse remote sampling Protect equipmentProtect equipment Wear disposable outer garmentsWear disposable outer garments Use disposable equipment when possibleUse disposable equipment when possible Encase contaminant sourcesEncase contaminant sources

S O Ps for Decontamination Maximize Worker Protection Check PPE before useCheck PPE before use Proper dressout proceduresProper dressout procedures Training and retrainingTraining and retraining

Decontamination Maximize Worker Protection Fasten all fasteners & Seal all gaps

Levels of Contamination Surface - easy to detect and removeSurface - easy to detect and remove PermeationPermeation –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?

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

Decontamination Methods Physical Removal Loose contaminantsLoose contaminants Adhering contaminantsAdhering contaminants –Solidification –Rinsing Volatile LiquidsVolatile Liquids

Decontamination Methods Chemical Removal Dissolving ContaminantsDissolving Contaminants SurfactantsSurfactants NeutralizersNeutralizers Disinfection / SterilizationDisinfection / Sterilization

Testing for Effectiveness Visual ObservationVisual Observation – Natural & UV Light Wipe SamplingWipe Sampling Cleaning Solution AnalysisCleaning Solution Analysis Testing for PermeationTesting for Permeation

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

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

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

Decontamination Personal 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

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

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

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