Program Objectives

Define “Decontamination”.

Identify the steps in the decon process.

Demonstrate, by building, a decontamination reduction zone.

DecontaminationDecontamination

The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel or equipment.

Exposure versus Contamination

Exposure:

The subjection of a person to a toxic substance or harmful physical agent through any route of entry.

Common cold, TB

Contamination:

The transfer of a hazardous material to persons, equipment, and the environment in greater than acceptable quantities.

Alpha particle, splash

Types of Contamination

2. Permeation

1. Surface contaminates

Five Factors which affect the extent of permeationFive Factors which affect the extent of permeation

Contact TimeConcentrationTemperatureSize of contaminant vs. pore spacePhysical State of Waste or Haz-Mat

Prevention of ContaminationPrevention of Contamination

Establish Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) to minimize contact with hazardous materials. Stress “Clean” work practices.

Use disposable outer garments when appropriate.Use remote sampling, handling, and container opening techniques.Protect monitoring instruments with bags

Emergency Decontamination

The physical process of immediately removing dangerous contaminates from individuals.

Very rapid, gross decon. Remove clothes, wash with available water, cover, treatment/transport.

Decontamination PlanDecontamination Plan

Determine the number and layout of the Decon stations.Determine equipment and materials needed to effectively remove contaminants

Determine the appropriate Decon solution(s).Establish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas.

Decontamination Plan (cont’d.)Decontamination Plan (cont’d.)

Minimize worker contact with contaminants during removal of PPE.Establish proper disposal of contaminated materials.

DECONTAMINATION METHODS ABSORPTION ADSORPTION CHEMICAL DEGRADATION DILUTION DISPOSAL ISOLATION NEUTRALIZATION SOLIDIFICATION

Testing the Effectiveness of the Decontamination ProcessTesting the Effectiveness of the Decontamination Process

Visual Observation

Wipe Sampling

Cleaning Solution Analysis

Testing for Permeation

Decontamination Facility Design Decontamination Facility Design

The level and type of Decon depends on several site-specific factors:

The physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of the contaminantThe amount, location, and containment of the released contaminantThe movement of personnel and equipment among different zones

Exclusion

Decontamination ZonesDecontamination Zones

CRZ

Support

Exclusion

There should be three zones when responding to chemical emergencies.

Exclusion, Contamination Reduction, and Support

HazMat Zones

Hot

Wind/Grade

Warm

Cold

Contamination ReductionZone

Wind/Grade

Entry

PoolPool

ToolDrop

DrumDrum

Exit

SuitRemoval

Medcheck