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Appendix D - Training Program
Decontamination
Objectives/Samples of Behavior:
Explain the purposes of decontamination
Describe the prevention of contamination, decontamination methods, decontamination layouts, and emergency decontamination
A. Definition - Removing (physical) or neutralizing (chemical) contaminants - personnel or equipment
B. Why
Protects workers & equipment
Prevents contaminant spread on/off-site
Prevents mixing of incompatible chemicals
Maintains sample integrity
Allows re-use of PPE & equipment
C. Decon Plan (part of health/safety plan)
Determines / establishes
Number / layout of decon stations
Decon equipment needed
Proper decon methods
Procedures to prevent spread to clean areas
Prevention of worker contact during PPE removal
Disposal of contaminated PPE & equipment
D. Contamination Prevention
Minimize contact through work practices
Don't walk through obvious contamination
Use remote sampling, handling, opening, viewing
Bags on monitoring & sampling equipment
Use disposable garments & equipment
Isolate & mark contaminant sources
Emphasize proper dressing
Inspect PPE prior to use
E. Methods - Physical
Loose -water rinse
Adhering:
Brushing or dry wiping (particles) - don't stir up
Vacuuming - wet media vacs w/ high efficiency filters - dusts
Scraping - sticky stuff
Use disposable PPE / equipment
Volatile liquids - evaporation & rinsing
F. Methods - Chemical
Dissolve contaminants - alcohols, ethers
May deteriorate PPE
May be incompatible with contaminant(s)
Surfactants / detergents most common
Solidification
Rinsing
Disinfection
G. Decon layout
Determined by:
Extent & nature of contamination
Chemical, physical, toxicological properties
Pathogenicity
Amount, location, containment
Potential for exposure
Potential degradation of PPE
Personnel & equipment movement
Special considerations
Medical emergencies - abbreviated or no decon
Decon personnel dressed like site workers or one level below - depends on decon line job
Recommended layouts:
Equipment/Procedures for Minimum Decon for Levels A, B & C |
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Station 1 - equipment drop
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Station 2 - outer garment, boots, & gloves wash/rinse
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Station 3 - outer boot & glove removal
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Station 4 - tank change
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Station 5 - boot, gloves, & outer garment removal
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Station 6 -SCBA removal
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Station 7 -field wash
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