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666 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers VII
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Decontamination Equipment Selection

Below is recommended equipment for decontamination of personnel, personal protective clothing, and equipment.

Decontamination equipment includes large galvanized tubs, stock tanks, or children's wading pools to hold wash and rinse solutions.

In selecting decontamination equipment, consider if the equipment can be decontaminated for reuse or can be easily disposed of.

  • drop cloths of plastic or other suitable materials on which heavily contaminated equipment and outer protective clothing may be deposited
  • collection containers, such as drums or suitably lined trash cans, for storing disposable clothing and heavily contaminated personal protective clothing or equipment that must be discarded
  • lined box with absorbents for wiping or rinsing off gross contaminants and liquid contaminants
  • large galvanized tubs, stock tanks, or children's wading pools to hold wash and rinse solutions. These should be at least large enough for a worker to place a booted foot in and should have either no drain or a drain connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system
  • wash solutions selected to wash off and reduce the hazards associated with the contaminants
  • rinse solutions selected to remove contaminants and contaminated wash solutions
  • long-handled, soft-bristled brushes to help wash and rinse off contaminants
  • paper or cloth towels for drying protective clothing and equipment
  • lockers and cabinets for storage of decontaminated clothing and equipment
  • metal or plastic cans or drums for contaminated wash and rinse solutions
  • plastic sheeting, sealed pads with drains, or other appropriate methods for containing and collecting contaminated wash and rinse solutions spilled during decontamination
  • shower facilities for full body wash or, at a minimum, personal wash sinks (with drains connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system)
  • soap or wash solution, wash cloths, and towels for personnel
  • lockers or closets for clean clothing and personal item storage

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-4. When using galvanized tubs, stock tanks, or wading pools during the decontamination process, how large should these containers be?