Decontamination
At all sites where there has been a response to a spill or release of hazardous substances, the potential exists for anything that comes in contact with toxic materials to be contaminated.
It is vital to the health and safety of hazardous materials site workers all equipment and people be decontaminated properly.
Decontamination protects workers from hazardous substances that may contaminate and eventually permeate the protective clothing, respiratory equipment, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used on site. It is the process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment. It is critical to health and safety at hazardous waste sites.
The decontamination process does the following:
- it protects workers from hazardous substances that may contaminate and eventually permeate the protective clothing, respiratory equipment, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used on site;
- it protects all site personnel by minimizing the transfer of harmful materials into clean areas;
- it helps prevent mixing of incompatible chemicals; and
- it protects the community by preventing uncontrolled transportation of contaminants from the site.
This module describes the types of contamination workers may encounter at a waste site, the factors that influence the extent of contamination, and methods for preventing or reducing contamination.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
12-1. Which term is used to describe the process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment?
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