Decontamination Plan
A decontamination plan should be developed (as part of the Site Safety Plan) and set up before any personnel or equipment may enter areas where the potential for exposure to hazardous substances exists.
The decontamination plan should:
- determine the number and layout of decontamination stations
- determine the decontamination equipment needed and appropriate decontamination methods
- establish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas
- establish methods and procedures to minimize worker contact with contaminants during removal of personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
- establish methods for disposing of clothing and equipment that are not completely decontaminated
The plan should be revised whenever the type of personal protective clothing or equipment changes, the site conditions change, or the site hazards are reassessed based on new information.
Decontamination procedures should be tailored to the specific hazards of the site and may vary in complexity and number of steps, depending on the level of hazard and the employee's exposure to the hazard.
Decontamination procedures and PPE decontamination methods will vary depending upon the specific substance, since one procedure or method may not work for all substances. Evaluation of decontamination methods and procedures should be performed, as necessary, to ensure employees are not exposed to hazards by re-using PPE.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
12-2. What should be completed before any personnel or equipment enter areas where the potential for exposure to hazardous substances exists?
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