1. Program Objectives Define “Decontamination”.
Identify the steps in the decon process.
Demonstrate, by building, a decontamination reduction zone.

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

3. Exposure versus Contamination
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

4. Types of Contamination
1. Surface contaminates
2. Permeation

5. Five Factors which affect the extent of permeation
Contact Time
Concentration
Temperature
Size of contaminant vs. pore space
Physical State of Waste or Haz-Mat

6. Prevention 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

7. 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.

8. Decontamination 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.

9. Decontamination Plan (cont’d.)
Minimize worker contact with contaminants during removal of PPE.
Establish proper disposal of contaminated materials.

10. DECONTAMINATION METHODS
ABSORPTION
ADSORPTION
CHEMICAL DEGRADATION
DILUTION
DISPOSAL
ISOLATION
NEUTRALIZATION
SOLIDIFICATION

11. Testing the Effectiveness of the Decontamination Process
Visual Observation
Wipe Sampling
Cleaning Solution Analysis
Testing for Permeation

12. Decontamination Facility Design
The level and type of Decon depends on several site-specific factors:
The physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of the contaminant
The amount, location, and containment of the released contaminant
The movement of personnel and equipment among different zones

13. Decontamination Zones
There should be three zones when responding to chemical emergencies.
Exclusion, Contamination Reduction, and Support
Exclusion
Exclusion
CRZ
Support

14. HazMat Zones
Wind/Grade
Cold
Warm
Hot

15. Contamination Reduction Zone
Wind/Grade
Drum
Drum
Pool
Suit
Removal
Exit
Med
check
Tool
Drop
Entry

16. Let's go build one...