Hazardous Waste - Decontamination | Occupational Safety

Decontamination - the process of removing or neutralizing contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment - is critical to health and safety ... Skiptomaincontent HazardousWaste-AdditionalResources Decontamination Decontamination Introduction Decontamination-theprocessofremovingorneutralizingcontaminantsthathaveaccumulatedonpersonnelandequipment-iscriticaltohealthandsafetyathazardouswastesites.Decontaminationprotectsworkersfromhazardoussubstancesthatmaycontaminateandeventuallypermeatetheprotectiveclothing,respiratoryequipment,tools,vehicles,andotherequipmentusedonsite;itprotectsallsitepersonnelbyminimizingthetransferofharmfulmaterialsintocleanareas;ithelpspreventmixingofincompatiblechemicals;anditprotectsthecommunitybypreventinguncontrolledtransportationofcontaminantsfromthesite. Thischapterdescribesthetypesofcontaminationthatworkersmayencounteratawastesite,thefactorsthatinfluencetheextentofcontamination,andmethodsforpreventingorreducingcontamination.Inaddition,thischapterprovidesgeneralguidelinesfordesigningandselectingdecontaminationproceduresatasite,anditpresentsadecisionaidforevaluatingthehealthandsafetyaspectsofdecontaminationmethods.Thechapterdoesnotcoverdecontaminationofradioactivelycontaminatedpersonnelorequipment.Ahealthphysicistshouldbeconsultedifthissituationarises. DecontaminationPlan Adecontaminationplanshouldbedeveloped(aspartoftheSiteSafetyPlan)andsetupbeforeanypersonnelorequipmentmayenterareaswherethepotentialforexposuretohazardoussubstancesexists.Thedecontaminationplanshould: Determinethenumberandlayoutofdecontaminationstations. Determinethedecontaminationequipmentneeded. Determineappropriatedecontaminationmethods. Establishprocedurestopreventcontaminationofcleanareas. Establishmethodsandprocedurestominimizeworkercontactwithcontaminantsduringremovalofpersonalprotectiveclothingandequipment(PPE). Establishmethodsfordisposingofclothingandequipmentthatarenotcompletelydecontaminated. Theplanshouldberevisedwheneverthetypeofpersonalprotectiveclothingorequipmentchanges,thesiteconditionschange,orthesitehazardsarereassessedbasedonnewinformation. PreventionofContamination ThefirststepindecontaminationistoestablishStandardOperatingProceduresthatminimizecontactwithwasteandthusthepotentialforcontamination.Forexample: Stressworkpracticesthatminimizecontactwithhazardoussubstances(e.g.,donotwalkthroughareasofobviouscontamination,donotdirectlytouchpotentiallyhazardoussubstances). Useremotesampling,handling,andcontainer-openingtechniques(e.g.,drumgrapplers,pneumaticimpactwrenches). Protectmonitoringandsamplinginstrumentsbybagging.Makeopeningsinthebagsforsampleportsandsensorsthatmustcontactsitematerials. Weardisposableoutergarmentsandusedisposableequipmentwhereappropriate. Coverequipmentandtoolswithastrippablecoatingwhichcanberemovedduringdecontamination. Encasethesourceofcontaminants,e.g.,withplasticsheetingoroverpacks. Inaddition,StandardOperatingProceduresshouldbeestablishedthatmaximizeworkerprotection.Forexample,properproceduresfordressingpriortoenteringtheExclusionZonewillminimizethepotentialforcontaminantstobypasstheprotectiveclothingandescapedecontamination.Ingeneral,allfastenersshouldbeused(i.e.,zippersfullyclosed,allbuttonsused,allsnapsclosed,etc.)Glovesandbootsshouldbetuckedunderthesleevesandlegsofouterclothing,andhoods(ifnotattached)shouldbewornoutsidethecollar.Anotherpairoftoughouterglovesisoftenwornoverthesleeves.Alljuncturesshouldbetapedtopreventcontaminantsfromfunninginsidethegloves,boots,andjackets(orsuits,ifone-piececonstruction). Priortoeachuse,thepersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)shouldbecheckedtoensurethatiscontainsnocutsorpuncturesthatcouldexposeworkerstowastes.Similarly,anyinjuriestotheskinsurface,suchascutsandscratches,mayenhancethepotentialforchemicalsorinfectiousagentsthatdirectlycontacttheworker'sskintopenetrateintothebody.Particularcareshouldbetakentoprotecttheseareas.Workerswithlargeareasofdamagedskinshouldbekeptfromworkingonsiteuntiltheskinheals. AllpersonnelshouldbetrainedintheStandardOperatingProceduresforminimizingcontactandmaximizingworkerprotection,andtheseproceduresshouldbeenforcedthroughoutsiteoperations. TypesofContamination ContaminantscanbelocatedeitheronthesurfaceofpersonalprotectiveequipmentorpermeatedintothePPEmaterial.Surfacecontaminantsmaybeeasytodetectandremove;however,contaminantsthathavepermeatedamaterialaredifficultorimpossibletodetectandremove.Ifcontaminantsthathavepermeatedamaterialarenotremovedbydecontamination,theymaycontinuetopermeatetoeithersurfaceofthematerialwheretheycancauseanunexpectedexposure. Fivemajorfactorsaffecttheextentofpermeation: Contacttime.Thelongeracontaminantisincontactwithanobject,thegreatertheprobabilityandextentofpermeation.Forthisreason,minimizingcontacttimeisoneofthemostimportantobjectivesofadecontaminationprogram. Concentration.Moleculesflowfromareasofhighconcentrationtoareasoflowconcentration.Asconcentrationsofwastesincrease,thepotentialforpermeationofpersonalprotectiveclothingincreases. Temperature.Anincreaseintemperaturegenerallyincreasesthepermeationrateofcontaminants. Sizeofcontaminantmoleculesandporespace.Permeationincreasesasthecontaminantmoleculebecomessmaller,andastheporespaceofthematerialtobepermeatedincreases. Physicalstateofwastes.Asarule,gases,vapors,andlow-viscosityliquidstendtopermeatemorereadilythanhigh-viscosityliquidsorsolids. DecontaminationMethods Allpersonnel,clothing,equipment,andsamplesleavingthecontaminatedareaofasite(generallyreferredtoastheExclusionZone)mustbedecontaminatedtoremoveanyharmfulchemicalsorinfectiousorganismsthatmayhaveadheredtothem.Decontaminationmethodseither(1)physicallyremovecontaminants,(2)inactivatecontaminantsbychemicaldetoxificationordisinfection/sterilization,or(3)removecontaminantsbyacombinationofbothphysicalandchemicalmeans.VariousdecontaminationmethodsarelistedinTable1. PhysicalRemoval Inmanycases,grosscontaminationcanberemovedbyphysicalmeansinvolvingdislodging/displacement,rinsing,wipingoff,andevaporation.Physicalmethodsinvolvinghighpressureand/orheatshouldbeusedonlyasnecessaryandwithcautionsincetheycanspreadcontaminationandcauseburns.Contaminantsthatcanberemovedbyphysicalmeanscanbecategorizedasfollows: Loosecontaminants.Dustsandvaporsthatclingtoequipmentandworkersorbecometrappedinsmallopenings,suchastheweaveoftheclothingfabrics,canberemovedwithwateroraliquidrinse.Removalofelectrostaticallyattachedmaterialscanbeenhancedbycoatingtheclothingorequipmentwithanti-staticsolutions.Theseareavailablecommerciallyaswashadditivesoranti-staticsprays. Adheringcontaminants.Somecontaminantsadherebyforcesotherthanelectrostaticattraction.Adhesivequalitiesvarygreatlywiththespecificcontaminantsandthetemperature.Forexample,contaminantssuchasglues,cements,resins,andmudshavemuchgreateradhesivepropertiesthanelementalmercuryandconsequently,aredifficulttoremovebyphysicalmeans.Physicalremovalmethodsforgrosscontaminantsincludescraping,brushing,andwiping.Removalofadhesivecontaminantscanbeenhancedthroughcertainmethodssuchassolidifying,freezing(e.g.,usingdryiceoricewater),adsorptionorabsorption(e.g.,withpowderedlimeorkittylitter),ormelting. Volatileliquids.Volatileliquidcontaminantscanberemovedfromprotectiveclothingorequipmentbyevaporationfollowedbyawaterrinse.Evaporationofvolatileliquidscanbeenhancedbyusingsteamjets.Withanyevaporationorvaporizationprocess,caremustbetakentopreventworkerinhalationofthevaporizedchemicals. Table1.SomeDecontaminationMethods REMOVAL ContaminantRemoval Waterrinse,usingpressurizedorgravityflow. Chemicalleachingandextraction. Evaporation/vaporization. Pressurizedairjets. Scrubbing/scraping.Commonlydoneusingbrushes,scrapers,orspongesandwatercompatiblesolventcleaningsolutions. Steamjets. RemovalofContaminatedSurfacesDisposalofdeeplypermeatedmaterials,e.g.,clothing,floormats,andseats.Disposalofprotectivecoverings/coatings. INACTIVATION ChemicalDetoxification Halogenstripping Neutralization Oxidation/reduction. Thermaldegradation. Disinfection/Sterilization Chemicaldisinfection Dryheatsterilization Gas/vaporsterilization Irradiation. Steamsterilization. ChemicalRemoval Physicalremovalofgrosscontaminationshouldbefollowedbyawash/rinseprocessusingcleaningsolutions.Thesecleaningsolutionsnormallyutilizeoneormoreofthefollowingmethods: Dissolvingcontaminants.Chemicalremovalofsurfacecontaminantscanbeaccomplishedbydissolvingtheminasolvent.Thesolventmustbechemicallycompatiblewiththeequipmentbeingcleaned.Thisisparticularlyimportantwhendecontaminatingpersonalprotectiveclothingconstructedoforganicmaterialsthatcouldbedamagedordissolvedbyorganicsolvents.Inaddition,(caremustbetakeninselecting,using,anddisposingofanyorganicsolventsthatmaybeflammableorpotentiallytoxic.Organicsolventsincludealcohols,ethers,ketones,aromatics,straight-chainalkanes,andcommonpetroleumproducts. Halogenatedsolventsgenerallyareincompatiblewithpersonalprotectiveequipmentandaretoxic.Theyshouldonlybeusedfordecontaminationinextremecaseswhereothercleaningagentswillnotremovethecontaminant. Table2providesageneralguidetothesolubilityofseveralcontaminantcategoriesinfourtypesofsolvents:water,diluteacids,dilutebases,andorganicsolvents.Becauseofthepotentialhazards,decontaminationusingchemicalsshouldbedoneonlyifrecommendedbyanindustrialhygienistorotherqualifiedhealthprofessional. Surfactants.Surfactantsaugmentphysicalcleaningmethodsbyreducingadhesionforcesbetweencontaminantsandthesurfacebeingcleaned,andbypreventingredepositofthecontaminants.Householddetergentsareamongthemostcommonsurfactants.Somedetergentscanbeusedwithorganicsolventstoimprovethedissolvinganddispersalofcontaminantsintothesolvent. Solidification.Solidifyingliquidorgelcontaminantscanenhancetheirphysicalremoval.Themechanismsofsolidificationare:(1)moistureremovalthroughtheuseofabsorbentssuchasgroundedclayorpowderedlime:(2)chemicalreactionsviapolymerizationcatalystsandchemicalreagents;and(3)freezingusingicewater. Table2.GeneralGuidetoSolubilityofContaminantsInFourSolventTypes SOLVENT SOLUBLECONTAMINANTS Water Low-chainhydrocarbons Inorganiccompounds Salts Someorganicacidsandotherpolarcompounds DiluteAcids Basic(caustic)compounds. Amines Hydrazines DiluteBases Forexample: -detergent -soap Acidcompounds Phenols Thiols Somenitroandsulfoniccompounds. OrganicSolvents* Forexample -alcohols -ethers -ketones -aromatics -straight-chainalkanes(e.g.,hexane) -commonpetroleumproducts(e.g.,fueloil,kerosene) Nonpolarcompounds(e.g.,someorganiccompounds). *WARNING:Someorganicsolventscanpermeateand/ordegradetheprotectiveclothing. Rinsing.Rinsingremovescontaminantsthroughdilution,physicalattraction,andsolubilization.Multiplerinseswithcleansolutionsremovemorecontaminantsthanasinglerinsewiththesamevolumeofsolution.Continuousrinsingwithlargevolumeswillremoveevenmorecontaminantsthanmultiplerinsingswithalessertotalvolume. Disinfection/Sterilization.Chemicaldisinfectantsareapracticalmeansofinactivatinginfectiousagents.Unfortunately,standardsterilizationtechniquesaregenerallyimpracticalforlargeequipmentandforpersonalprotectiveclothingequipment.Forthisreason,disposablePPEisrecommendedforusewithinfectiousagents. Manyfactors,suchascost,availability,andeaseofimplementation,influencetheselectionofadecontaminationmethod.Fromahealthandsafetystandpoint,twokeyquestionsmustbeaddressed: Isthedecontaminationmethodeffectiveforthespecificsubstancespresent? Doesthemethoditselfposeanyhealthorsafetyhazards? TestingfortheEffectivenessofDecontamination Decontaminationmethodsvaryintheireffectivenessforremovingdifferentsubstances.Theeffectivenessofanydecontaminationmethodshouldbeassessedatthebeginningofaprogramandperiodicallythroughoutthelifetimeoftheprogram.Ifcontaminatedmaterialsarenotbeingremovedorarepenetratingprotectiveclothing,thedecontaminationprogrammustberevised.Thefollowingmethodsmaybeusefulinassessingtheeffectivenessofdecontamination. VisualObservation Thereisnoreliabletesttoimmediatelydeterminehoweffectivedecontaminationis.Insomecases,effectivenesscanbeestimatedbyvisualobservation. Naturallight.Discolorations,stains,corrosiveeffects,visibledirt,oralterationsinclothingfabricmayindicatethatcontaminantshavenotbeenremoved.However,notallcontaminantsleavevisibletraces;manycontaminantscanpermeateclothingandarenoteasilyobserved. Ultravioletlight.Certaincontaminants,suchaspolycyclicaromatichydrocarbons,whicharecommoninmanyrefinedoilsandsolventwastes,fluoresceandcanbevisuallydetectedwhenexposedtoultravioletlight.Ultravioletlightcanbeusedtoobservecontaminationofskin,clothing,andequipment;however,certainareasoftheskinmayfluorescenaturally,therebyintroducinganuncertaintyintothetest.Inaddition,useofultravioletlightcanincreasetheriskofskincancerandeyedamage;therefore,aqualifiedhealthprofessionalshouldassessthebenefitsandrisksassociatedwithultravioletlightpriortoitsuseatawastesite. WipeSampling Wipetestingprovidesafter-the-factinformationontheeffectivenessofdecontamination.Inthisprocedure,adryorwetcloth,glassfiberfilterpaper,orswabiswipedoverthesurfaceofthepotentiallycontaminatedobjectandthenanalyzedinalaboratory.Boththeinnerandoutersurfacesofprotectiveclothingshouldbetested.Skinmayalsobetestedusingwipesamples. CleaningSolutionAnalysis Anotherwaytotesttheeffectivenessofdecontaminationproceduresistoanalyzeforcontaminantsleftinthecleaningsolutions.Elevatedlevelsofcontaminantsinthefinalrinsesolutionmaysuggestthatadditionalcleaningandrinsingareneeded. TestingforPermeation Testingforthepresenceofpermeatedchemicalcontaminantsrequiresthatpiecesoftheprotectivegarmentsbesenttoalaboratoryforanalysis. HealthandSafetyHazards Whiledecontaminationisperformedtoprotecthealthandsafety,itcanposehazardsundercertaincircumstances.Decontaminationmethodsmay: Beincompatiblewiththehazardoussubstancesbeingremoved(Le.,adecontaminationmethodmayreactwithcontaminantstoproduceanexplosion,heat,ortoxicproducts).Beincompatiblewiththeclothingorequipmentbeingdecontaminated(e.g.,someorganicsolventscanpermeateand/ordegradeprotectiveclothing). Poseadirecthealthhazardtoworkers(e.g.,vaporsfromchemicaldecontaminationsolutionsmaybehazardousifinhaled,ortheymaybeflammable). Thechemicalandphysicalcompatibilityofthedecontaminationsolutionsorotherdecontaminationmaterialsmustbedeterminedbeforetheyareused.Anydecontaminationmethodthatpermeates,degrades,damages,orotherwiseimpairsthesafefunctioningofthePPEisincompatiblewithsuchPPEandshouldnotbeused.Ifadecontaminationmethoddoesposeadirecthealthhazard,measuresmustbetakentoprotectbothdecontaminationpersonnelandtheworkersbeingdecontaminated. DecontaminationFacilityDesign Atahazardouswastesite,decontaminationfacilitiesshouldbelocatedintheContaminationReductionZone(CRZ),i.e.,theareabetweentheExclusionZone(thecontaminatedarea)andtheSupportZone(thecleanarea)asshownin3. Thelevelandtypesofdecontaminationproceduresrequireddependonseveralsitespecificfactorsincluding: Thechemical,physical,andtoxicologicalpropertiesofthewastes. Thepathogenicityofinfectiouswastes. Theamount,location,andcontainmentofcontaminants.thepotentialfor,andlocationof,exposurebasedonassignedworkerduties,activities,andfunctions. Thepotentialforwastestopermeate,degrade,orpenetratematerialsusedforpersonalprotectiveclothingandequipment,vehicles,tools,buildings,andstructures. Theproximityofincompatiblewastes. Themovementofpersonneland/orequipmentamongdifferentzones. Emergencies Themethodsavailableforprotectingworkersduringdecontamination. Theimpactofthedecontaminationprocessandcompoundsonworkersafetyandhealth. Decontaminationproceduresmustprovideanorganizedprocessbywhichlevelsofcontaminationarereduced.Thedecontaminationprocessshouldconsistofaseriesofproceduresperformedinaspecificsequence.Forexample,outer,moreheavilycontaminateditems(e.g.,outerbootsandgloves)shouldbedecontaminatedandremovedfirst,followedbydecontaminationandremovalofinner,lesscontaminateditems(e.g.,jacketsandpants).Eachprocedureshouldbeperformedataseparatestationinordertopreventcrosscontamination.Thesequenceofstationsiscalledthedecontaminationline. Stationsshouldbeseparatedphysicallytopreventcrosscontaminationandshouldbearrangedinorderofdecreasingcontamination,preferablyinastraightline.Separateflowpatternsandstationsshouldbeprovidedtoisolateworkersfromdifferentcontaminationzonescontainingincompatiblewastes.Entryandexitpointsshouldbeconspicuouslymarked,andtheentrytotheContaminationReductionZone(CRZ)fromtheExclusionZoneshouldbeseparatefromtheentrytotheExclusionZonefromtheCRZ.DressingstationsforentrytotheCRZshouldbeseparatefromredressingareasforexitfromtheCRZ.Personnelwhowishtoentercleanareasofthedecontaminationfacility,suchaslockerrooms,shouldbecompletelydecontaminated. Examplesofdecontaminationlinesandproceduresforpersonnelwearingvariouslevelsofprotectionareprovidedinanappendixtothissection. DisposalMethods Allequipmentusedfordecontaminationmustbedecontaminatedand/ordisposedofproperly.Buckets,brushes,clothing,tools,andothercontaminatedequipmentshouldbecollected,placedincontainers,andlabeled.Also,allspentsolutionsandwashwatershouldbecollectedanddisposedofproperly.Clothingthatisnotcompletelydecontaminatedshouldbeplacedinplasticbags,pendingfurtherdecontaminationand/ordisposal. Table3.SomeRecommendedEquipmentforDecontaminationofPersonnelandPersonalProtectiveClothingandEquipment Dropclothsofplasticorothersuitablematerialsonwhichheavilycontaminatedequipmentandouterprotectiveclothingmaybedeposited. Collectioncontainers,suchasdrumsorsuitablylinedtrashcans,forstoringdisposableclothingandheavilycontaminatedpersonalprotectiveclothingorequipmentthatmustbediscarded. Linedboxwithabsorbentsforwipingorrinsingoffgrosscontaminantsandliquidcontaminants. Largegalvanizedtubs,stocktanks,orchildren'swadingpoolstoholdwashandrinsesolutions.Theseshouldbeatleastlargeenoughforaworkertoplaceabootedfootin,andshouldhaveeithernodrainoradrainconnectedtoacollectiontankorappropriatetreatmentsystem. Washsolutionsselectedtowashoffandreducethehazardsassociatedwiththecontaminants. Rinsesolutionsselectedtowashoffandreducethehazardsassociatedwiththecontaminants. Long-handled,soft-bristledbrushestohelpwashandrinseoffcontaminants. Paperorclothtowelsfordryingprotectiveclothingandequipment Lockersandcabinetsforstorageofdecontaminatedclothingandequipment. Metalorplasticcansordrumsforcontaminatedwashandrinsesolutions. Plasticsheeting,sealedpadswithdrains,orotherappropriatemethodsforcontainingand-collectingcontaminatedwashandrinsesolutionsspilledduringdecontamination. Showerfacilitiesforfullbodywashor,ataminimum,personalwashsinks(withdrainsconnectedtoacollectiontankorappropriatetreatmentsystem). Soaporwashsolution,washcloths,andtowelsforpersonnel. Lockersorclosetsforcleanclothingandpersonalitemstorage. PersonalProtection DecontaminationworkerswhoinitiallycomeincontactwithpersonnelandequipmentleavingtheExclusionZonewillrequiremoreprotectionfromcontaminantsthandecontaminationworkerswhoareassignedtothelaststationinthedecontaminationline.Insomec-ases,decontaminationpersonnelshouldwearthesamelevelsofPPEasworkersintheExclusionZone.Inothercases,decontaminationpersonnelmaybesufficientlyprotectedbywearingonelevellowerprotection(e.g.,wearingLevelCprotectionwhiledecontaminatingworkerswhoarewearingLevelB). Thelevelofprotectionrequiredwillvarywiththetypeofdecontaminationequipmentused.Forexample,workersusingasteamjetmayneedadifferenttypeofrespiratoryprotectionthanotherdecontaminationpersonnelbecauseofthehighmoisturelevelsproducedbysteamjets.Insomesituations,thecleaningsolutionsusedandwastesremovedduringdecontaminationmaygenerateharmfulvapors.Appropriateequipmentandclothingforprotectingdecontaminationpersonnelshouldbeselectedbyaqualifiedhealthandsafetyexpert. Table4.SomeRecommendedEquipmentforHeavyEquipmentandVehicleDecontamination Storagetanksofappropriatetreatmentsystemsfortemporarystorageand/ortreatmentofcontaminatedwashandrinsesolutions. Drainsorpumpsforcollectionofcontaminatedwashandrinsesolutions. Long-handledbrushesforgeneralexteriorcleaning. Washsolutionsselectedtoremoveandreducethehazardsassociatedwiththecontamination. Rinsesolutionsselectedtoremovecontaminantsandcontaminatedwashsolutions. Pressurizedsprayersforwashingandrinsing,particularlyhard-to-reachareas. Curtains,enclosures,orsprayboothstocontainsplashesfrompressurizedsprays. Longhandledbrushes,rods,andshovelsfordislodgingcontaminantsandcontaminatedsoilcaughtintiresandtheundersidesofvehiclesandequipment. Containerstoholdcontaminantsandcontaminatedsoilremovedfromtiresandtheundersidesofvehiclesandequipment. Washandrinsebucketsforuseinthedecontaminationofoperatorareasinsidevehiclesandequipment. Broomsandbrushesforcleaningoperatorareasinsidevehiclesandequipment. Containersforstorageanddisposalofcontaminatedwashandrinsesolutions,damagedorheavilycontaminatedparts,andequipmenttobediscarded. AndecontaminationworkersareinacontaminatedareaandmustthemselvesbedecontaminatedbeforeenteringthecleanSupportZone.Theextentoftheirdecontaminationshouldbedeterminedbythetypesofcontaminantstheymayhavecontactedandthetypeofworktheyperformed. EmergencyDecontamination Inadditiontoroutinedecontaminationprocedures,emergencydecontaminationproceduresmustbeestablished.Inanemergency,theprimaryconcernistopreventthelossoflifeorsevereinjurytositepersonnel.Ifimmediatemedicaltreatmentisrequiredtosavealife,decontaminationshouldbedelayeduntilthevictimisstabilized.Ifdecontaminationcanbeperformedwithoutinterferingwithessentiallife-savingtechniquesorfirstaid,orifaworkerhasbeencontaminatedwithanextremelytoxicorcorrosivematerialthatcouldcausesevereinjuryorlossoflife,decontaminationmustbeperformedimmediately.Ifanemergencyduetoaheat-relatedillnessdevelops,protectiveclothingshouldberemovedfromthevictimassoonaspossibletoreducetheheatstress.Duringanemergency,provisionsmustalsobemadeforprotectingmedicalpersonnelanddisposingofcontaminatedclothingandequipment. DecisionAidforEvaluatingHealthandSafetyAspectsofDecontaminationMethods. TEXTVERSION (Initialboxonrightside).Isthemethodeffectiveforremovingcontaminants?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonleftsidebelow)Takeadditionalmeasurestopreventcontaminationorfindanotherdecontaminationmethod.Consultspecialistsifnecessary.(End)   IfYes,(Arrowtosecondboxbelow)Arethedecontaminationmaterialscompatiblewiththehazardoussubstancespresent?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonleftsidebelow)Takeadditionalmeasurestopreventcontaminationorfindanotherdecontaminationmethod.Consultspecialistsifnecessary.(End)   IfYes,(Arrowtothirdboxbelow)Arethedecontaminationmaterialscompatiblewiththematerialstobedecontaminated?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonleftsidebelow)Takeadditionalmeasurestopreventcontaminationorfindanotherdecontaminationmethod.Consultspecialistsifnecessary.(End)   IfYes,(Arrowtofourthboxbelow)Canappropriatedecontaminationmaterialsorprocessposehealthorsafetyhazards?   IfNo,(Arrowtosixthboxbelow)MethodOKtouse.(End)   IfYes,(Arrowtofifthboxbelow)Canappropriateprotectivemeasuresbeinstitution   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonleftsidebelow)Takeadditionalmeasurestopreventcontaminationorfindanotherdecontaminationmethod.Consultspecialistsifnecessary.   IfYes,(Arrowtosixthboxonrightside)MethodOKtouse.(End)   DecisionAidforEmergencyDecontamination TEXTVERSION (Initialboxonleftside)Accident/InjuryEvent (Arrowtofirstdecisiondiamond)Life-SavingProceduresRequired? IfNo,(Arrowtoboxbelow)Decontaminateasmuchaspossible   (Continuetodecisiondiamondbelow)FurtherMedicalAttentionorSurveillanceRequired?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxtotheright)ReporttoSuperiorsforInstructions.(End) IfYes,(Arrowtoboxbelow)TransporttoMedicalFacility(End) IfYes,(Arrowtoseconddecisiondiamondtotheright)ContaminantsExtremelyHazardous?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonrightside)PerformLife-SavingProcedures (Continuetodecisionarrowbelow)AdditionalEmergencyCareRequired?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxonleft)DecontaminateasMuchasPossible (Continuetodecisionarrowbelow)FurtherMedicalAttentionorSurveillanceRequired?   IfNo,(Arrowtoboxtotheright)ReporttoSuperiorsforInstructions.(End) IfYes,(Arrowtoboxbelow)TransporttoMedicalFacility(End) IfYes,(Continuetoboxbelow)GrosslyDecontaminateand/orCoverorWrapContaminatedAreas(End) AppendixA. SampleDecontaminationProceduresforThreeTypicalLevelsofProtectiona F.S.O.P.No.7 Process:DECONTAMINATIONPROCEDURES INTRODUCTION 1.1Theobjectiveoftheseproceduresistominimizetheriskofexposuretohazardoussubstances.TheseprocedureswerederivedfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,OfficeofEmergencyandRemedialResponse's(OERR),"InterimStandardOperatingSafetyGuides(revisedSep.82)".Thisversionoftheguidesisinaformatthatismoreappropriateforuseinthefield. 1.2Protectiveequipmentmustbewornbypersonnelwhenresponseactivitiesinvolveknownorsuspectedhazardoussubstances.TheproceduresfordecontaminatingpersonneluponleavingthecontaminatedareaareaddressedforeachoftheEPA,OERRdesignatedlevelsofprotection.Theproceduresgivenareforthemaximumandminimumamountofdecontaminationusedforeachlevelofprotection. 1.3Themaximumdecontaminationproceduresforalllevelsofprotectionconsistofspecificactivitiesatnineteenstations.Eachstationemphasizes-animportantaspectofdecontamination.Whenestablishingadecontaminationline,eachaspectshouldbeincorporatedseparatelyorcombinedwithotheraspectsintoaprocedurewithfewersteps(suchastheMinimumDecontaminationProcedures). 1.4Decontaminationlinesaresitespecificsincetheyaredependentuponthetypesofcontaminationandthetypeofworkactivitiesonsite.Acoolingstationissometimesnecessarywithinthedecontaminationlineduringhotweather.Itisusuallyalocationinashadedareainwhichthewindcanhelptocoolpersonnel.Inaddition,siteconditionsmaypermittheuseofcoolingdevicessuchascoolwaterhose,icepacks,cooltowels,etc.Whenthedecontaminationlineisnolongerrequired,contaminatedwashandrinsesolutionsandcontaminatedarticlesmustbecontainedanddisposedofashazardouswastesincompliancewithstateandfederalregulations. F.S.O.P.No.7 PROCESSDECONPROCEDURES MAXIMUMDECONTAMINATIONLAYOUT LEVELAPROTECTION MaximumDecontaminationLayout-LevelAProtection TEXTVERSION EXCLUSIONZONE(EachstationhasanumberedhexagonandarrowpointingtonextstationinalineabovetheHOTLINE)AflowchartfromStation1:SegregatedEquipmentDrop,toStation2:BootCover&GloveWash,toStation3:BootCover&GloveRinse,toStation4:TapeRemoval,toStation5:BootCoverRemoval,toStation6:OuterGloveRemoval(ThearrowatStation6pointsdownwardacrosstheHOTLINEintotheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE.AseriesofnumberedhexagonspointdownwardtowardtheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE.)Station7:Suit/SafetyBootWash(withintheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE),toStation8:Suit/SafetyBootRinse.TheStation8numberedhexagonhastwoarrows,thefirstarrowpointstoStation9:ChangeandRedress-BootCover/OuterGloves,whichhasanupwardarrowthatcrossestheHOTLINEreenteringtheEXCLUSIONZONE,andthesecondarrow,continuingdownwardtoStation10:SafetyBootRemoval,toStation11:FullyEncapsulatingSuitwithHardHatRemoval,toStation12:SCBABackpackRemoval,toStation13:InnerGloveWash,toStation14:InnerGloveRinse,toStation15:FacePieceRemoval,toStation16:InnerGloveRemoval,toStation17:InnerClothingRemovalwhichhasanarrowcrossingdownwardpasttheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE,toStation18:FieldWash(withintheSUPPORTZONE),whichhasanarrowacrosstoStation19:Redress,thefinalstation. F.S.O.P.No.7 PROCESSDECONPROCEDURES MAXIMUMDECONTAMINATIONLAYOUT LEVELBPROTECTION MaximumDecontaminationLayout-LevelBProtection TEXTVERSION EXCLUSIONZONE(EachstationhasanumberedhexagonandarrowpointingtonextstationinalineabovetheHOTLINE)AflowchartfromStation1:SegregatedEquipmentDrop,toStation2:BootCover&GloveWash,toStation3:BootCover&GloveRinse,toStation4:TapeRemoval,toStation5:BootCoverRemoval,toStation6:OuterGloveRemoval(ThearrowatStation6pointsdownwardacrosstheHOTLINEintotheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE.AseriesofnumberedhexagonspointdownwardtowardtheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE.)Station7:Suit/SafetyBootWash(withintheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE),toStation8:Suit/SCBA/Boot/GloveRinse.TheStation8numberedhexagonhastwoarrows,thefirstarrowpointstoStation9:TankChangeandRedress-BootCover/OuterGloves,whichhasanupwardarrowthatcrossestheHOTLINEreenteringtheEXCLUSIONZONE,andthesecondarrow,continuingdownwardtoStation10:SafetyBootRemoval,toStation11:SCBABackpackRemoval,toStation12:SplashSuitRemoval,toStation13:InnerGloveWash,toStation14:InnerGloveRinse,toStation15:FacePieceRemoval,toStation16:InnerGloveRemoval,toStation17:InnerClothingRemovalwhichhasanarrowcrossingdownwardpasttheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE,toStation18:FieldWash(withintheSUPPORTZONE),whichhasanarrowacrosstoStation19:Redress,thefinalstation. F.S.O.P.No.7 PROCESSDECONPROCEDURES MAXIMUMDECONTAMINATIONLAYOUT LEVELCPROTECTION MaximumDecontaminationLayout-LevelCProtection TEXTVERSION EXCLUSIONZONE(EachstationhasanumberedhexagonandarrowpointingtonextstationinalineabovetheHOTLINE)AflowchartfromStation1:SegregatedEquipmentDrop,toStation2:BootCover&GloveWash,toStation3:BootCover&GloveRinse,toStation4:TapeRemoval,toStation5:BootCoverRemoval,toStation6:OuterGloveRemoval(ThearrowatStation6pointsdownwardacrosstheHOTLINEintotheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE.AseriesofnumberedhexagonspointdownwardtowardtheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE.)Station7:Suit/SafetyBootWash(withintheCONTAMINATIONREDUCTIONZONE),toStation8:Suit/SCBA/Boot/GloveRinse.TheStation8numberedhexagonhastwoarrows,thefirstarrowpointstoStation9:TankChangeandRedress-BootCover/OuterGloves,whichhasanupwardarrowthatcrossestheHOTLINEreenteringtheEXCLUSIONZONE,andthesecondarrow,continuingdownwardtoStation10:SafetyBootRemoval,toStation11:SplashSuitRemoval,totoStation12:InnerGloveWash,toStation13:InnerGloveRinse,toStation14:FacePieceRemoval,toStation15:InnerGloveRemoval,toStation16:InnerClothingRemovalwhichhasanarrowcrossingdownwardpasttheCONTAMINATIONCONTROLLINE,toStation17:FieldWash(withintheSUPPORTZONE),whichhasanarrowacrosstoStation18:Redress,thefinalstation. F.S.O.P.No.7 PROCESSDECONPROCEDURES MINIMUMDECONTAMINATIONLAYOUT LEVELA&BPROTECTION MinimumDecontaminationLayout-LevelA&BProtection TEXTVERSION (Aseriesofthreearrowsintheupperright,onearrow20degreesaboveandtheotherarrow20degreesbelowthecentralarrow,indicatewinddirectiontowardtheHOTLINE.)TheEquipmentDropArea(fromlefttoright)isindicatedbyarectanglewithacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofthePlasticsheetandarightpointingarrowtoanotherrectangledividedbyadiagonallineintotheDeconOuterGarmentsareaandtheRemoveBootCoversandOuterGlovesareawithacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofa10galloncan.AdashedlinecuttingverticallythroughthisrectangleindicatestheHOTLINE.TotherightoftheHOTLINE,abovetherectangle,twocirclesindicatethelocationoftheDeconSolutionandWater.TwoarrowscontinuefromtheseconddividedDeconrectangletoacirclemarkedwithanXthathasanupwardpointingarrow,thatturnsbacktowardthedashedHOTLINEtoanarealabelledRedress:BootCoversandOuterGloves,andcrossesthedashedHOTLINE.AnotherarrowfromthecirclemarkedwithanXcontinuestoarectangleindicatingtheareatoRemoveBoots/GlovesandOuterGarments(ForDisposalandOffSiteDecontamination)withacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofa32galloncan.Anotherseriesofarrowspointingdownwardgotoanotherrectangle,theRemoveSCBAfinaldeconarea. F.S.O.P.No.7 PROCESSDECONPROCEDURES MINIMUMDECONTAMINATIONLAYOUT LEVELCPROTECTION MinimumDecontaminationLayout-LevelCProtection TEXTVERSION (Aseriesofthreearrowsintheupperright,onearrow20degreesaboveandtheotherarrow20degreesbelowthecentralarrow,indicatewinddirectiontowardtheHOTLINE.)TheEquipmentDropArea(fromlefttoright)isindicatedbyarectanglewithacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofthePlasticsheetandarightpointingarrowtoanotherrectangledividedbyadiagonallineintotheDeconOuterGarmentsareaandtheRemoveBootCoversandOuterGlovesareawithacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofa10galloncan.AdashedlinecuttingverticallythroughthisrectangleindicatestheHOTLINE.TotherightoftheHOTLINE,abovetherectangle,twocirclesindicatethelocationoftheDeconSolutionandWater.TwoarrowscontinuefromtheseconddividedDeconrectangletoacirclemarkedwithanXthathasanupwardpointingarrow,thatturnsbacktowardthedashedHOTLINEtoanarealabelledRedress:BootCoversandOuterGloves,andcrossesthedashedHOTLINE.AnotherarrowfromthecirclemarkedwithanXcontinuestoarectangleindicatingtheareatoRemoveBoots/GlovesandOuterGarments(ForDisposalandOffSiteDecontamination)withacirclebelowindicatingthelocationofa32galloncan.Anotherseriesofarrowspointingdownwardgotoanotherrectangle,theRemoveMaskfinaldeconarea. EQUIPMENTNEEDEDTOPERFORMMAXIMUMDECONTAMINATIONMEASURESFORLEVELSA,B,ANDC Station1: a.VariousSizeContainers b.PlasticLiners c.PlasticDropCloths Station10: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners c.BenchorStools d.BootJack Station2: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.DeconSolutionorDetergentWater c.2-3Long-Handled.Soft-BristledScrubBrushes Station11: a.Rack b.DropCloths c.BenchorStools Station3: a.Containers(20-30Gallons)StationOR High-PressureSprayUnit b.Water c.2-3Long-Handled.Soft-BristledScrubBrushes Station12: a.Table Station13: a.BasinorBucket b.DeconSolution c.SmallTable Station4: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners Station14: a.Water b.DeconSolution c.SmallTable Station5: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners c.BenchorStools Station15: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners Station6: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners Station16: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners Station7: a.Containers(20-30Gallons)Station b.DeconSolution c.2-3Long-Handled.Soft-BristledScrubBrushes Station17: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners Station8: a.Containers(20-30Gallons)StationOR High-PressureSprayUnitStation b.Water c.2-3Long-Handled.Soft-BristledScrubBrushes Station18: a.Water b.Soap c.SmallTable d.BasinorBucket e.FieldShowers f.Towels Station9: a.AirTanksorFaceMasksandCartridgeDependingonLevel b.Tape c.BootCovers d.Gloves Station19: a.DressingTrailerisNeededinInclementWeather b.Tables c.Chairs d.Lockers e.Cloths EQUIPMENTNEEDEDTOPERFORMMINIMUMDECONTAMINATIONMEASURESFORLEVELSA,B,ANDC Station1: a.VariousSizeContainers b.PlasticLiners c.PlasticDropCloths Station4: a.AirTanksorMasksandCartridgesDependingUponLevel b.Tape c.BootCovers d.Gloves Station2: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.DeconSolution c.RinseWater d.2-3Long-Handled,Soft-BristledScrubBrushes Station5: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners c.BenchorStools Station3: a.Containers(20-30Gallons) b.PlasticLiners c.BenchorStools Station6: a.PlasticSheets b.BasinorBucket c.SoapandTowels d.BenchorStools Station7: a.Water b.Soap c.Tables d.WashBasinorBucket FSOP7:MAXIMUMMEASURESFORLEVELADECONTAMINATION Station1: SegregatedEquipmentDrop 1.Depositequipmentusedonsite(tools,samplingdevicesandcontainers,monitoringinstruments,radios,clipboards,etc.)onplasticdropclothsorindifferentcontainerswithplasticliners.Duringhotweatheroperations,acooldownstationmaybesetupwithinthisarea. Station2: BootCoverandGloveWash 2.Scrubouterbootcoversandgloveswithdeconsolutionordetergent/water. Station3: BootCoverandGloveRinse 3.Rinseoffdeconsolutionfromstation2usingcopiousamountsofwater. Station4: TapeRemoval 4.Removetapearoundbootsandglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station5: BootCoverRemoval 5.Removebootcoversanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station6: OuterGloveRemoval 6.Removeouterglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station7: SuitandBootWash 7.Washencapsulatingsuitandbootsusingscrubbrushanddeconsolutionordetergent/water.Repeatasmanytimesasnecessary. Station8: SuitandBoot 8.Rinseoffdeconsolutionusingwater.Repeatasmanytimesasnecessary. Station9: TankChange 9.Ifanairtankchangeisdesired,thisisthelaststep1nthedecontaminationprocedure.Airtankisexchanged,newouterglovesandbootcoversdonned,andjointstaped.Workerreturnstoduty. Station10: SafetyBootRemoval 10.Removesafetybootsanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station11: FullyEncapsulatingSuitandHardHatRemoval 11.Fullyencapsulatedsuitisremovedwithassistanceofahelperandlaidoutonadropclothorhungup.Hardhatisremoved.Hotweatherreststationmaybesetupwithinthisareaforpersonnelreturningtosite. Station12: SCBABackpackRemoval 12.Whilestillwearingfacepiece,removebackpackandplaceontable.Disconnecthosefromregulatorvalveandproceedtonextstation. Station13: InnerGloveWash 13.Washwithdeconsolutionthatwillnotharmtheskin.Repeatasoftenasnecessary. Station14: InnerGloveRinse 14.Rinsewithwater.Repeatasmanytimesasnecessary.. Station15: FacePieceRemoval 15.Removefacepiece.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner.Avoidtouchingfacewithfingers. Station16: InnerGloveRemoval 16.Removeinnerglovesanddepositincontainerwithliner. Station17: InnerClothingRemoval 17.Removeclothingandplaceinlinedcontainer.Donotwearinnerclothingoff-sitesincethere'isapossibilitythatsmallamountsofcontaminantmighthavebeentransferredinremovingthefully-encapsulatingsuit. Station18: FieldWash 18.Showerifhighlytoxicskin-corrosiveorskin-absorbablematerialsareknownorsuspectedtobepresent.Washhandsandfaceifshowerisnotavailable. Station19: Redress 19.Putoncleanclothes. FSOP7:MINIMUMMEASURESFORLEVELADECONTAMINATION Station1: EquipmentDrop 1.Depositequipmentusedonsite(tools,samplingdevicesandcontainers,monitoringinstruments,radios,clipboards,etc.)onplasticdropcloths.Segregationatthedropreducestheprobabilityofcrosscontamination.Duringhotweatheroperations.cooldownstationsmaybesetupwithinthisarea. Station2: OuterGarment,Boots,andGlovesWashandRinse 2.Scrubouterboots,outerglovesandfully-encapsulatingsuitwithdeconsolutionordetergentandwater.Rinseoffusingcopiousamountsofwater. Station3: OuterBootandGloveRemoval 3.Removeouterbootsandgloves.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station4: TankChange 4.IfworkerleavesExclusionZonetochangeairtank,thisisthelaststepinthedecontaminationprocedure.Worker'sairtankisexchanged,newouterglovesandbootcoversdonned,jointstaped,andworkerreturnstoduty. Station5: Boots,GlovesandOuterGarmentRemoval 5.Boots,fully-encapsulatingsuit,innerglovesremovedanddepositedinseparatecontainerslinedwithplastic. Station6: SCBARemoval 6.SCBAbackpackandfacepieceisremoved(avoidtouchingfacewithfingers).SCBAdepositedonplasticsheets. Station7: FieldWash 7.Handsandfacearethoroughlywashed.Showerassoonaspossible. FSOP7:MAXIMUMMEASURESFORLEVELBDECONTAMINATION Station1: SegregatedEquipmentDrop 1.Depositequipmentusedonsite(tools,samplingdevicesandcontainers,monitoringinstruments,radios,clipboards,etc.)onplasticdropclothsorindifferentcontainerswithplasticliners.Segregationatthedropreducesthe probabilityofcross-contamination.Duringhotweatheroperations,acooldownstationmaybesetupwithinthisarea. Station2: BootCoverandGloveWash 2.Scrubouterbootcoversandgloveswithdeconsolutionordetergentandwater. Station3: BootCoverandGloveRinse 3.Rinseoffdeconsolutionfromstation2usingcopiousamountsofwater. Station4: TapeRemoval 4.Removetapearoundbootsandglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station5: BootCoverRemoval 5.Removebootcoversanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station6: OuterGloveRemoval 6.Removeouterglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station7: SuitandSafetyBootWash 7.Washchemical-resistantsplashsuit,SCBA,glovesandsafetyboots.Scrubwithlong-handlescrubbrushanddeconsolution.WrapSCBAregulator(ifbeltmountedtype)withplastictokeepoutwater.Washbackpackassemblywithspongesorcloths. Station8: Suit,SCBA,BootandGloveRinse 8.Rinseoffdeconsolutionusingcopiousamountsofwater. Station9: TankChange 9.Ifworkerleavesexclusionzonetochangeairtank,thisisthelaststepinthedecontaminationprocedure.Worker'sairtankisexchanged.newouterglovesandbootcoversdonned,andjointstaped.Workerreturnstoduty. Station10: SafetyBootRemoval 10.Removesafetybootsanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station11: SCBABackpackRemoval 11.Whilestillwearingfacepiece,removebackpackandplaceontable.Disconnecthosefromregulatorvalve. Station12: SplashSuitRemoval 12.Withassistanceofhelper,removesplashsuit.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station13: InnerGloveWash 13.Washinnergloveswithdeconsolution. Station14: InnerGloveRinse 14.Rinseinnergloveswithwater. Station15: FacePieceRemoval 15.Removefacepiece.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner.Avoidtouchingfacewithfingers. Station16: InnerGloveRemoval 16.Removeinnerglovesanddepositincontainerwithliner. Station17: InnerClothingRemoval 17.Removeinnerclothing.Placeincontainerwithliner.Donotwearinnerclothingoff-sitesincethereisapossibilitythatsmallamountsofcontaminantsmighthavebeentransferredinremovingthefully-encapsulatingsuit. Station18: FieldWash 18.Showerifhighlytoxic.skin-corrosiveorskin-absorbablematerialsareknownorsuspectedtobepresent.Washhandsandfaceifshowerisnotavailable. Station19: Redress 19.Putoncleanclothes. FSOP7:MINIMUMMEASURESFORLEVELBDECONTAMINATION Station1: EquipmentDrop 1.Depositequipmentusedonsite(tools,samplingdevicesandcontainers,monitoringinstruments,radios,clipboards,etc.)onplasticdropcloths.Segregationatthedropreducestheprobabilityofcrosscontamination.Duringhotweatheroperations.cooldownstationsmaybesetupwithinthisarea. Station2: OuterGarment,Boots,andGlovesWashandRinse 2.Scrubouterboots,outerglovesandchemical-resistantsplashsuitwithdeconsolutionordetergentandwater.Rinseoffusingcopiousamountsofwater. Station3: OuterBootandGloveRemoval 3.Removeouterbootsandgloves.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station4: TankChange 4.Ifworkerleavesexclusionzonetochangeairtank,thisisthelaststepinthedecontaminationprocedure.Worker'sairtankisexchanged,newouterglovesandbootcoversdonned,jointstaped,andworkerreturnstoduty. Station5: Boots,GlovesandOuterGarmentRemoval 5.Boots,chemical-resistantsuit,innerglovesremovedanddepositedinseparatecontainerslinedwithplastic. Station6: SCBARemoval 6.SCBAbackpackandfacepieceisremovedAvoidtouchingfacewithfinger.SCBAdepositedonplasticsheets. Station7: FieldWash 7.Handsandfacearethoroughlywashed.Showerassoonaspossible. FSOP7:MAXIMUMMEASURESFORLEVELCDECONTAMINATION Station1: SegregatedEquipmentDrop 1.Depositequipmentusedonsite(tools,samplingdevicesandcontainers,monitoringinstruments,radios,clipboards,etc.)onplasticdropclothsorindifferentcontainerswithplasticliners.Segregationatthedropreducestheprobabilityofcross-contamination.Duringhotweatheroperations,acooldownstationmaybesetupwithinthisarea. Station2: BootCoverandGloveWash 2.Scrubouterbootcoversandgloveswithdeconsolutionordetergentandwater. Station3: BootCoverandGloveRinse 3.Rinseoffdeconsolutionfromstation2usingcopiousamountsofwater. Station4: TapeRemoval 4.Removetapearoundbootsandglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station5: BootCoverRemoval 5.Removebootcoversanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station6: OuterGloveRemoval 6.Removeouterglovesanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station7: SuitandBootWash 7.Washsplashsuit,gloves,andsafetyboots.Scrubwithlong-handlescrubbrushanddeconsolution. Station8: Suit,SCBA,BootandGloveRinse 8.Rinseoffdeconsolutionwater.Repeatasmanytimesasnecessary. Station9: CanisterorMaskChange 9.Ifworkerleavesexclusionzonetochangecanister(ormask),thisisthelaststepinthedecontaminationprocedure.Worker'scanisterisexchanged.newouterglovesandbootcoversdonned,andjointstaped.Workerreturnstoduty. Station10: SafetyBootRemoval 10.Removesafetybootsanddepositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station11: SplashSuitRemoval 11.Withassistanceofhelper,removesplashsuit.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner. Station12: InnerGloveWash 12.Washinnergloveswithdeconsolution. Station13: InnerGloveRinse 13.Rinseinnergloveswithwater. Station14: FacePieceRemoval 14.Removefacepiece.Depositincontainerwithplasticliner.Avoidtouchingfacewithfingers. Station15: InnerGloveRemoval 15.Removeinnerglovesanddepositincontainerwithliner. aSource:ExcerptedfromFieldStandardOperatingProceduresfortheDecontaminationofResponsePersonnel{FSOP7}.EPAOfficeofEmergencyandRemedialResponse.HazardousResponseSupportDivision,Washington.DC.January1985.