Using Decontamination Equipment for Chemical or Oil Spills

Using Decontamination Equipment for Chemical or Oil Spills

Decontamination is the process of removing a harmful substance through physical, chemical, or detoxification means. A procedure directly after a chemical accident or attack, decontamination must be done minutes after a chemical or other harmful substance is spilled to prevent further spreading. During this time, workers must deploy decontamination equipment and immediately begin procedures, and those contaminated need to follow these steps.

On an individual level, a person exposed to a chemical must remove his or her clothing and dispose of them. Clothing, however, should not be pulled over your head; instead, have the garment cut off. After the clothing is removed, wash yourself to remove or reduce the chemical and then, wearing gloves, dispose of the clothing.

Physical decontamination procedures involve flushing or scraping. If soap is involved, the procedure is considered chemical decontamination.

Decontamination procedures vary with the material spilled, but for most chemicals or oil, clothing needs to be removed and all individuals flushed with water or scraped to remove the substance. In any case, workers setting up decontamination equipment need to be in an area accessible to water and for emergency units. As the procedures begin, have the exposed area covered with plastic or tarps, delineate the space with tape, and use sorbent rolls to clean up the spill.

Common decontamination equipment for this procedure includes a shower with primary and secondary decontamination pools. As the equipment is being set up, make sure the pools are at least 10 feet away from each other, and allot a separate area for the removal and disposal of clothing and personal protection equipment. Those exposed need to go in both pools to fully flush the chemical. If any scraping is needed, workers must use a downward motion to prevent backsplash.

Like clothing and personal protection equipment, the water will be treated as hazardous waste once the procedure is over. During the procedure, the water must be controlled; splashing must be kept to a minimum.

Workers conducting the procedure need to wear the proper personal protection equipment. In many cases, Tyvek or similar suits are used, and all workers wear safety goggles. Because of splashing, goggles must be kept on at all times.

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