Decontamination - est55030107

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

10.0. DECONTAMINATION

10.1. BACKGROUND

Decontamination involves physically removing contaminants from personnel and equipment

and/or chemically converting them into innocuous substances. The extent of decontamination

depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the types of contaminants

involved. The more harmful the contaminant, the more extensive and thorough the

decontamination. The combination of decontamination, correct donning of protective clothing,

and zoning of site work areas, minimizes cross-contamination from the protective clothing to

wearer, from equipment to personnel, and from one area to another. Only general guidance can

be given on methods and techniques for decontamination. The exact procedure is determined by

evaluating a number of factors specific to the incident and/or site. The site should refer to the

DOE Radiological Control Manual for detailed radiological decontamination requirements.

The requirements and procedures need to be addressed and implemented for both chemical and

radiological contamination. For the purpose of this document, a Radiological Area should

generally equate to an Exclusion Zone, a Radiological Buffer Area should generally equate to a

Contamination Reduction Zone, and a Controlled Area generally equates to a Support Zone (see

Table 9-1). Contamination of personnel, equipment and/or material can occur from both a

radiological and hazardous material. When decontamination is required in such areas,

procedures should be developed which will accommodate both contamination types and

minimize the amount of mixed waste.

The overall objectives of the Decontamination chapter are to:

Determine and implement the decontamination methods for personnel and equipment that

are effective for the specific hazardous/radioactive substance(s) present,

Ensure the decontamination procedure itself does not pose any additional safety or health

hazards,

Provide pertinent information on the locations and layouts of decontamination stations

and equipment,

Establish procedures for the collection, storage and disposal of clothing and equipment

that has not been completely decontaminated, and

Provide for the periodic evaluation of the plan against the existing site hazards.

10.2. GENERAL CONSIDERATION

The HASP should specify the level of decontamination necessary for personnel and equipment at

the site. The decontamination plan for personnel and equipment is based on the assumption that

all personnel and equipment leaving the Exclusion Zone/Radiological Area (area of potential

contamination) are grossly contaminated. The plan includes a system for washing, and rinsing, at

least once, all of the mechanical and protective equipment until they are decontaminated. If

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