Acceptable Decontamination Methods

To prevent the further generation of mixed wastes, decontamination methods should be chosen carefully and implemented to be part of the overall solutions and not part of the cleanup [2]. 

---

Contractors at Sites C and H had acceptable programs for monitoring the effectiveness of PPE and decontamination procedures. The Site H contractor had established PPE and decontamination programs consistent with HAZWOPER requirements. The Site C contractor developed decontamination procedures that included specifications for periodically evaluating the effectiveness of decontamination methods... 

It has been suggested, perhaps thoughtlessly, that dispersion of slippery viscous agents in the direction of rioters would impair their co-ordinated movements and make it difficult for them to undertake malicious tasks. However, not only would there be the likelihood for uncontrolled physical accidents, but also problems in the control of motorized vehicles in the area, including those of the security forces. Additionally, in public areas, there would be a need for prompt street decontaminations by environmentally acceptable methods. 

One of the first Cold War actions that involved the Chemical Corps was the Berlin Blockade in 1949. Cold weather caused frost to build up on the airplanes flying to Berlin with supplies. The accepted method of ice removal was to use brooms to sweep the ice off. This slow and dangerous work was replaced by the corps s using decontamination trucks to spray isopropyl alcohol, which was used as a deicer since glycerin was not readily available. A large plane could be deiced in about 5 minutes, and the corps was credited with keeping the airplanes from being delayed by frost.119... 

A visual examination should be made to yield information on the general condition of the part, component or surface to be examined, including such conditions as the presence of scratches, wear, cracks, corrosion or erosion on the surface, or evidence of leaking. Optical aids such as television cameras, binoculars and mirrors may be used. Surface rephcation as a method of visual examination may be considered acceptable, provided that the resolution at the surface is at least equivalent to that obtainable by visual observation. Any visual examination that requires a clean surface or decontamination for the proper interpretation of results should be preceded by appropriate cleaning processes. 

---