Decontamination personal protective equipment

Are there appropriate procedures in place for disposing of or decontaminating personal protective equipment contaminated with, or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated with, blood or other potentially infectious materiak ... 

Total enclosure may be in the form of a room with grilles to facilitate air flow this functions as a hood and operates under a slight negative pressure with controls located externally. Entry is restricted and usually entails use of comprehensive personal protective equipment. Ancillary requirements may include air filters/scmbbers, atmospheric monitoring, decontamination procedures and a permit-to-work system (see page 417). 

The chemical and physical compatibility of decontamination solutions or other decontamination materials must be determined before use. Any decontamination method that permeates, degrades, damages, or otherwise impairs the functioning of the personal protective equipment (PPE) is incompatible with such PPE and should not be used. If a decontamination method does pose a direct health hazard, measures must be taken to protect both decontamination personnel and the workers being decontaminated. Figure 16.22 presents a decision aid for the evaluation of health and safety aspects of decontamination methods. 

In addition to the modular storage equipment offered by States Parties, there are heavy equipment items such as decontamination systems, mobile laboratories, field hospitals, medical equipment, and facilities for the temporary accommodation of persons. Protection equipment for the team will also be put into modules to facilitate storage, handling, and transport. 

Hold a briefing for entry personnel and support crew. Ensure that all staff on scene understand emergency signals, preplanned escape routes, locations of Hot/Warm/ Cold zones, operational hazards at this site, the evacuation system, the buddy system, the need for appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) the potential need to decontaminate rescuers and their equipment, and contaminated persons location of rehabilitation area, possible air space closure over incident site, etc. 

Gather important information the agent used was it aerosol, liquid, gas, powder or vapor location method of delivery do you have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to deal with the hazard, or have you called for assistance by a specialized team are you sure that anyone who enters a contaminated area has the proper PPE and is trained in its use be sure to establish control — keep all victims, non-victims and bystanders at the crime scene (if there is any suspicion of an attack) until it is determined who among them may be a terrorist or a witness perform decontamination, triage if necessary, isolation, quarantine, search and locate evidence, maintain chain of control, and collect samples. 

Decontamination/cleanup workers working in environments known to be contaminated with Bacillus anthracis spores may be at risk for inhalational anthrax. These workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow appropriate procedures, as outlined in other CDC Guidance documents. 

Posttreatment Treatment of soil cake, water treatment, equipment decontamination, storage, disposal, disposal of water treatment sludge, disposal of used personal protective equipment, takedown, demobilization, site restoration, report 22.55... 

Improved waste segregation and decontamination and decrease in need for personal protective equipment leads to a decrease in the amount of waste that must be transported and disposed. 

Metal Waste Practices and Permit Requirements Commonalities and Differences, 50 Analysis of Metal Waste Disposal Practices Across Sites, 51 Plastic Demilitarization Protective Ensembles and Personal Protective Equipment Waste, 51 Description of DPE and Plastic Waste Issues Across Sites, 51 DPE Waste Practices and Permit Requirements Commonalities and Differences, 51 Analysis of DPE and Plastic Waste Practices Across Sites, 52 Spent Decontamination Solution Waste, 52... 

Cold Zone This area is adjacent (and uphill and upwind) to the warm zone and is where decontaminated victims enter. As the victims enter this area, a more thorough triage is performed (including evaluation for secondary injuries), and victims are directed to treatment areas based on the severity and nature of illness or injury. Personal protective equipment is maintained in this area in case the wind changes or victims arrive who have been improperly decontaminated. 

Minimally, all hospital personnel (e.g., nurses, physicians, security, and triage) who have a designated role in a HAZMAT response must be trained to the first responder awareness level (Levitin Siegelson, 2002). Staff must be comfortable with knowing how to locate and use personal protective equipment and with the decontamination process (see chapter 26, Mass Casualty Decontamination, for further discussion). 

Responds to the release of hazardous substances in a defensive manner without actually trying to stop the release. Requires Level 1 competency and 8 hours of additional training in basic hazard and risk assessment, personal protective equipment selection, containment and control procedures, decontamination, and standard operating procedures. 

Responds aggressively to stop a release. Requires 24 hours of Level 2 training and competencies in the following detailed risk assessment toxicology personal protective equipment selection advanced control, containment, and decontamination procedures air-monitoring equipment and the Incident Command System. 

Emergency departments have a unique role in mass casualty decontamination. Nurses must use the appropriate level of personal protective equipment in order to keep themselves safe and avoid becoming a victim. 

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