7/17/2019 General Decontamination V1110 E1

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GeneralDecontaminatio

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OPIC: General Decontamination

ometimes spills can occur even when precautions are taken. Therefore, it ismportant to know how to recover from a spill by decontaminating. Doing so canelp prevent harm to personnel, equipment and/or the environment.

he definition of decontamination is the process of removing or neutralizingontaminants that have accumulated on personnel and/or equipment. Thisrocess is c ritical for a healthy and safe work environment. This Toolbox Talksocument covers decontamination suggestions for contaminants that pose low to

moderate risk. Typically employers have trained personnel or response teams toandle decontamination of chemicals with a high toxicity. Those specific procedures

will not be discussed.

Ways to decontaminate personnel, equipment or the work environment:

  Personnel: Many industrial contaminants can be removed from a person’sskin or clothes by scrubbing with soap and water. Even a seeminglybenign chemical can cause irritation or other health problems withprolonged contact with the skin. Therefore, it is important to clean skinand/or clothing as soon as possible. If the contaminant has beenabsorbed into clothing, do not wait for it to dry out; clean it immediately.

  Equipment: Soap and water can also be used when decontaminatingequipment. Some heavier industrial contaminants may require a

degreasing agent. Make sure to wear appropriate PPE when handlingdegreasing agents or solvents. It is important to collect the washed liquidand dispose of properly. Do not assume it is safe to pour down a drain.

  Work Environment: Decontamination of a work environment may includeremoving contaminants from floors, seats or work tables. Start with anabsorbent cloth to remove the bulk of the contaminant. Next, use a milddetergent and water to clean the hard surfaces. Porous or fibrousmaterials may have to be removed and disposed of properly. If amicrobiological contaminant is thought to be present, finish thedecontamination by wiping a mild bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach / 1quart water) over the surface and allow it to dry.

Questions to Generate Discussion

- Besides a bleach solution, what are other ways to decontaminate an area with abiological contaminant?

- What kind of situation would it be best to call for help instead of doing your owndecontamination procedure?

Discussion Date:

Employee Participants:

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 ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________

The material in this document is provided forinformational purposes only and not as a

comprehensive or exhaustive resource on this topicThis material has been compiled from a multitudeof sources believed to be accurate; however,Caterpillar Inc. assumes no responsibility for theaccuracy or currency of this information andencourages you to consult experts in this area formore information. In no event does the content ofthis document supersede any applicable local,state, or federal statutes or regulations. 

Control ID: V1110.