Decontamination Procedures

Monitoring the Effectiveness of Decontamination

Visual examination and sampling are used to evaluated the effectiveness of decontamination procedures, in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.120(k)(2)(iv). Visual examination is used to ensure that procedures are implemented as described and that they appear to control the spread of contaminants under changing site conditions.  Visual examination is also used to inspect for signs of residual contamination or for contaminant permeation of PPE.

Sampling, both air sampling and surface sampling, are used to verify the effectiveness of decontamination.  Air samples are taken in the clean zone to ensure that airborne contaminants have not spread to clean areas of the site.  Surface samples are taken from the inside surfaces of PPE, from decontaminated heavy equipment, and from surfaces within clean areas of the site to ensure that site decontamination and control procedures are performing as anticipated.  The type and frequency of air and surface sampling used to ensure the effectiveness of decontamination procedures are determined by the Incident Safety Officer (see HASP Section 7- Monitoring), based on the contaminate, the concentrations and the sampling methods available.  If site procedures are changed as a result of inspection and monitoring, all affected employees are notified of these changes.

As an example, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’, Department of Fire Services Decontamination Standard Operating Guideline is provided in Appendix 9-A (pdf).