What is the best way to decontaminate personnel that have been exposed to a biological agent?
Natural Decontamination (Water, Steam) Probably the first (and most versatile) decontamination method is washing or spraying with water, water plus soap or detergent, or steam.
What is contamination and decontamination?
Contamination generally refers to the presence of unwanted components or particles, usually chemical, biological or radiological contaminants, within a particular object or environment. Decontamination generally refers to the removal or reduction of these contaminants.
What is the most important step in the decontamination process?
Refers to the removal of all visible and non-visible soil, and any other foreign material from the medical device being processed. It is the most important step in the decontamination/sterilization process.
Why disinfecting agents are used?
Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects. Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with the metabolism.
What should be used for decontamination of the body?
When the contamination involves chemical vapors, biological or radiological material, using gentle friction, such as rubbing with hands, cloth or sponges is recommended to aid in removal of the contamination. Rubbing should start with the head and proceed down the body to the feet. Secondary decontamination should be performed as necessary.
Where does decontamination take place at a hazardous waste site?
At a hazardous waste site, decontamination facilities should be located in the Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ), i.e., the area between the Exclusion Zone (the contaminated area) and the Support Zone (the clean area) as shown in 3. The level and types of decontamination procedures required depend on several sitespecific factors including:
Why is contact time important in the decontamination process?
The longer a contaminant is in contact with an object, the greater the probability and extent of permeation. For this reason, minimizing contact time is one of the most important objectives of a decontamination program. Concentration. Molecules flow from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
What is the process of decontamination triage?
Decontamination triage is the process of determining which victims require decontamination and which do not. Rapidly identifying victims who may not require decontamination can significantly reduce the time and resources needed for mass decontamination.