Author: userkc
Keywords: decon showers; showers; wash; contamination

DECONTAMINATION JOB AID

About Decontamination
Most radioactive contamination will be removed along with the outer layer of clothing. For contamination in the hair or on the skin, have the person shower using mild soap and lukewarm water. Some people may only need limited decontamination, such as removing an article of clothing or washing their hands, while others may need to shower. Review each person’s Contamination Assessment Form to determine the appropriate method of decontamination. If resources do not permit individual review, have everyone reporting to this station shower.
Order of Operations
Fill out two ID tags with the person’s name, ID number, time, and date. One is for the person’s clothing, the other is for his personal belongings.
Collect personal belongings (e.g. wallets, jewelry, keys) in a one gallon Zip-Loc bag. Tape or tie one ID tag to this bag, and have the items screened for contamination.
Give the person a trash bag and provide instructions to carefully remove clothing (e.g. pull shirt slowly over head while holding breath), put the clothes in the bag, and tie it shut. Attach the other ID tag to this bag and store it in a secure location, away from people.
Provide a mild liquid soap for skin and hair decontamination, and give the person the following instructions:
A) Wash your hair first. Tilt your head back to wash and rinse your hair.
B) Gently wash your skin. Lather well but do not scrub hard.
C) Rinse soap and water away from your face. Try not to get it in your eyes or mouth.
Dry your face first, then your hair, then your body. If you have one, use a separate towel for your body.
If you need help, ask a shower attendant.
5. Have the person dry off with a clean towel. When dry, provide a fresh towel and dispose of the used towel. Have the person wrap the fresh towel around the waist or mid-section during the full-body contamination screening.
Determining the Next Step

Screening Criteria
____________________ CPM
milliR/hr
microR/hr

Image 1: Storing contaminated clothing

If the person is clean
Give him clean clothing.
Return his personal belongings.
Send him to Registration.

If the person is still contaminated after the first shower
Have him shower again .
Pay close attention to hot spots.

If the person is still contaminated after the second shower
He may have contamination inside his body.
Note this information on his contamination assessment sheet.
Escort him to Registration.

Image 2: Indoor shower facility for
decontamination