Maximum HAZWOPER Decontamination Layout – Level C Protection
HAZWOPER decontamination helps prevent hazardous substances from spreading from contaminated work areas into clean areas. This visualization shows an example of a maximum decontamination layout for personnel using Level C protection.
About This Video
This OSHACode® visualization illustrates a detailed HAZWOPER decontamination line for personnel working in Level C protective equipment.
The sequence begins near the exclusion zone and progresses through equipment removal, washing, rinsing, protective-clothing removal, personal decontamination, and final entry into the support zone.
The layout also illustrates the relationship between the Exclusion Zone, Contamination Reduction Zone, and Support Zone, along with the hotline and contamination control line used to help control movement between contaminated and clean areas.
Actual decontamination procedures must be developed for the hazards, contaminants, protective equipment, site conditions, and emergency-response needs of the specific operation.
What Is a HAZWOPER Decontamination Line?
A decontamination line is an organized series of stations used to remove or reduce contamination from personnel, protective clothing, tools, and equipment before they leave a contaminated area.
Workers generally move from areas with greater potential for contamination toward progressively cleaner areas. Washing, rinsing, equipment removal, protective-clothing removal, and personal decontamination can be performed in a controlled sequence designed to minimize the transfer of hazardous substances.
The Three HAZWOPER Site Control Zones
Exclusion Zone
The exclusion zone is the area where hazardous substances or hazardous conditions are present or potentially present. Personnel entering this area require appropriate training, protective equipment, and authorization.
Contamination Reduction Zone
The contamination reduction zone provides the transition between the contaminated work area and the clean support area. Decontamination activities are typically performed within this zone to reduce the possibility of spreading contamination.
Support Zone
The support zone is the clean area used for personnel support, equipment staging, communications, medical support, and other activities that do not require entry into contaminated areas.
Why Decontamination Sequence Matters
Removing protective equipment in the wrong order can transfer contamination from outer surfaces to the worker, other personnel, equipment, or clean areas.
A properly planned sequence reduces this potential by removing contamination and contaminated equipment in a controlled progression.
The number of decontamination stations may vary considerably. A relatively simple operation may require only a few stations, while complex chemical or emergency-response operations may require a much more extensive decontamination line.
Wind Direction and Decontamination
Wind direction should be considered when establishing work zones, access routes, and decontamination areas.
Whenever practical, personnel should avoid locating clean support activities where airborne contaminants from the exclusion zone could be transported toward them.
Wind conditions can change, and buildings, terrain, equipment, and other site features can influence local air movement. Site conditions should therefore be evaluated as operations proceed.
Level C Protective Equipment
Level C protection typically combines chemical-resistant clothing with an air-purifying respirator when airborne contaminants are known, their concentrations have been evaluated, adequate oxygen is present, and an appropriate respirator and cartridge or canister are available for the identified respiratory hazards.
Level C protection must not be used where atmospheric conditions require a higher level of respiratory protection, including immediately dangerous to life or health conditions or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Important Training Note
The sequence shown in this visualization represents an example of a detailed or maximum decontamination layout. It should not be interpreted as a mandatory 18-step procedure for every HAZWOPER operation.
Decontamination procedures must be appropriate for the specific contaminants, protective equipment, tasks, and site conditions.
