SOP for Emergency Decontamination Procedures

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SOP for Emergency Decontamination Procedures

Standard Operating Procedure for Emergency Decontamination Procedures

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a clear process for safely conducting emergency decontamination procedures to minimize health risks, prevent contamination spread, and protect personnel, equipment, and the environment during chemical or biological exposure incidents.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors in the facility and covers decontamination following exposure to hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or radioactive materials.

3) Responsibilities

  • Safety Officers: Oversee decontamination procedures and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
  • Emergency Response Team (ERT): Execute decontamination procedures and provide assistance to affected individuals.
  • Supervisors: Ensure employees are trained in decontamination protocols and manage the affected area during an incident.
  • Employees: Report exposures and follow decontamination instructions promptly.

4) Procedure

4.1 Preparation for Emergency Decontamination

  1. Identify Decontamination Zones:
    • Designate decontamination areas, including hot, warm, and cold zones, based on the nature of hazards.

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  2. Equip Decontamination Stations:
    • Ensure stations are equipped with showers, eye wash units, containment bins, and cleaning agents.
  3. Stock Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Maintain an adequate supply of gloves, masks, gowns, and boots for responders and affected personnel.
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4.2 Initial Response

  1. Assess the Exposure:
    • Determine the type and extent of contamination and identify individuals affected.

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  2. Activate the Emergency Plan:
    • Notify the Emergency Response Team
(ERT) and initiate the decontamination protocol.
  • Restrict Access:
    • Isolate the affected area and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.

    • 4.3 Decontamination Procedure

    1. Remove Contaminated Clothing:
      • Instruct affected individuals to remove contaminated clothing carefully to minimize further exposure.
      • Place clothing in labeled containment bags for proper disposal.

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    2. Perform Initial Decontamination:
      • Use emergency showers or hoses to rinse the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.
      • If the contamination involves a chemical powder, brush off the material before rinsing.
    3. Decontaminate Affected Skin and Eyes:
      • Wash skin with soap and water, avoiding harsh scrubbing that may spread the contaminant.
      • Flush eyes using an eye wash station for at least 15 minutes if exposed.
    4. Use Specific Neutralizing Agents:
      • For certain chemicals or biological agents, apply neutralizing agents as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

    4.4 Post-Decontamination Actions

    1. Medical Evaluation:
      • Direct affected individuals to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

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    2. Dispose of Contaminated Materials:
      • Dispose of contaminated clothing, PPE, and waste according to hazardous material disposal protocols.
    3. Clean and Restore Decontamination Equipment:
      • Thoroughly clean all decontamination equipment and restock supplies to prepare for future use.

    4.5 Incident Reporting and Review

    1. Document the Incident:
      • Complete a Decontamination Incident Report (Annexure 1) detailing the exposure, actions taken, and outcomes.

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    2. Conduct a Debriefing:
      • Analyze the incident response and identify areas for improvement.
    3. Update Procedures:
      • Revise decontamination protocols based on lessons learned to enhance preparedness.

    5) Abbreviations, if any

    • ERT: Emergency Response Team
    • SDS: Safety Data Sheet
    • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

    6) Documents, if any

    • Decontamination Incident Report
    • Training Records
    • Hazardous Waste Disposal Records

    7) Reference, if any

    • OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standards
    • NIOSH Emergency Response Guidelines
    • ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Standards

    8) SOP Version

    Version: 1.0

    Annexure

    Template 1: Decontamination Incident Report

     
     
     Date Time Location Type of Contaminant Actions Taken Outcome 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY 10:45 AM Lab 2 Chemical Spill Rinsed, Neutralized Worker Stabilized

    Template 2: Hazardous Waste Disposal Records

     
     
     Date Material Type Quantity Disposed By Disposal Method 
     
     DD/MM/YYYY Contaminated PPE 5 kg John Doe Incineration
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