Sunday 28 February 2016

Information On Portable Decontamination Shower

By Jennifer Long


Circumstances can occur that call for cleaning of a human body to get rid of contamination from radioactive substances, toxic chemicals and infection causing agents. These materials affect the health of a person and can be detrimental to the safety of a property. To achieve the cleaning, portable decontamination shower are used.

These decon showers are used for humans and sites that are exposed to harmful sites. They are used in the event of accidental, intentional or industrial contamination. A chemical accident can occur within the industry or during transportation. Radioactive contamination occurs due to an industrial accident or through a terrorist action. During diagnosis and assessment of new emerging diseases, disinfection is done to all workers and people within the quarantine region.

Industries that deal with toxic chemicals require their workers to decontaminate after work to avoid intake of the chemical by the body of the person and spreading it. This is done on a routine basis. However, the United States Department of Labor expects such companies to also have emergency services in case mass accidents occur. When an exposure occurs, the cleaning services are done on the accident site. Now the best option will be to have potable decons that can be set at a convenient spot and serve more people.

Decon showers are almost similar to the household ones except that the decon ones have bigger showerheads for maximum washout. They are made of steel bodies to ensure they are free of bacterial accumulation on the levers. For maximum cleaning out effect, there must be enough water that is clean in portable tanks. The water temperature must meet the ANSI safety regulations. It must be tepid.

Most units in the past had levers that had to be pushed for the unit to start working. However, recent developments have sensors which turn the shower automatically. Part of the working mechanism is the ability to prevent accumulation of toxic vapours in the air within the unit. Water must have a great flow rate. Stretchers should be available for victims who cannot stand.

There are many companies that manufactures decon equipments. The market has a variety to offer for the portable units. They vary according to the number of people that they can accommodate at a go, size, compatibility and ease of setting the unit up. The collapsible ones are easy to transport and store since most parts can be folded in.

These units are always put up close to the scene of the incident. At least it should take a casualty ten seconds to reach the unit. Upon arrival, they shed off any clothes or valuables they have. Next they get to the clean zone where the actual decontamination takes place. The persons spend about fifteen minutes in the water. Then they are provided with clean clothes and referred for medical checkup.

Immediate decontamination is necessary to reduce the effects of more absorption of toxic. It is also prudent to clean the casualties before transporting them to the hospital to avoid contamination of the ambulance. The unit should be set up such that it is the only exit from the scene. Most importantly it should be done in a safe environment despite the close proximity to the accident site.




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