Information On Portable Decontamination Shower

By Jennifer Long


Contamination with harmful chemicals or infectious agents is a problem that can be experienced anywhere in this world. In most countries, it is a must that casualties be cleaned at the scene of a chemical accident. In emergency and routine care of chemical incidents, it is important to have portable decontamination shower. Immediate response is usually necessary to reduce the cumulative effect toxins.

The equipments used for cleaning the body and the site are also known as decon units. They are employed in case a person becomes contaminated with infectious agents, radioactive and chemicals. Accidents can occur at a manufacturing plant of the chemical or when the product is being transported away from the factory. Terrorists use toxic chemicals that are radioactive and cause gruesome effects on the life of people. Other times there are outbreaks of highly contagious diseases that have to be contained.

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.

Decon units are usually set in the scene of the accidents for ease of access by the victims and to prevent spread of the contamination. An emergency set up should be within a walking distance of ten seconds. The decontamination process is done in three procedures. First, the victim clothing is removed plus any other possessions on them. The second part involves the cleaning procedure. Large amounts of water are used. The person stays under the water for a minimum of fifteen minutes. Lastly, the person is covered with clean clothes.

This activity should be carried out in a safe environment. The comfort of the casualty is of importance to ensure no additional trauma happens. Immediate action is very vital to prevent more damage from accumulated toxins and spread of the chemical.




About the Author:



I M John Chow
Work From No Home
Share this article :
 

Post a Comment

 
Support : Creating Website | Johny Template | Mas Template
Copyright © 2013. BuinTer - All Rights Reserved
Template Created by Creating Website Published by Mas Template
Proudly powered by Blogger