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.
Exposure to the harmful chemicals can occur due to a number of reasons. Some might be accidental, intentional or an occupational hazard. Use of nuclear materials by terrorists exposes casualties to radioactive agents. In spite of workers being given personal protection equipments, situations can arise where they get exposed to the chemical. Persons exposed to areas of life threatening contagious diseases need to be cleaned out before they are managed at hospitals.
Some industries require all personnel working for them to undergo routine decontamination. However, an accident can occur that may cause them to need more decon showers. The United State department of Labor requires industries to have emergency means of disinfecting personnel in addition to routine procedures. During chemical accidents, the wash out is done on the site of the accident before the casualties are transported.
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.
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.
Exposure to the harmful chemicals can occur due to a number of reasons. Some might be accidental, intentional or an occupational hazard. Use of nuclear materials by terrorists exposes casualties to radioactive agents. In spite of workers being given personal protection equipments, situations can arise where they get exposed to the chemical. Persons exposed to areas of life threatening contagious diseases need to be cleaned out before they are managed at hospitals.
Some industries require all personnel working for them to undergo routine decontamination. However, an accident can occur that may cause them to need more decon showers. The United State department of Labor requires industries to have emergency means of disinfecting personnel in addition to routine procedures. During chemical accidents, the wash out is done on the site of the accident before the casualties are transported.
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.
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.
About the Author:
Discover the advantages of using a portable decontamination shower the next time you go camping with your family. To find out more, visit this website now at http://emergencyshowers.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment