Features And Uses Of 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.

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.

These above reasons prompt the use of decon units. Some chemical manufacturing plants have their workers cleaned out before they leave the premise as a safety precaution. On top of providing the routine services, the United State department of Labor requires these industries to be equipped for emergency cases. Most companies have mobile decons for emergency situations.

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.

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.




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