What are the basic decontamination steps for workers on an asbestos job site?

• A. Enter from dirty to clean via a decon unit, doff PPE in clean area, wash hands/face, exit through dirty side with dirty clothing.
• B. Enter from clean to dirty via a decon unit, doff contaminated PPE in the dirty area, wash hands/face, and exit through the clean side with clean clothing.
• C. Do not use a decon unit; remove PPE on site and discard.
• D. Enter from clean to dirty via a decon unit, doff contaminated PPE in the clean area, wash hands, and exit through the clean side with dirty clothing.

Answer: (B)

Decontamination on an asbestos job site is all about preventing cross-contamination by moving from clean to dirty, keeping the contaminated work contained. You enter the decon setup from the clean side, proceed into the dirty area, and remove any PPE there so fibers don’t get shed into clean spaces. Then you wash your hands and face to remove any residual fibers, and exit through the clean side wearing clean clothing. This sequence ensures fibers stay within the contaminated zones and aren’t carried out of the work area.