Biological Decontamination
Definitions
Exposure
Environment
Definitions
1.
Contamination: intro of microorganisms into tissues or sterile materials
2.
Decontamination: disinfection or sterilization of infected articles
3.
Decon corridor: area inside secured zone used for decontamination
4.
Warm zone: most contaminated area in decon corridor
5.
Cold zone: least contaminated area in decon corridor where pt exits shower
6.
Dirty side: side of decon corridor with collection containers, water hoses, etc
7.
Clean side: uncluttered side of decon corridor; where team can work
8.
Hazmat protective equipment:
Level B: chemical resistant suit, air respirator; needed in warm zone
Level D: gloves; for suit support
Don: dress in protective gear
Doff: remove protective gear
9.
Training:
Awareness level: initiate code decon response
Operations level: assist in code decon response; 8 hrs training
10.
Decon leader: highest ranking person trained in decon; reports to incident commander
11.
Decon team: min of 3 people; 16 hrs training
12.
Dedicated ventilation system
13.
Disinfection: elimination of undesirable microorganisms to prevent transmission
14.
Sterilization: killing of all organisms
15.
Mechanical decontamination: remove but not neutralize agent e.g. filtering of drinking water
16.
Chemical decontamination: use of disinfectants in form of liquid, gas or aerosol
Exposure
1.
Dermal exposure:
Treat by soap and water
Use brush to ensure mechanical loosening from skin surface structures
Rinse with copious amounts of water
Wash areas with 0.5% Na hypochlorite soln with contact time of 10 to 15 mins
2.
Mix 0.5% Na hypochlorite soln:
1 part Clorox & 9 parts water (1:9) as standard stock Clorox is 5.25% Na hypochlorite soln
Apply soln with cloth or swab
Make fresh daily with pH in alkaline range
3.
Do not use chlorine soln with open abdominal wounds or brain and spinal cord injuries
4.
Non-cavity wounds:
Chlorine soln instilled and removed by suction
Irrigation with saline
Prevent chlorine soln from being sprayed into eyes; corneal opacities result
5.
Clean fabric clothing or equipment with 5% hypochlorite soln
6.
Bio agents harmless:
Dry heat 2 hrs at 160 deg C
Autoclave with steam at 121 deg C
1 atm of overpressure (15 lbs/sq inch) for 20 mins
7.
Solar UV radiation has disinfectant effect in combination with drying
Environment
1.
Equipment:
Contact time of 30 mins prior to normal cleaning
Hypochlorite is corrosive to metals and injurious to fabrics, so rinse and oil metal surfaces
2.
Rooms & fixed spaces:
Gases or liquids in aerosol form (e.g. formaldehyde)
Combine with surface disinfectants
3.
Environmental:
Spray with dust-binding spray to minimize reaerosolization
Chlorine-calcium or lye used
Expensive
* Material is taken from the PEPID database
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