Choosing Decontamination Methods for Hazardous Materials

Businesses that use any type of hazardous material knows the importance of having decontamination processes in place. These processes not only efficiently take care of any hazardous waste that may be left, but the processes also help reduce or eliminate the risk of injury to employees.

Hazardous materials are classified according to the health risk the material poses for humans, animals and the surrounding environment. Those that are trained for hazmat decontamination processes should know the best method to choose depending on the type of hazardous material present. The specific decontamination method will depend on whether the hazard is continually present due to manufacturing processes or whether the hazardous material is present due to a spill or accident.

There are many types of decontamination methods for hazmat professionals to choose from. Materials that pose little to no threat to humans and the environment can be cleaned with strong solvents and detergents. Hazards that are extremely dangerous to the surrounding life can be weakened with these same solvents but also contained until the threat is diminished or eliminated from the environment. The three most common methods of decontamination include:

Organic Solvents

Organics solvents are often used in hazardous waste cleanup. The solvents are carbon-based and are used in a number of everyday household products. Some of these products include inks, dyes, varnish and pharmaceutical materials. Organic solvents used in hazmat containment are used in a more concentrated solution than those present in common commercial products.

Surfactants

Surfactants are a specific type of detergent used in many hazardous materials decon processes. This substance can often be found in various cleaning products such as commercial laundry detergents. Surfactants used for decontamination processes work well if the surface contaminated with a hazardous material is smooth and solid. Porous surfaces help the hazardous materials hide in crevasses where the surfactants cannot reach it.

Specialty Containers

Material contaminated with hazardous waste can also be collected and stored in specialty containers. These containers are made from materials that can not only contain the material, but also prevent leaking of radiation, fumes and other human health hazards. Most containers are custom-made for each business to handle specific materials and outside environmental factors, such as temperature control.