HAZWOPER Decontamination Procedures & PPE Usage 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker performing emergency response to a chlorine spill is wearing a chemical-resistant suit with SCBA. What PPE level is this?
- Level A (Correct answer)
- Level B
- Level C
- Level D
Correct answer: Level A
Level A PPE consists of a fully encapsulating vapor-tight chemical protective suit combined with SCBA, providing the highest level of skin and respiratory protection.
Question 2: During doffing of chemical protective clothing, which area should be avoided to prevent self-contamination?
- The outer surface of gloves (Correct answer)
- The inner surface of the suit
- The exterior of the SCBA tank
- The boot covers
Correct answer: The outer surface of gloves
The outer surfaces of gloves and PPE should not be touched with bare hands during doffing because they may be contaminated; doffing procedures are designed to roll outward and contain contaminated surfaces.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a recognized limitation of air-purifying respirators (APRs) in hazardous waste operations?
- They cannot be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres
- They do not protect against all chemical vapors
- They require cartridges specific to the contaminant
- They provide more airflow than SCBA units (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They provide more airflow than SCBA units
APRs do not supply air and therefore do not provide more airflow than SCBA; they purify ambient air through filters or sorbents and cannot be used in IDLH or oxygen-deficient conditions.
Question 4: What is the correct sequence for donning multi-layered PPE to maintain integrity?
- Inner gloves → suit → outer gloves → boots → respirator
- Respirator → suit → inner gloves → outer gloves → boots
- Suit → boots → respirator → inner gloves → outer gloves
- Inner gloves → suit → respirator → boots → outer gloves (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Inner gloves → suit → respirator → boots → outer gloves
The generally accepted sequence is inner gloves first (for dexterity), then suit, then respirator (sealed while still clean), then boots taped over the suit, then outer gloves taped to the suit.
Question 5: At a multi-agency hazmat response, the decontamination team discovers that a contaminated victim is ambulatory and uncooperative. What is the priority action?
- Physically restrain the victim with rope
- Attempt to verbally guide the victim to the decon corridor (Correct answer)
- Allow the victim to leave and notify authorities
- Immediately apply decon solution from a distance
Correct answer: Attempt to verbally guide the victim to the decon corridor
Emergency responders should attempt calm verbal communication to guide the victim into decontamination; force is a last resort, and the immediate goal is preventing contaminant spread while ensuring victim safety.
Question 6: What is the minimum number of decontamination stations recommended in a standard decon line for a hazardous waste site?
- Two
- Three
- Six (Correct answer)
- Ten
Correct answer: Six
A standard hazardous waste decontamination line typically includes at least six stations covering gross decon, secondary scrub, rinse, removal of outer garments, removal of SCBA, and final inspection before entering the cold zone.
Question 7: When is 'emergency decontamination' appropriate rather than standard decontamination procedures?
- Whenever a worker completes a routine shift in the hot zone
- When a worker has a life-threatening exposure or medical emergency requiring immediate care (Correct answer)
- When normal decon supplies run low
- When only one decon team member is available
Correct answer: When a worker has a life-threatening exposure or medical emergency requiring immediate care
Emergency decontamination is a rapid, abbreviated process used when a worker's life is in immediate danger and delays for standard decon procedures could result in death or serious injury.
HAZWOPER Decontamination Procedures & PPE Usage 3
A worker performing emergency response to a chlorine spill is wearing a chemical-resistant suit with SCBA.
What PPE level is this?