HAZWOPER Decontamination Procedures & PPE Usage 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of tape used at glove-to-sleeve and boot-to-suit interfaces during Level A or B PPE donning?
- To reinforce the chemical resistance of the gloves
- To prevent splash contamination from entering through gaps between components (Correct answer)
- To attach monitoring equipment to the suit exterior
- To seal the suit against radioactive alpha particles
Correct answer: To prevent splash contamination from entering through gaps between components
Taping interfaces between gloves and sleeves and boots and suit legs prevents liquid contamination from seeping through gaps, maintaining the integrity of the chemical-protective barrier.
Question 2: During decontamination, rinsate collected from washing contaminated PPE must be:
- Discharged to the nearest storm drain if diluted sufficiently
- Managed as hazardous waste unless testing confirms it is non-hazardous (Correct answer)
- Evaporated on-site using absorbent materials and left in place
- Returned to the drum storage area for later disposal
Correct answer: Managed as hazardous waste unless testing confirms it is non-hazardous
Decontamination rinsate is considered potentially hazardous and must be collected, characterized, and managed as hazardous waste unless analytical testing confirms it is non-hazardous.
Question 3: A HAZWOPER instructor is teaching the concept of 'degradation' in PPE. Which scenario BEST illustrates degradation?
- A chemical permeates through a glove without visible damage
- A chemical splashes through a hole torn in a protective suit
- A chemical causes a butyl rubber glove to swell and soften (Correct answer)
- A worker's skin is irritated due to heat and perspiration inside the suit
Correct answer: A chemical causes a butyl rubber glove to swell and soften
Degradation refers to physical changes to PPE material—such as swelling, softening, hardening, or discoloration—caused by chemical contact, reducing the material's protective properties.
Question 4: Which OSHA standard requires employers at hazardous waste cleanup sites to establish a decontamination procedure before any employee enters areas where potential for exposure exists?
- 29 CFR 1910.134
- 29 CFR 1910.120(k) (Correct answer)
- 40 CFR 264.56
- 29 CFR 1910.1000
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.120(k)
29 CFR 1910.120(k) specifically requires employers to develop and implement decontamination procedures before employees enter areas where potential contamination exists at hazardous waste operations and emergency response sites.
Question 5: When should air monitoring be conducted relative to decontamination operations at a hazardous waste site?
- Only before entry into the hot zone
- Continuously, including monitoring the decon corridor and breathing zone of decon workers (Correct answer)
- Only after all work is completed to verify site clearance
- Once per shift unless conditions visibly change
Correct answer: Continuously, including monitoring the decon corridor and breathing zone of decon workers
Air monitoring should be continuous and include the decontamination corridor because decon workers handling contaminated PPE and equipment may be exposed to off-gassing or splashed contaminants.
Question 6: A worker experiencing skin contact with a corrosive acid exits the hot zone. What is the FIRST decontamination action?
- Apply a neutralizing base solution to the affected area
- Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Remove PPE fully before beginning any decontamination
- Apply dry absorbent material to soak up the acid
Correct answer: Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes
Immediate copious water flushing for at least 15-20 minutes is the first action for corrosive skin contact; neutralization agents are generally not recommended as they can cause exothermic reactions that worsen injury.
Question 7: Which document within the Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP) specifically governs decontamination procedures, personnel responsibilities, and equipment required for decon?
- The hazard communication section
- The decontamination program element (Correct answer)
- The emergency response plan appendix
- The materials inventory log
Correct answer: The decontamination program element
The decontamination program is a required element of the SSHP under OSHA 1910.120 that documents the specific procedures, number of stations, solutions to be used, and responsibilities for decontamination operations.
HAZWOPER Decontamination Procedures & PPE Usage 5
What is the purpose of tape used at glove-to-sleeve and boot-to-suit interfaces during Level A or B PPE donning?