Profession decontamination worker

Decontamination workers remove and dispose of hazardous materials, such as radioactive materials or contaminated soil. They handle hazardous materials in compliance with safety regulations, investigate causes of contamination, and remove the contamination from the structure or site.

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Knowledge

• Hazardous waste treatment

  The methods applied in the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste such as asbestos, dangerous chemicals, and various contaminants, as well as the surrounding environmental regulations and legislation.

• Health, safety and hygiene legislation

  The set of health, safety and hygiene standards and items of legislation applicable in a specific sector.

• Decontamination techniques

  The methods and techniques used for the decontamination of waste by removing or neutralising the harmful substance.

• Contamination exposure regulations

  The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

• Cleaning industry health and safety measures

  Preventive and interventional methods used in the cleaning industry to maintain health and safety for all workers and tertiary persons.

• Radiation protection

  The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

• Radioactive contamination

  The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants' concentration.

Skills

• Disinfect surfaces

  Apply the correct cleaning procedures, taking into account safe handling of disinfectants, to remove contaminants, pollutants, and bacterial risks, from various surfaces, such as buildings exteriors, vehicles, and roads.

• Investigate contamination

  Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.

• Store contaminated materials

  Package and store materials which pose risks to health and safety due to contamination, and awaiting disposal or treatment, in a manner compliant with safety regulations.

• Wear appropriate protective gear

  Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

• Remove contaminated materials

  Remove materials and equipment which are contaminated with hazardous substances in order to protect the surroundings from further contamination and to treat or dispose of the contaminated materials.

• Assess contamination

  Analyse evidence of contamination. Advise on how to decontaminate.

• Remove contaminants

  Use chemicals and solvents to remove contaminants from products or surfaces.

• Avoid contamination

  Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB