Electrostatic Sprayer Efficacy for Personnel PPE Bio Decontamination – Mannequin Testing
Citation:
Archer, J., A. Touati, W. Calfee, S. Lee, L. Mickelsen, L. Oudejans, R. Delafield, D. Aslett, AND A. Abdel-Hady. Electrostatic Sprayer Efficacy for Personnel PPE Bio Decontamination – Mannequin Testing. To be Presented at 2019 EPA Decontamination Conference, Norfolk,VA, November 19 - 21, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This study is aimed to explore the potential for using an electrostatic sprayer for personnel decontamination of biological agents. The impact of this technology is a reduction in decontaminant used, waste minimization, and decreased cross contamination outside of the contamination reduction zone. This electrostatic sprayer technology used on mannequins with PPE shows promise in improving the biological personnel decontamination line process for the response community.
Description:
During personnel decontamination, conventional backpack sprayers are often used to distribute liquid decontaminant over PPE surfaces, and this process generally produces significant volumes of liquid waste and may lead to migration of biological agents..Following a bioterrorism event, the impacted area would be characterized, and work zones established based on the extent of indoor/outdoor contamination. The personnel decontamination (decon) line, established in the contamination reduction zone, is essential for ensuring potentially biohazardous materials on worker personal protective equipment (PPE) do not migrate outside of this zone.