Personal contamination toolbox talk

What it is

Hazardous dust or residue on skin, clothing or PPE that is breathed in, swallowed or carried beyond the work area.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Control dust and residue at the source with wet methods and extraction so less settles on workers.
2. Set up a decontamination area with washing facilities between the work area and clean areas such as meal rooms.
3. Provide disposable coveralls or arrange commercial laundering so contaminated work clothing is not taken home.
4. Clean clothing with a vacuum rated for hazardous dust or remove disposables carefully, never blowing dust off with compressed air.
5. Wash hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking, and keep food and drink out of the work area.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with personal contamination:

• DecontaminationDecontaminate reusable equipmentFrom Crime Scene Clean
• Emergency preparation & compression chamber useHave emergency and medical equipment, a recompression chamber and decontamination ready.From Diving
• On completionWet clean-up, HEPA vacuuming, PPE removal and decontamination without compressed air.From Silica Dust
• PlanningPlan decontamination and isolate energy sources before diving.From Diving

Questions for the crew

1. Where could personal contamination come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Decontamination?
3. The most effective control is: “Control dust and residue at the source with wet methods and extraction so less settles on workers”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for personal contamination are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of personal contamination, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?