ABSTRACT
When performing environmental investigations, all sampling equipment must be treated as if it is contaminated, and therefore should be thoroughly decontaminated between sampling points. This chapter presents decontamination procedures for radiologically and chemically contaminated equipment. Decontamination is performed to assure the collection of representative environmental samples. The only way to eliminate decontamination is by using disposable equipment. The decontamination of large equipment and sampling equipment should be performed as close to the study area as possible to prevent the possible spread of contamination. The following four methods are available to support the decontamination of radiologically contaminated equipment, and are presented in order for increasing levels of contamination. These are: tape method; manual cleaning method; HEPA vacuum method; and high-pressure wash method.
