Showers & Change Rooms

OSHA provides a list of recommended equipment for decontamination of personnel and personal protective clothing and equipment. This list includes many items related to washing equipment or personnel. In the following slides, you will learn about these.

The basic items related to washing are as follows:

• Lined box with absorbents for wiping or rinsing off gross contaminants and liquid contaminants
• Large galvanized tubs, stock tanks, or children's wading pools to hold wash and rinse solutions. These should be at least large enough for a worker to place a booted foot in and should have either no drain or a drain connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system.
• Wash solutions selected to wash off and reduce the hazards associated with the contaminants
• Rinse solutions selected to wash off and reduce the hazards associated with the contaminants
• Long-handled, soft-bristled brushes to help wash and rinse off contaminants
• Paper or cloth towels for drying protective clothing and equipment
• Lockers and cabinets for storage of decontaminated clothing and equipment
• Metal or plastic cans or drums for contaminated wash and rinse solutions
• Plastic sheeting, sealed pads with drains, or other appropriate methods for containing and collecting contaminated wash and rinse solutions spilled during decontamination.
• Shower facilities for full body wash or, at a minimum, personal wash sinks (with drains connected to a collection tank or appropriate treatment system).
• Soap or wash solution, washcloths, and towels for personnel
• Lockers or closets for clean clothing and personal item storage

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