Decontamination Units

Decontamination units (decon units) are specialized three-chamber systems that provide controlled worker egress from asbestos work areas while preventing fiber contamination to clean areas. Required by OSHA and industry standards for all asbestos abatement projects, decon units consist of three sequential chambers: the equipment room (workers remove gross contamination and disposable suits), the shower room (workers thoroughly wash with HEPA-filtered water to remove any remaining fibers), and the clean room (workers dress in street clothes). The units create a critical contamination barrier between the regulated asbestos work area and uncontaminated spaces. Properly designed decon units maintain negative air pressure relationships, preventing airborne fibers from escaping through air locks and doorways. Industrial-grade decon units feature reinforced polyethylene construction, non-slip flooring, adequate lighting, heating/cooling for worker comfort, waste water containment systems, and supply storage for clean clothing and PPE. Units must be sized appropriately for project workforce—inadequate decon facilities create bottlenecks that compromise safety and productivity. The equipment room includes bench seating, boot wash stations, and containers for contaminated PPE disposal. Shower rooms must provide adequate water pressure, temperature control, and privacy. Clean rooms provide changing areas, benches, and storage for street clothes. Decon procedures are critical worker safety protocols—proper setup, maintenance, and use prevent take-home contamination that could expose workers' families. Abatement contractors are responsible for daily cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring of decon units throughout project duration.