Decontamination Stations

Decontamination Floor Mats: What You Need to Know

Decontamination stations enable hazardous material workers to be thoroughly cleaned without washing potential contaminants into the environment. After exiting a hazard zone or finishing a shift, workers can unroll these one-piece decon stations, hook them up to a matching drain fitting, and begin the washdown process. Most of our stations have the following features:

• Easy to use – no assembly required
• Watertight – one-piece design prevents leaks
• Multiple zones available – speeds washdown

Depending on the industry in which you're using these pieces, different aspects may be more important than others because each industry and hazard have specific handling methods. Our collection of decon stations are made to suit most of these needs, but if your business has specific requirements that must be met, check the product specifications page to ensure your chosen station will work.

Common Questions About Decontamination Stations

What's the difference between a decontamination station and a decontamination mat?

Decontamination stations, sometimes called decontamination pools, capture the runoff when someone who has been dealing with hazardous materials is sanitized with a spray of water and cleaning chemicals. On the other hand, decontamination mats are floor mats that help decontaminate shoes before the wearer walks into a sensitive area, such as a medical ward. You'll need a decontamination station if you're going to be cleaning hazmat suits after they've been used in dangerous situations, but you'll want a decontamination mat if you need to keep debris out of a clean room. Decontamination mats are frequently made with disinfectant, while stations are made of PVC and are watertight.

How are decontamination stations watertight?

The majority of our decontamination pools are made of treated PVC over a fabric base, which gives them the flexibility to be rolled up and transported while also giving them the durability and waterproof qualities needed to function properly. After unrolling these units, short walls at the edge of each washdown station stand upright and provide a barrier against the contaminated water escaping into the environment. Any substances that require a washdown shouldn't be flushed into the water system, so having an appropriate decontamination pool is vital to maintaining your operation's safety.

Where does the contaminated liquid go?

Every decon station has a drain attachment built into it, and as long as you have the appropriate drainage equipment, you'll be able to safely dispose of the wastewater. Consult the individual product specification page to determine the size of the drain you'll be needing. Depending on the material you're working with, disposing of it may be significantly more complicated than removing it from the station. Check with local regulatory bodies for the mandated disposal method of whatever hazardous material you're dealing with.

Why would I need more than one decontamination zone?

Choosing a unit with multiple decontamination zones can increase the rate at which your workers can be sanitized, with multiple people using a single decon station at a time. This is only beneficial if you have all the other equipment necessary for additional washdowns. We carry two-, three-, and four-zone options to help you maximize efficiency.