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Re: Decon of old rusty material



     Mark,
     
     Depending upon how old, rusty and contaminated the object is there are 
     different methods available.
     
     The most conservative as one of our colleagues has suggested is to 
     decon the material in a tent or glove bag. Provided such a control is 
     in place, with adequate negative ventilation, you can feel free to 
     utilize the electric drill with a wire brush.  Without the ventilation 
     controls I would not approach it with such a method.
     
     Something that has worked very well for me is "elbow grease" applied 
     to a "3M" green scrub pad and a liberal application of decon foam 
     (soap and water).  There are numerous suppliers out there with decon 
     foams available that may suit your application.
     
     The one thing I strongly warn against is disturbing the layer of 
     corrosion with a high speed drill or sander.  You have no way of 
     knowing what is under the corrosive layer, nor how the materials may 
     disperse due to the air currents generated.
     
     Respectfully,
     
     Paul Knoll
     815-357-6761, ext. 2885
     LASPK@ccmail.ceco.com




______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Decon of old rusty material
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at INTERNET
Date:    10/18/96 2:48 PM


One of my sites in northwestern NY is 
contaminated with uranium.  I'm going up there 
week after next to try a test decon of metal 
machinery.  
     
My plan is to use a wire brush attached to a 
hand drill.   My plan is to use the brush with 
some soap and water.
     
I was wondering if any of the more experienced 
people out there had any "pearls of wisdom" 
with this method and could offer some advice. 
Also if someone has some better ideas please 
tell.
     
Mark Winslow
US EPA - Region II