What must a decontamination area consist of according to standards?

A decontamination area is critical in managing asbestos hazards effectively and ensuring the safety of workers and the environment. The correct composition of a decontamination area, as outlined by standards, includes an enclosed area that comprises a clean room, shower area, and equipment room.

The clean room serves as a space where personnel can don and doff protective gear, ensuring they do not contaminate clean areas after potentially being exposed to asbestos. The shower area is crucial for workers to wash off any possible contaminants from their bodies before leaving the contaminated site. Lastly, the equipment room is where all contaminated tools and work gear can be properly stored and decontaminated, thus preventing the spread of asbestos fibers outside the controlled environment.

The combination of these three components ensures a comprehensive approach to decontamination, thereby minimizing the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Each part of the system plays a distinct role in protecting both the workers and the surrounding environment from asbestos-related hazards.