Decontamination of hazardous products: a complex operation requiring continuous risk control
- Cluster EDEN
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
As knowledge of the hazards associated with various chemical substances grows, environmental regulations on the prevention of risks associated with hazardous products are evolving. However, scientific and regulatory recommendations regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials cannot cover the full diversity of products and their applications.
Each project involving the decontamination, remediation, or treatment of hazardous products is unique, as it is defined by a multitude of risk factors. These risk factors can be directly linked to the product and vary depending on its purity, physical state, and the volumes involved.
Risks can also arise from the context of the operation, such as the storage conditions of the dangerous product, climatic factors, risks linked to the proximity of other equipment or materials, or the need to carry out the work in a co-activity situation.
The decontamination or decontamination of a site or equipment of hazardous substances is a complex operation, the implementation of which includes steps necessary to guarantee the safety of those involved and to preserve the environment and human health.
First, a detailed risk assessment takes into account the hazards inherent to the products and the risks due to the context of the operation. This assessment makes it possible to model situations that could cause damage to personnel or equipment, in order to identify and evaluate the appropriate means of prevention and protection.
Case study 1: On-site treatment of hazardous waste
Based on the risk assessment, potential deviations that could affect the smooth running of the operation are identified. Collective and individual prevention and protection equipment, as well as protocols to prevent these deviations, are defined.
The efficiency and safety of the operation are ensured by the consistency of the equipment, its layout and the related operating procedures. Practical experience of similar construction sites allows for better alignment of safety measures with the objectives and constraints of the project.
Construction site security is achieved by demarcating areas marked with markers and establishing airlocks if necessary. Properly adapting zoning to the geography of the construction site is also an important organizational step that can facilitate or, on the contrary, slow down operations.
Operational knowledge of the client's products, equipment and processes is a definite advantage in defining optimal prevention measures, particularly with regard to zoning, equipment positioning, operation deployment and the circulation of materials, personnel and waste generated.
Case study 2: Installation of ATEX prevention equipment on a hazardous product repackaging site following a disaster
Although atmospheric measurements do not indicate a latent explosive atmosphere on this site, such a risk could quickly appear due to high outside temperatures or following the release of vapors in the event of accidental spillage.
An ATEX extractor is therefore positioned to manage the risks of creating an explosive atmosphere during work. A sprinkler gun is positioned to prevent a fire from starting.
Continuous risk control on the construction site depends on both human and technical factors: the ability to adapt resources to the situation on the construction site (for example, depending on weather conditions) and the ability to react appropriately in the event of an exceptional situation.
While risk analysis is used to anticipate situations where adaptation of equipment and operating methods during the construction site may prove necessary to ensure continuous risk control, the expertise and experience of the contractor plays a decisive role in managing unforeseen events.
