Which term describes contamination of personnel due to contaminated equipment or gear?

Which term describes contamination of personnel due to contaminated equipment or gear?

• A. Absorption
• B. Ingestion
• C. Secondary contamination
• D. Inhalation

Answer: (C)

Contamination of personnel from contaminated equipment or gear is secondary contamination. This occurs when hazardous material on tools, PPE, or surfaces transfers to a worker’s skin, clothing, or belongings during handling or movement, even if the worker isn’t directly exposed to the material in the air or ingested. It’s about transfer from objects to the person, not a route of exposure like breathing it in, swallowing it, or absorbing it through the skin. Preventing secondary contamination relies on careful doffing, thorough decontamination of gear, and managing contaminated equipment to stop the transfer from gear to the operator.

Contamination of personnel from contaminated equipment or gear is secondary contamination. This occurs when hazardous material on tools, PPE, or surfaces transfers to a worker’s skin, clothing, or belongings during handling or movement, even if the worker isn’t directly exposed to the material in the air or ingested. It’s about transfer from objects to the person, not a route of exposure like breathing it in, swallowing it, or absorbing it through the skin. Preventing secondary contamination relies on careful doffing, thorough decontamination of gear, and managing contaminated equipment to stop the transfer from gear to the operator.