PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION FACILITY IN A CONTAINER

Abstract

A decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) is disclosed. The decontamination facility comprises shipping containers that includes: decontamination and laundering equipment, one or more personnel showers, doors, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a hot water heater, and a riser system. The doors are sized to allow the decontamination and laundering equipment to pass through easily. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is configured to provide a clean, climate-controlled, atmosphere inside the container. A riser system can be attached to the bottom of one or more corner supports to create a crawl space beneath the container, and the crawl space houses a wastewater collection and removal system, a tank, and an ejector pump to push wastewater to a sewer or septic system.

Claims

1. A decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE), comprising: one or more containers, wherein each container comprises: (a) one or more pieces of decontamination and laundering equipment; (b) a personnel shower, (c) one or more doors, wherein the doors are sized to allow the decontamination and laundering equipment to pass through easily; (d) a hot water heater; and (e) a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system with heat recovery fresh air supply and a recirculating air filtration system, configured to provide a clean, climate controlled, atmosphere inside the container.

2. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the containers are shipping containers, wherein the shipping containers are installed either permanently or temporarily.

3. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the containers are installed directly on a masonry foundation with a crawlspace and an access door.

4. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, further comprising a riser system that is attached to the bottom of one or more corner supports to create a crawl space beneath the container, wherein the crawl space houses a wastewater collection and removal system, a tank, and an ejector pump to push wastewater to a sewer or septic system.

5. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 4, wherein the riser system with a riser is engineered against lateral forces that occurs during transit and installation.

6. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 4, wherein the riser utilizes intermodal standards that allows the container or the conjoined system of the container and riser to be stackable and shippable via rail.

7. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 5, wherein the riser comprises an access hatch for performing maintenance and repair activities.

8. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 4, wherein the riser and the container are configured to provide support for external or internal insulation, and a sheathing and roof system.

9. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the container is a pre-existing shipping container, wherein one or more doors in the pre-existing shipping container are permanently closed by welding and removing one or more hinges and locking devices.

10. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the container is fully wired to accommodate and power the decontamination and laundering equipment, one or more lights, and HVAC, and wherein the wires are connected through a waterproof service panel for electrical supply.

11. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the container is fully plumbed to accommodate the decontamination and laundering equipment, thereby providing water service through a water service fitting.

12. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein the wastewater collection and removal system is comprised of piping sized to create a drainage reservoir that is commensurate on the maximum expected outflow of water from the facility.

13. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 12, wherein the pipes are installed along an interior perimeter of a space of the riser directly below a floor of the container.

14. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 13, wherein the pipes are plumbed through the floor to provide access to the decontamination and laundering equipment, and drain into the tank fitted with the ejector pump that allows the wastewater to be pumped to the sewer or septic system.

15. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 13, wherein the floor comprises one or more drains connecting the wastewater removal system and an entire drainage system.

16. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 13, wherein the floor is waterproofed with a multi-layered system to ensure its longevity.

17. The decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) of claim 1, wherein one container is attached to another container by using guides and fasteners, thereby allowing them to easily mate up and align with each other ensuring a secure connection.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a chart showing additional risk of cancer disease among firefighters;

[0026] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates one possible floor plan of the decontamination facility in a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates an interior elevation view of the decontamination facility in a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an axonometric view of the decontamination facility in a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 5A-5D exemplarily illustrates various views of the decontamination facility in a container with riser base, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a transverse sectional view of the decontamination facility in a container with exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a transverse sectional view of the decontamination facility in a container with internally installed insulation, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates an end section showing exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates an end section showing internally installed insulation, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a horizontal section showing exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates a horizontal section showing internally installed insulation, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure generally relates to a decontamination facility for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE).

[0037] A description of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be given with reference to the figures. It is expected that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0038] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction nor to the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a floor plan of the decontamination facility in a container 102 according to one embodiment, is disclosed. The present disclosure discloses a decontamination facility 100 for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE). The decontamination facility 100 comprises one or more containers 102 that includes: decontamination and laundering equipment 204, 206, 208, 210, 214, and 226, doors 106, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 224, hot water heater 202, and a riser system 110 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5D). The doors 106 are sized to allow the decontamination and laundering equipment 204, 206, 208, 210, 214 and 226 to pass through easily. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 224 is configured to provide a clean, climate-controlled, atmosphere inside the container 102. The HVAC system 224 is equipped with heat recovery fresh air supply and a recirculating air filtration system. The water heater 202 comprises a storage vessel adapted to store water at a comparatively low temperature and a heating element to heat the outflowing stored water to a desired higher temperature.

[0040] In some embodiments, the decontamination facility 100 may comprise one or more containers 102 that includes: HVAC unit 224, hot water heater 202, gear air drying rack 204, turnout gear dryer 206, PPE washer/extractor 208, washer 226, dryer 210, wall cabinet 212, SCBA washer 214, shelving 216, sink 218, shower 220 and base cabinet 222. In some embodiments, the container 102 may be a high cube cargo container. The container 102 may be in different dimensions to install all above components or personal protective equipment conveniently. Further, one container may be attached to another container to create alternative arrangements of equipment.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, various views of the decontamination facility 100 in a container 102 with riser system 110, according to one embodiment is disclosed. The riser system 110 is attached to the bottom of one or more corner supports to create a crawl space 112 (shown in FIG. 6) beneath the container 102, and the crawl space 112 (shown in FIG. 6) houses a wastewater collection and removal system 114, a tank 116, and an ejector pump 118 to push wastewater to a sewer or septic system 126. In one embodiment, the riser 120 utilizes intermodal standards and standard intermodal container corner block 140 that allows the container 102 or the conjoined system of container 102 and riser 120 to be stackable and shipped via rail. The riser 120 further has an access hatch or door 130 for performing maintenance and repair activities. The riser 120 and the container 102 are configured to provide support for either external or internal insulation, sheathing and roof system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wastewater collection and removal system 114 is comprised of piping sized to create a drainage reservoir that is commensurate with the maximum expected outflow of water from the facility. In one example, the wastewater collection and removal system 114 comprises piping that has a diameter of 8-12 inches. The pipes are installed along an interior perimeter of the crawl space 112 of the riser 120 directly below a floor 124 (shown in FIG. 7) of the container 102. In one embodiment, the pipes are plumbed through the floor 124 (shown in FIG. 7) to provide access to the decontamination and laundering equipment 204, 206, 208, 210, 214, and 226, and drain into the tank 116 fitted with the ejector pump 118 that allows the wastewater to be pumped to the sewer or septic system 126.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, a transverse sectional view of the decontamination facility in a container 102 with exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS), according to one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the containers 102 are shipping containers. The shipping containers 102 are installed either permanently or temporarily. In another embodiment, the containers 102 are installed directly on a masonry foundation with the crawl space 112 and an access door 130. In one embodiment, the riser system 110 with a riser 120 is reinforced against lateral forces that occurs during transit and installation. The container 102 can be installed directly on the masonry foundation with the masonry foundation creating the crawl space, eliminating the need for the riser 120.

[0044] In one embodiment, the container 102 is a pre-existing shipping container, wherein one or more doors 106 in the pre-existing shipping container are permanently closed by welding and removing one or more hinges and locking devices. The container 102 is fully wired to accommodate and power the decontamination and laundering equipment 204, 206, 208, 210, 214 and 226, one or more lights 122 (shown in FIG. 4), and HVAC 224, and the wires are connected through a waterproof service panel for electrical supply. The container 102 is further fully plumbed to accommodate the decontamination and laundering equipment 204, 206, 208, 210, 214 and 226, thereby providing water service through a service panel. In some embodiments, the container 102 may include a PPE drying cabinet vent.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, the container 102 may include a membrane roofing over rigid insulation on the container steel roof. The roofing and fascia are connected by angles and wood outrigger. Further, the side wall of the container 102 may also include an exterior insulating and finish system (EIFS) 802 such as a rigid foam insulation, with an interior such as gypsum drywall, and a fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP), or the steel of the container can be left exposed as the interior finish. In one embodiment, the container may be incorporated anywhere or wherever required, by using concrete foundation with a foundation slab (depth and reinforcement as needed) and corner post. The corner post may also include a rigid exterior skin and foam insulation 902.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, a transverse sectional view of the decontamination facility in a container 102 with internally installed insulation, according to one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the floor 124 comprises one or more drains connecting the wastewater removal system and an entire drainage system 114. In another embodiment, the floor 124 is waterproofed with a multi-layered system to ensure its longevity. In some embodiments, the container 102 may include a liquid applied membrane roofing on a container steel roof, and spray foam insulation 902 under the container steel roof. Further, the side wall of the container 102 may also include a spray foam insulation, a gypsum drywall, and a fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, an end section 800 showing exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS) 802, according to one embodiment are disclosed. Referring to FIG. 9, an end section 800 showing internally installed foam insulation 902, according to one embodiment is disclosed. Further, the corner post of the riser system 110 includes foam insulation 902. Referring to FIG. 10, a horizontal section 1000 showing exterior insulations and finish system (EIFS) 802, according to another embodiment are disclosed. Referring to FIG. 11, a horizontal section 1000 showing internally installed foam insulation 902, according to another embodiment is disclosed.

[0048] Advantageously, the decontamination facility 100 for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) can also be used on a temporary basis, where future construction will either modify or replace the current, deficient facility. The decontamination facility 100 for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) can be relocated to a different facility that has not yet been upgraded. The decontamination facility 100 for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE), significantly helps to solve the critical health risk problem such as, extremely high cancer rates experienced by firefighters, other first responders, and industrial workers. These cancer rates can be reduced by properly decontaminating the PPE used by these workers. The vast majority of existing fire stations and other related facilities do not have proper spaces and equipment for the needed decontamination, and many of these facilities do not have even space available within the facility to house the decontamination equipment. It is essential to provide a simple, straightforward, and economical personnel and PPE decontamination means, for the first responders and industrial workers.

[0049] Further, there are many advantages of this decontamination facility 100 for personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) over traditional decontamination facilities: Advantages of (1) time savings, (2) proper design, (3) quality control, (4) adaptability and portability, (5) scalability, (6) flexibility, (7) transportability to remote locations, (8) cost, and (9) complete range of treatment and ready availability.

[0050] The advantage of time savings. Any existing decontamination facility (prior existing technology) is the result of a brick-and-mortar construction project. These require: (a) A design process likely involving an architect and engineers. The facility owner will need to advertise for, interview, and contract with design professionals to create the construction documents and provide construction administration services. Very few design professionals are experienced in the issues of decon/laundries and will need time to learn the subject before designing a proper facility, or alternatively, they will develop an improper design. (b) Local municipality construction approval. Especially if the facility requires an addition to the existing building. Planning Board approval, Health Department approval, and Building Department approvals rarely takes less than three months, and often, much longer. (c) Voter approval may be required for brick-and-mortar construction, depending on laws of the state in which the facility is located. (d) A construction bidding process, that may involve mandated separate contracts each trade, as is the case in New York State and Massachusetts. Requiring separate sub-contractors at the construction site introduces delays since the completion of a task by contractor A has no bearing on the availability of contractor B to arrive at the site when contractor A has completed the work requisite for contractor B to start. In construction, time is money. (e) Weather and supply chain delays in the construction process. The current construction market and labor shortages are extending the time required for brick-and-mortar projects by up to 50%. It is important to solve the problem of worker contamination as quickly as possible, and all the issues described above will significantly increase the amount of time that it will take to construct a brick-and-mortar facility, compared to deploying the container 102 according to the present invention.

[0051] The advantage of proper design: If a facility owner hires a local architect and engineer to design decon/laundry, it is likely that the local designer will not have sufficient knowledge and experience to produce a safe and efficient design. This leaves the workers at greater risk since they may have the mistaken impressions that having their new facility means they are safe.

[0052] The advantage of quality control: The fabrication of the containers 102 will occur in a climate-controlled assembly facility with all parts and pieces inventoried onsite. This feature contrasts with the task of constructing a brick-and-mortar facility with multiple trades during an era rife with labor shortages, multiple suppliers of components that may not be at site when needed, improper storage of construction materials, poor workmanship, and variable weather conditions. Additionally, the design professional available to the facility owners are likely to be inexperienced in decon/laundry design, and are likely to overlook important design matters, and not notice mistakes made by the contractors.

[0053] The advantage of adaptability and portability allows for a wider range of potential locations for placement. It can be delivered using conventional logistics, relocated as needed, and it can be modified to address many different needs while remaining portable.

[0054] The advantage of scalability: The containers 102 related to the present invention, can be joined at the sidewall or the end wall, as well as stacked.

[0055] The advantage of flexibility: The containers 102 related to the present invention, can be attached directly to a preexisting building or stand alone. It can be used temporarily while waiting for a building to be constructed, and then relocated to another site.

[0056] The advantage of transportability to remote locations: The containers 102 related to the present invention, can be delivered by heavy lifting helicopter. This makes it a viable option for deployment to remote locations and disaster sites inaccessible to conventional logistics.

[0057] The advantage of cost: The cost-effective nature of fabricating the containers 102 according to the present invention, allows it to be purchased by a greater number of companies, bringing a higher standard of decontamination to a greater number of individuals.

[0058] The advantage of complete range of treatment and ready availability: Existing truck mounted mobile decontamination devices, can only offer an incomplete array of the needed equipment and services due to the very nature of their being truck mounted. Furthermore, they are provided as a service from a limited number of vendors that need to be driven to the fire scene or station when required. There could never be an adequate number of vendors to be able to reach even a miniscule percentage of the 52,000 stations in the short time required, especially when considering the need to have a decontaminating shower within one hour of return to the station. The containers 102 according to the present invention, will be available at the station for immediate use.

[0059] The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method.

[0060] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description and the examples should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims.