Decontamination showers are used at the locations where there is a risk for people of being exposed to detrimental elements. In majority of the countries, pertaining to the safety laws, decontamination showers are a must to be installed at factories, or the work places where there is a risk for employees to be exposed to dangerous substances. Various factories, laboratories and workplaces that handle or deal with unsafe substances need installation of decontamination showers.


Decontamination showers are also used by emergency services like the fire-fighting department. They differ from the normal showers mainly in the size of the showerhead. The diameter of the showerhead is twenty inches. The shower has enough water to operate continuously for at least fifteen minutes. Normally, potable or clean water is contained in the tank that supplies water to the decontamination shower. There are no faucets for turning the shower on; it is activated by pulling a lever, which makes the water flows at a constant pressure. Decontamination showers are made out of steel so that no bacteria can accumulate in them.
 
After getting contaminated by some harmful substance, the person should instantly run towards the decontamination shower, or they must get help to reach there. It is necessary to take off all the clothing before entering the shower. The person should remain under the shower, subsequent to turning it on, for at least fifteen minutes.
 
The 20 inches diameter of the showerhead ensures that their head and entire body is fully soaked. The individual does not need to turn or move himself to make his body wet. Fifteen minutes is the minimum time that has to be spent under the shower. This time has been set by the experts.
 
The temperature of the water, as stated in ANSI safety regulations, is defined as 'tepid'. The water temperature should not be too cold or too hot. The water in the shower has to be clean potable water. After the victim has taken the shower and been decontaminated, he is given a clean pair of clothes to wear, and then is sent to a hospital for medical assistance.
 
Emergency services use portable decontamination showers to wash the people who have been contaminated. These shower stalls are placed in a temporary shelter, like a tent. In some work places, workers are required to take a decontamination shower after they enter a workplace, where there is fear of contamination. Decontamination showers need to be inspected periodically to ensure that they are working properly, and the water supply is clean.
 
Decontamination showers are used where the body is contaminated by coming in contact with a harmful substance. Acids and harmful chemicals that can be spilt, and can cause contamination, need to be cleansed from the body immediately.
 

Decontamination showers must be reachable within ten seconds of walk, and must activate immediately when turned on. Sensors activate the modern day decontamination showers. As soon as someone steps into the shower, it turns on. This saves time and the toil to look for the lever to turn the shower on. The number of decontamination showers required to be installed depends upon the safety requirements of a company or a laboratory.