Hi all, Unusual query. A company I work for make 'powder transfer containment valves' for the pharmaceutical industry. They occasionally take used, faulty equipment back from customers which have, in the past, been received with traces of unknown substances within the valves. To try and prevent this they are tightening up their returns procedures and they have recently put together a 'Decontamination Statement' for customers who wish to return these valves. When these statements are returned and state that hazardous substances (e.g. methylene chloride) have been used within the valves, the intention is to have them professionally cleaned by a specialist provider. Two things. Does anyone have any similar experience and can offer a view, please. Also, does anyone know of a company who could professionally decontaminate such equipment? Cheers, Tony

Thanks imwaldra. I appreciate your comments. The problem is mainly in relation to the concern that equipment is being returned having had hazardous substances within in the past. We're jut trying to look at a sensible solution for dealing with and handling these returned items.

We are asking the customers to decontaminate before sending them back but we're not entirely happy that this is being done satisfactorily. We have had instances in the past when returns have been opened and unknown dusts have been present within.