P2); (6) dangerous when wet materials (HCC R2); (7) toxic and low hazard materials (HCCs K2,
M1, N1, T1, T2, T3, T4, T6, T7, V1, V5, V6, Z1 through Z5, Z7); and radioactive materials
(HCCs A2, and A3). Recoupment in workrooms should be restricted to the assigned hazard
categories only. However, if a sufficient number of workrooms are unavailable, recoupment of
different hazard categories can be performed in the same workroom as long as the following
procedures are followed: (1) the workroom is completely decontaminated between operations,
including cleaning up spills and removing wastes that have been generated; (2) transfer
equipment (e.g., funnels, tubing) is used for compatible materials only; and (3)
flammable/combustible liquids and solids are not recouped in the same room as acids, oxidizers,
organic peroxides, and water reactive materials.
E. A personnel change/decontamination area should be incorporated into recoupment facilities
consisting of a "clean" room (used for donning work clothes and PPE) and a "contaminated"
room (used for showering and for removing contaminated work clothes and PPE).
F. Spill control and containment features must be incorporated to prevent spread of spills,
commingling of incompatible materials, and release of hazardous materials into the environment.
This includes diking around the perimeter of each room in the recoupment facility; continuous,
nonporous surfaces; sealed construction joints; and sealed, impervious finish of floor surfaces.
Dikes should be capable of containing accumulation from sprinkler system waterflow (in
accordance with NFPA 15). Ramps should be incorporated to provide access for personnel and
MHE with a maximum slope of 12 percent for personnel exits and a maximum slope of 8 percent
for cargo exits.
G. A spill control/containment system is also required for the facility's load/unload pad. This
system should include the features mentioned above and a containment trench with a release
H. Each room in the facility should have two emergency exit routes. However, recoupment
workrooms may be too small to accommodate an additional emergency exit. In such cases,
workstations within a workroom should be arranged so that personnel will have a clear,
unobstructed exit route if an emergency occurs. Emergency exits must be equipped with panic
hardware and illuminated exit signs and must open in the line of egress.
I. All rooms (including recoupment workrooms) should be separated by walls rising to and
integral with the roof. Fire-rated observation windows should be installed (in doors or walls) to
allow personnel to view rooms prior to entry.
J. A ventilation system capable of functioning in both a general use mode and an emergency
mode should be provided. The ventilation system should supply and exhaust air via mechanical
or passive means or a combination of both, and should maintain negative pressures in
recoupment workrooms relative to adjacent rooms (including interior corridors and staging
areas). The ventilation system should not interfere with the airflow of local exhaust hoods (see
transfer equipment requirements in 4.37.K.2.b), but should provide a minimum of 6 room air
changes per hour. Exhaust air ducts should be situated a maximum of 12 inches above the floor
4-35
