How to Choose the Right Decontamination Shower for Asbestos Removal in Australia

Published by: DeconSafe Solutions | Category: Decontamination Showers | Reading time: ~8 min

Introduction

Choosing the wrong decontamination shower does not just slow down a job. It can put workers at serious risk of asbestos fibre exposure, land your business in breach of Australian WHS regulations, and leave you liable for contamination spread beyond the work zone.

With asbestos still found in a significant proportion of homes and commercial buildings built before 1990, decontamination showers are a non-negotiable part of any professional removal operation. But not all showers are equal, and not every unit suits every site.

At DeconSafe Solutions, we are the sole authorised reseller of Deconta Group products in Australia and New Zealand, and our team works closely with hazmat contractors every day to match the right decontamination system to the job. In this guide, we break down the key factors to consider before you buy or hire.

What Is a Decontamination Shower and Why Does It Matter?

A decontamination shower is a specialised system designed to thoroughly rinse workers, protective gear, and equipment before they exit a contaminated work zone. In asbestos removal, this means washing away any remaining fibres from coveralls, gloves, respiratory equipment, and skin before the individual transitions from the dirty side of a containment area to the clean side.

Unlike a standard site shower, a proper decon shower system features a multi-chamber lock design that separates contaminated, washing, and clean zones. It also provides controlled water flow and drainage to prevent runoff contamination, integrates with water treatment systems so contaminated wastewater is captured and treated correctly, and offers tool-free, rapid assembly to keep projects on schedule.

Skipping proper decontamination is not just dangerous. It is illegal. The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos in Australia require decontamination procedures at every asbestos worksite.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Decontamination Shower

1. Site Size and Scale of the Job

The first question to ask is: how many workers need to decontaminate, and how frequently?

For smaller residential asbestos removal jobs or confined spaces, a compact and portable unit is usually the right call. For large industrial sites with multiple crews cycling through decontamination, you need a high-capacity system that can handle continuous throughput without bottlenecks.

For smaller sites, consider the SMART-LINE Personnel Lock System, a foldable, lightweight unit available in 750 and 1000 models, designed for fast installation in tight spaces with no tools required.

For larger or longer-term sites, the ECO-LINE 1000 Decontamination Shower is the most versatile option, fully modular, scalable, eco-friendly, and built for complex projects with high worker throughput.

2. Portability vs Permanence

Some contractors work a single long-term remediation project. Others are on a different site every week. Your decontamination setup needs to match your workflow.

Portable and foldable systems are built for mobility. They pack down into transport boxes, set up in minutes, and can be redeployed quickly. The SMART-LINE range, for example, can be assembled in under five minutes without any tools, which is a significant time saver when setting up on short notice.

Modular systems like the ECO-LINE offer more configuration flexibility for complex, long-duration jobs. Extra chambers, custom sizing, and automatic door features can all be added to match specific project requirements.

If your projects vary in scale and duration, it is worth considering whether hiring provides better flexibility than purchasing a single fixed unit. See our Hire Division for available options.

3. Number of Chambers

The number of chambers in a decontamination shower determines how effectively contamination transfer is controlled.

A 2-chamber system provides basic dirty/clean separation and is suitable for low-risk or smaller-scale operations. A 3-chamber system is the standard for most professional asbestos removal jobs, with a dedicated washing zone between contaminated and clean areas. A 5-chamber system is used for higher-risk scenarios or situations requiring stricter decontamination protocols.

The SMART+ 1000 Decontamination Shower features a 3-chamber, 2-shower configuration designed to handle high-traffic decontamination scenarios efficiently, making it a popular choice for industrial and commercial asbestos removal teams.

The appropriate number of chambers will often be specified in your site safety plan or by your licensed asbestos assessor.

4. Water Treatment and Drainage Compatibility

Contaminated wastewater from asbestos decontamination must be captured, treated, and disposed of correctly. You cannot allow decon shower runoff to drain into the stormwater system. This is both illegal and an environmental hazard.

When selecting your decontamination shower, confirm that it is compatible with your water treatment setup. Our Deconta decon showers are designed to integrate directly with the Deconta C110 and C130 Water Treatment Systems, ensuring wastewater is filtered and safe for disposal in line with Australian regulations.

If you do not yet have a water treatment solution in place, our team can help you build a complete, compliant decontamination setup from the ground up.

5. Compliance with Australian Standards

All decontamination equipment used on Australian asbestos removal sites must meet current safety and regulatory requirements, including those set out under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos, and state and territory-specific regulations, which may impose additional requirements.

The Deconta range available through DeconSafe Solutions is rigorously tested and built to meet the highest international and Australian safety standards. Every unit we supply comes with certified performance documentation and full technical support.

If you are unsure whether a particular unit meets the requirements for your project, contact our team and we will walk you through it.

DeconSafe's Decontamination Shower Range at a Glance

All models are available to purchase outright or hire through our Hire Division.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a decontamination unit that is not sized for your workforce. A single three-stage decontamination unit on a large project where many workers must pass through the decontamination process. This can create bottlenecks, increase waiting times, and place pressure on workers to rush decontamination procedures.

Ignoring water treatment. A decon shower without a paired water treatment system is not a complete solution. Contaminated water that is not captured and filtered is a compliance and environmental liability.

Buying when you should hire, or vice versa. For contractors who do frequent, varied jobs, purchasing may offer better long-term value. For one-off or short-term projects, hiring is more cost-effective. We cover this decision in depth in our upcoming guide: Buy vs Hire: Decontamination Showers for Asbestos Contractors in Australia.

Choosing a system that does not fit your site. Always assess the available footprint and access to the work zone before selecting a unit. Our team can advise on fit-for-purpose configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I legally need a decontamination shower for every asbestos removal job in Australia?

No. Decontamination showers are generally required for friable asbestos removal, where workers must use a dedicated decontamination unit before leaving the work area. For non-friable asbestos removal, workers must still follow appropriate decontamination procedures, such as wet wiping and HEPA vacuuming to remove asbestos dust and debris before removing PPE, but a full decontamination shower is not typically required. Always check your state or territory regulations for specific requirements.

Can I rent a decontamination shower rather than buying one?

Yes. DeconSafe Solutions offers flexible hire options for decontamination showers through our Hire Division, making high-quality Deconta equipment accessible for short-term projects without the upfront investment of purchasing.

How long does it take to set up a Deconta decontamination shower?

All SMART-LINE and ECO-LINE personnel decontamination systems are designed for rapid deployment and can typically be assembled in 5–10 minutes without tools. The main differences between models are their construction methods, materials, durability, and price points, allowing users to choose a system that best suits their project requirements and budget. 

Do your decontamination showers work with water treatment systems?

Yes. Our Deconta decontamination showers are designed to integrate directly with Deconta water treatment systems (C110 and C130), ensuring contaminated wastewater is captured and treated correctly before disposal.

What is the difference between the SMART-LINE and the ECO-LINE?

The SMART-LINE, SMART+, and ECO-LINE personnel decontamination systems all provide effective asbestos decontamination and rapid deployment, with the primary differences being their construction materials, build quality, and price point. The SMART-LINE is the most economical option, followed by the SMART+, while the ECO-LINE is the premium model, offering the highest level of durability and robustness for demanding site conditions. This allows contractors to choose a system that best matches their operational requirements and budget. 

Can the showers be customised to suit my project?

Yes. All our Deconta decontamination showers can be configured with options such as additional chambers, size adjustments, and automatic door features to match your specific project requirements. Contact our team to discuss your needs.

Final Thoughts

The right decontamination shower is one that fits your site, your crew, your regulatory requirements, and your workflow. Getting this decision right protects your workers, keeps your project compliant, and removes the risk of costly contamination spread.

If you are not sure where to start, DeconSafe Solutions is here to help. As the sole authorised reseller of Deconta Group products in Australia and New Zealand, we bring together expert product knowledge and hands-on industry experience to help you find the right solution.

Browse our full range of Decontamination Showers, or contact us to speak with a specialist today.

Related Reading: What Is a Decontamination Shower and Why Is It Essential for Asbestos Removal? Deconta's Advanced Decontamination Showers: Features and Benefits Top 5 Tips for Safe Asbestos Removal