When should emergency decontamination be established?

Emergency decontamination should be established before anyone enters the hot zone to ensure the safety of all personnel responding to a hazardous materials incident. The hot zone is the area directly affected by hazardous materials where contamination is likely to occur. By having a decontamination plan in place prior to entry, responders can minimize the risk of spreading contaminants and protect both victims and emergency personnel.

This proactive approach is crucial because, once responders enter a contaminated area, they may inadvertently carry hazardous materials out with them if no decontamination procedure is in place. Establishing decontamination beforehand provides a controlled environment where victims and responders can be safely cleaned of any hazardous substances before leaving the area.

Other choices involve timing elements that do not align with best practices in hazardous material incidents. Waiting for all personnel to evacuate or for the identification of hazardous materials can lead to unnecessary exposure risks and potential harm. Therefore, the focus on pre-emptive measures for decontamination underscores its importance in effective incident response.