What term describes the organized removal of contaminants from personnel and/or equipment?

• A. Technical Decon
• B. Mass Decon
• C. Emergency Decon
• D. Routine Decon

Answer: (A)

Technical decon involves a planned, thorough removal of contaminants from personnel and equipment using established procedures, specialized equipment, and trained personnel. This level of decontamination is designed to systematically reduce or eliminate contamination in a controlled way, often after any immediate life-saving actions and any initial, rapid decon has been completed. It emphasizes thorough cleaning, proper containment, and safe disposal of wash water, ensuring the hazard is minimized before people or gear re-enter non-contaminated areas.

Emergency decon, by contrast, is rapid and improvised to rapidly lower exposure in urgent, life-threatening situations; mass decon is scaled for many people or assets with quicker, simpler methods; routine decon is ongoing cleaning performed under normal, non-emergency conditions.