When must a decontamination area be set up according to standard practice?

A decontamination area must be set up before personnel enter the hot zone to ensure the safety of responders and prevent the spread of hazardous materials. Establishing a decontamination area in advance allows for a controlled environment where responders can be properly decontaminated before and after exposure to hazardous substances. This proactive approach is crucial to minimize personal exposure and protect both the responders and the surrounding environment from contamination.

Waiting until after personnel have entered the hot zone or during the incident response can lead to increased risk of exposure. Setting up the decontamination area at the end of the operation would also leave responders vulnerable to hazards during the critical response time. Thus, establishing a decontamination area as part of the initial planning and setup is a fundamental practice in hazardous materials response.