In the three-zone model, which zone is designated as contaminated?

In the three-zone model, which zone is designated as contaminated?

• A. Hot zone
• B. Warm zone
• C. Cold zone
• D. Safe zone

Answer: (A)

The three-zone model is about isolating the hazard and protecting people by creating areas with decreasing exposure. The area around the hazard itself—where contamination is present and the risk is highest—is the hot zone. This zone requires the most stringent PPE and strict access control because anything or anyone here could be contaminated. The warm zone sits between the hot and cold zones and is the decontamination corridor. It contains contamination on people or gear as they go through the process to remove hazardous residues. Once decontamination is complete, individuals or equipment move into the cold zone, which is kept clean and serves as the area for medical care and support away from the hazard. So, the zone designated contaminated is the hot zone.

The three-zone model is about isolating the hazard and protecting people by creating areas with decreasing exposure. The area around the hazard itself—where contamination is present and the risk is highest—is the hot zone. This zone requires the most stringent PPE and strict access control because anything or anyone here could be contaminated.

The warm zone sits between the hot and cold zones and is the decontamination corridor. It contains contamination on people or gear as they go through the process to remove hazardous residues. Once decontamination is complete, individuals or equipment move into the cold zone, which is kept clean and serves as the area for medical care and support away from the hazard.

So, the zone designated contaminated is the hot zone.