What are the 3 types of decon performed at hazmat incidents?

• A. Primary Decon; Secondary Decon; Tertiary Decon
• B. Emergency Decon; Mass Decon; Technical Decon
• C. Field Decon; On-site Decon; Remote Decon
• D. Quick Decon; Major Decon; Minor Decon

Answer: (B)

Decontamination at hazmat incidents is organized into three levels to fit how many people or how complex the hazard is, so you can remove contaminants quickly when needed and do a thorough clean when required. The first is emergency decon, the fastest, simplest form used to remove or dilute contamination right away to protect lives and prevent spread. It’s done with minimal gear and steps, focusing on a quick rinse and removal of outer clothing to get exposure under control.

Next is mass decon, used when many people need decontamination. This method emphasizes speed and efficiency to process large numbers without getting bogged down in detail. It relies on straightforward procedures and high-volume water application so a crowd can be decontaminated quickly, reducing the contaminant load for many individuals while keeping the operation manageable.

The third type is technical decon, reserved for high-risk or specialized contaminants or situations. It involves more precise, controlled procedures, often with specialized equipment, containment, and additional cleaning and verification steps to ensure thorough decontamination when the hazard or exposure is more complex or dangerous.

In practice, you start with emergency decon to rapidly reduce exposure, move to mass decon for larger groups if needed, and apply technical decon for cases requiring detailed, careful removal. Other terminology might appear in different contexts, but these three represent the standard progression and scope of hazmat decon.