What is the primary purpose of Technical Decontamination during a hazardous materials incident?

The primary purpose of Technical Decontamination during a hazardous materials incident is to prevent secondary contamination by people or equipment. This process is critical in ensuring that contaminated individuals or items do not spread hazardous materials to clean areas or other individuals, potentially leading to broader exposure and risk.

Technical decontamination often involves the use of specialized equipment, facilities, and procedures to effectively remove contaminants from people and equipment. This phase is carefully planned and executed to minimize the risk of ongoing exposure and protect both responders and non-contaminated victims.

While eliminating all contaminants from victims and assisting in medical treatment are important aspects of managing a hazardous materials incident, they are more aligned with the objectives of other decontamination methods such as emergency decontamination. Furthermore, expediting evacuation is a logistical concern that, although related, does not capture the essence of what Technical Decontamination specifically aims to accomplish. The focus remains on containment and control to ensure safety during and after the incident.