What is the primary purpose of the Exclusion Zone?

The primary purpose of the Exclusion Zone is to contain hazardous materials. This zone is established to limit exposure to hazardous substances and prevent the spread of contaminants. By physically containing hazardous materials, the Exclusion Zone ensures that responders can carry out their operations safely without the risk of contaminating surrounding areas or putting themselves or others at risk. This area is crucial in managing a hazardous materials incident effectively, allowing for a controlled environment where mitigation and decontamination procedures can be safely implemented without outside interference.

While the other options relate to important aspects of incident management, they do not encompass the specific foundational function of the Exclusion Zone in containment.