What must happen to protective clothing during the decontamination process?

During the decontamination process, if protective clothing becomes contaminated, it must be properly disposed of to prevent any risk of exposure to hazardous materials. This is critical because contaminated clothing can retain dangerous substances that pose a threat to health and safety if reused or stored improperly.

Proper disposal protocols are necessary to ensure that contaminated materials do not endanger others during transport or handling. Wearing protective gear is essential in hazardous environments, but once it becomes compromised, it should not be considered safe for reuse. This approach helps maintain safety standards and manages the risks associated with hazardous materials effectively.

The other options suggest actions that could lead to unsafe conditions. For instance, immediate reuse without decontamination could lead to exposure to harmful substances, while attempting to clean it with soap and water might not adequately remove contaminants, especially if they are highly toxic or complex. Storing contaminated clothing for future use also poses significant risks, as it could inadvertently expose individuals to hazardous conditions later on. Proper disposal mitigates these risks and is aligned with safety protocols in hazardous material response scenarios.