In HazMat response, the zone commonly referred to as the Cold Zone corresponds to which named zone?

• A. Warm Zone
• B. Hot Zone
• C. Clean Zone
• D. Decontamination Zone

Answer: (C)

HazMat responses separate the scene by contamination risk, with the safe, uncontaminated area set farthest from the hazard. This area is where incident command, staging, and treatment of patients who have been decontaminated occur, and it is kept free of contamination. That’s why it is called the Clean Zone—the word “clean” signals no exposure risk. The Warm Zone houses the decontamination area and support functions between the hot (contaminated) zone and the cold (safe) zone, while the Hot Zone is where contamination is present. The Decontamination Zone is the specific area within the Warm Zone where decontamination procedures take place. So the Cold Zone corresponds to the Clean Zone.