In regards to technical decontamination, the level of personal protective equipment should be ______.

In regards to technical decontamination, the level of personal protective equipment should be ______.

• A. One level above the entry team
• B. One level below the entry team
• C. The same as the entry team
• D. Two levels below the entry team

Answer: (B)

Technical decontamination uses a PPE gradient: the entry team works closest to the hazard and needs the highest level of protection, while the decontamination crew operates just behind them in the decon zone. Wearing one level below the entry team provides enough protection for handling contaminated PPE and surfaces without the encumbrance of the highest level, which would slow down operations and hinder dexterity. This setup helps prevent cross-contamination as you move from the hot zone toward the clean area. If the decon team wore the same or higher level, it would add unnecessary bulk and reduce efficiency; if they wore too little, their exposure during decon tasks could rise. So the best practice is for the decon crew to be equipped one level below the entry team.

Technical decontamination uses a PPE gradient: the entry team works closest to the hazard and needs the highest level of protection, while the decontamination crew operates just behind them in the decon zone. Wearing one level below the entry team provides enough protection for handling contaminated PPE and surfaces without the encumbrance of the highest level, which would slow down operations and hinder dexterity.

This setup helps prevent cross-contamination as you move from the hot zone toward the clean area. If the decon team wore the same or higher level, it would add unnecessary bulk and reduce efficiency; if they wore too little, their exposure during decon tasks could rise. So the best practice is for the decon crew to be equipped one level below the entry team.