Decontamination is needed in order to?

In the framework of the Incident Command System (ICS), decontamination plays a critical role in managing hazardous materials incidents. The ICS provides a structured approach to emergency response, where specific roles and responsibilities are assigned to manage different aspects of an incident. For example, the Hazmat Group within the ICS would be responsible for establishing decontamination procedures and ensuring that all personnel and equipment are properly decontaminated to prevent further spread of contaminants.

From the perspective of first responders and other personnel involved in hazardous materials incidents, decontamination is a vital safety procedure. It ensures that they do not carry harmful substances away from the incident site, protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the public. Emergency responders often view decontamination as a necessary step that allows them to perform their duties without fear of personal contamination or spreading the contamination to others.