Which term refers to the removal or neutralization of a hazardous material?

Which term refers to the removal or neutralization of a hazardous material?

• A. Decommission
• B. Decontamination
• C. Demarcation
• D. Finishes

Answer: (B)

The process described is decontamination. It focuses on removing or neutralizing hazardous materials to reduce or eliminate exposure and return people and spaces to a safe state. Decontamination can involve cleaning surfaces, disinfecting or sterilizing equipment, and proper disposal of contaminated waste, depending on the level of hazard and the setting. In infection control and ICRA, this step is essential after a spill, exposure, or suspected contamination before the area or equipment can be safely used again. Decommissioning, by contrast, means retiring or taking an entire system or facility out of service, which isn’t about removing contaminants per se. Demarcation is simply marking or separating areas with boundaries, not addressing hazardous material. Finishes refer to surface coatings or final touches in construction, not to cleaning up contamination.

The process described is decontamination. It focuses on removing or neutralizing hazardous materials to reduce or eliminate exposure and return people and spaces to a safe state. Decontamination can involve cleaning surfaces, disinfecting or sterilizing equipment, and proper disposal of contaminated waste, depending on the level of hazard and the setting. In infection control and ICRA, this step is essential after a spill, exposure, or suspected contamination before the area or equipment can be safely used again.

Decommissioning, by contrast, means retiring or taking an entire system or facility out of service, which isn’t about removing contaminants per se. Demarcation is simply marking or separating areas with boundaries, not addressing hazardous material. Finishes refer to surface coatings or final touches in construction, not to cleaning up contamination.