Exclusion Zone (Hot Zone): The area where the contamination has occurred. The outer boundary of the exclusion zone should be marked either by lines, placards, hazard tape and/or signs, or enclosed by physical barriers. Access control points should be established at the periphery of the exclusion zone to regulate the flow of personnel and equipment. Remember also to remain upwind of the danger area, and avoid low areas where toxic gases/vapors may tend to settle.

Contamination-Reduction Zone (Warm Zone): The transition area between the contaminated area and the clean area. This zone is designed to prevent the clean support zone from becoming contaminated or affected by other site hazards. Decontamination of personnel/equipment takes place in a designated area within the contamination-reduction zone called the "contamination-reduction corridor."

Support Zone: The location of the administrative and other support functions needed to keep the operations in the exclusion and contamination-reduction zones running smoothly. The command post supervisor should be present in the support zone. Personnel may wear normal work clothes within this zone.

Figure 5-8 shows the three management sections of a hazard zone.