What must contaminated clothing and equipment do while at the decontamination area?

The correct response is that contaminated clothing and equipment must be left until properly decontaminated or disposed of. In a decontamination area, the primary goal is to prevent the spread of contaminants, ensuring safety for all individuals involved. Leaving contaminated items in a designated area minimizes the risk of accidental exposure to others and allows for proper procedures to be followed for decontamination or safe disposal.

Contaminated clothing and equipment should not be worn until further notice, as this could expose the individual and others to harmful substances. Washing them immediately might not be effective if the contamination requires specific decontamination processes, and transferring items to a medical facility does not address the immediate need for decontamination protocols. Thus, leaving contaminated items in a safe area until they can be managed appropriately aligns with best practices in hazardous material situations, promoting a systematic approach to safety and public health.