Hazardous Materials Technician how-to
How to Set Up Site Work Zones
Clear zones keep contamination from spreading. Follow the site safety and health plan.
Clear zones keep contamination from spreading. Follow the site safety and health plan. In short: review; mark; set, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Review the site safety plan, hazards and wind direction.
Mark the exclusion (hot) zone boundary around the contaminated area.
Set up the contamination reduction (warm) zone with decontamination stations.
Establish the support (cold) zone upwind for command, equipment and rest.
Control entry with a single access point and sign-in log.
Post signs and barriers, and communicate the zones to everyone on site.
Safety reminders for hazardous materials technicians
- Never work on a hazardous waste site without current HAZWOPER training
- Wear the PPE and respirator specified in the site safety plan
- Follow decontamination procedures every time you exit
- Report exposures, symptoms and damaged PPE immediately
Key terms
HAZWOPER · Exclusion zone (hot zone) · Contamination reduction zone (warm zone) · Support zone (cold zone) · Decontamination (decon) · PPE levels A–D: see the full hazardous materials technician glossary.