What is the primary focus during decontamination at a HazMat scene?

The primary focus during decontamination at a HazMat scene is to prevent the spread of contaminants. This is critical to ensure the safety of both emergency responders and the public. Decontamination processes are designed to remove hazardous substances from personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment. By effectively managing and containing these contaminants, the risk of exposure and further environmental impact is minimized.

While other aspects like analyzing chemical compositions, gathering evidence for investigations, and maintaining equipment functionality are important in certain contexts, they do not take precedence during decontamination. The key objective here is to ensure that no harmful substances are transferred to clean areas, which could lead to additional harm or complicate response efforts. This focus on containment and safety is fundamental in hazardous materials operations.