What is 'decontamination' in HAZMAT response?

Decontamination in HAZMAT response refers specifically to the process of cleaning and removing hazardous material residues from individuals, equipment, or the environment. This process is vital in ensuring that any exposure to hazardous substances is effectively mitigated, thus preventing further contamination and potential harm to human health or the surrounding environment.

This step is particularly crucial after a release or spill of hazardous materials, where there is a risk of residual chemicals that could pose an ongoing threat if not properly addressed. Decontamination includes various techniques such as washing, scrubbing, or using specific chemical agents designed to neutralize hazardous materials, ensuring that surfaces and individuals are returned to a safe state.

The other options, while related to hazardous materials management, do not accurately define decontamination. Ensuring proper labeling involves the correct identification and classification of hazardous substances, documenting shipments is related to compliance and tracking, and disposing of hazardous materials pertains to the final management stage after they have served their intended purpose. Thus, they do not capture the essence of what decontamination entails in a HAZMAT context.