Which practice is recommended for minimizing contamination of firefighter gear?

Implementing a decon corridor is a highly effective practice for minimizing contamination of firefighter gear. This practice involves setting up a designated area through which firefighters pass after being exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, such as during firefighting operations or hazardous material incidents. The purpose of this corridor is to facilitate the decontamination process, allowing firefighters to remove and clean their gear before returning to the fire station or interacting with other personnel.

By having a structured decon corridor, firefighters can ensure that contaminants are effectively removed from both their gear and their skin, thereby reducing the risk of hazardous exposure and ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved. It serves as a critical point for managing contamination, ensuring that harmful substances do not carry over into clean areas or rest spaces.

Other options, while relevant to overall safety and gear management, do not target contamination reduction as directly as the decon corridor does. Storing gear in a different location does not address the decontamination process itself. Using protective covers during transport can help limit exposure during transit but does not provide a structured decontamination solution. Limited access to the station may reduce overall contamination risks but does not actively decontaminate gear and equipment after exposure to harmful environments.