What is a Cold Zone in the context of hazardous materials incidents?

In the context of hazardous materials incidents, a Cold Zone is indeed identified as a safe area for support agencies. This zone is established to ensure that personnel and resources that are not directly involved in the hazardous operations can remain safe while supporting the incident. It often includes areas where command staff, logistics, and other support units operate, away from the immediate hazards present in the Warm Zone or Hot Zone.

The Cold Zone serves as a staging area for emergency services that are ready to assist without being exposed to hazardous materials or unsafe conditions. Typically, this space will be clearly marked and controlled to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure safety protocols are followed closely by anyone in the vicinity.

Other zones, such as the Hot Zone, are hazardous and require proper protective equipment and measures for responders, while the Warm Zone serves as a transition area for controlling access and decontamination processes.