Which describes the zones established before operations?

• A. Safe, Warm, and Cold Zones
• B. Hot, Cold, and Safe Zones
• C. Warm, Hot, and Restricted Zones
• D. Hot, Warm, and Cold Zones

Answer: (D)

Establishing zones before operations centers on separating risk levels to protect personnel and control access. The hot zone is where the danger is present and active work occurs; only qualified, equipped personnel operate there. The warm zone acts as a buffer and transition area for staging, decontamination, and support activities, with access controlled and usually requiring escort or supervision. The cold zone is the safe area where coordination, observation, and non-exposed tasks take place.

This three-zone setup—hot, warm, and cold—best describes the structure used before operations, providing a clear progression from danger to safety. Other options mix terms that don’t align with the standard buffer system, which is why they aren’t correct.