Before entering the hot zone, what must personnel do?

Before entering the hot zone, it is crucial for personnel to sign in to the personnel accountability system. This system is designed to ensure that everyone is accounted for during emergency operations, particularly in hazardous environments. By signing in, incident commanders and safety officers can track which personnel are in the hot zone, enhancing safety and facilitating effective response measures. Accountability is a key component in emergency management, helping to prevent personnel from becoming lost or left behind in dangerous situations.

While wearing personal protective equipment, checking oxygen levels, and conducting buddy checks are all important safety procedures that should be conducted, they are not the primary prerequisite for gaining access to the hot zone. These actions typically happen concurrently with or after signing in to the accountability system, ensuring that all personnel are properly equipped and accounted for before engaging in hazardous operations.