What is the definition of "emergency decontamination" in HAZMAT scenarios?

Emergency decontamination refers to the immediate and often rapid measures taken to clean individuals who have been exposed to hazardous materials in order to minimize injury or health effects. This process typically occurs on-site where the exposure took place, providing a quick response to reduce the contamination level on the affected person.

The urgency of this response is critical in HAZMAT scenarios because delaying decontamination can lead to more severe health consequences. The focus is on removing contaminants as quickly and efficiently as possible to protect the individual's well-being and prevent further spread of hazardous materials.

In contrast, the other options describe different processes not related to emergency decontamination. Methods for isolating hazardous materials for long-term storage, transporting hazardous materials safely, or analyzing chemical compounds do not address the immediate need for cleaning and protecting exposed individuals, which is the essence of emergency decontamination.