What is NOT a protective action that must be taken during in-place protection?

What is NOT a protective action that must be taken during in-place protection?

• A. Sealing doors and windows
• B. Stopping ventilation if advised
• C. Monitoring air quality
• D. Ensuring HVAC system remains operating

Answer: (D)

In-place protection aims to limit exposure by reducing air movement between the outside and inside space. Sealing doors and windows creates a barrier to infiltrating contaminated air. Stopping ventilation if advised helps prevent outside air from entering and stops contaminated air from being drawn through the building. Monitoring air quality gives you real-time information on whether the air is safe to continue sheltering or when it’s safe to exit. Keeping the HVAC system operating would keep air circulating and could spread contaminants throughout the building, which undermines the protective effect. Therefore, maintaining the HVAC system as is is not a protective action you’d take unless specifically directed by authorities.

In-place protection aims to limit exposure by reducing air movement between the outside and inside space. Sealing doors and windows creates a barrier to infiltrating contaminated air. Stopping ventilation if advised helps prevent outside air from entering and stops contaminated air from being drawn through the building. Monitoring air quality gives you real-time information on whether the air is safe to continue sheltering or when it’s safe to exit. Keeping the HVAC system operating would keep air circulating and could spread contaminants throughout the building, which undermines the protective effect. Therefore, maintaining the HVAC system as is is not a protective action you’d take unless specifically directed by authorities.