Which survey is intended to identify and mark the boundaries of contaminated areas when time permits?

• A. Rapid external survey
• B. Gross external survey
• C. On-station monitoring
• D. Periodic monitoring

Answer: (B)

Identifying and marking the boundaries of contaminated areas when time permits requires a thorough external assessment. A gross external survey is designed for this purpose: it’s a detailed exterior scan that maps the extent of contamination and clearly marks boundary lines so crews know where contamination ends and clean areas begin. This level of detail is essential to establish safe zones, position decontamination stations, and guide subsequent operations. A rapid external survey is used when time is critical to quickly spot likely contaminated spots, but it doesn’t provide the complete boundary map. On-station monitoring and periodic monitoring focus on ongoing measurements rather than establishing the initial boundary delineation.