Final answer:
The warm zone is the area of transition where personnel and equipment enter and exit the hot zone, serving as a decontamination buffer. This zone ensures the safety of medical personnel who must wear personal protective clothing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The warm zone is where personnel and equipment transition into and out of the hot zone. In situations involving hazardous materials or infection zones, such as in healthcare settings during a disease outbreak, different zones are established to ensure safety and control. The hot zone is the area with the highest level of contamination or danger. The warm zone serves as a buffer and decontamination area between the hot and cold zones, where the levels of hazard are lower and safety measures can be adjusted accordingly. Medical personnel, as mentioned, require personal protective clothing when entering or exiting the hot zone to prevent the spread of contamination and protect themselves.