The organized practice of cleaning dust from the employee's body and removing protective clothing before leaving the work area is called what?

The organized practice of cleaning dust from the employee's body and removing protective clothing before leaving the work area is best described as decontamination. This process is essential in environments where hazardous substances, such as lead from lead paint, are present. Decontamination involves procedures that reduce or eliminate contaminants to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

In this context, decontamination specifically refers to the actions taken to ensure that workers do not carry away any lead dust or other hazardous materials from the worksite, which is critical for their safety and the safety of others. It often includes thorough cleaning of the body and the safe removal of protective gear to prevent any potential transfer of contaminants.

The other options, such as sanitation, disinfection, and hygiene, while related to cleanliness and health, do not specifically capture the full scope of removing contaminants in the context of hazardous material work. Sanitation generally refers to maintaining clean conditions, disinfection involves killing pathogens, and hygiene pertains to practices that promote health. None of these terms are as directly aligned with the specific actions needed to remove hazardous materials before leaving a work area, making decontamination the most appropriate choice.