Which of the following strategies is used to remove the inventory of hazardous materials during equipment decommissioning?

The correct answer focuses on a strategy that is specifically aimed at reducing the potential hazards associated with decommissioning equipment containing hazardous materials. During the decommissioning process, one of the critical steps is to manage and remove any hazardous inventory safely and efficiently.

The strategy of simplification is applied in this context as it involves making the process of decommissioning easier and safer by minimizing complexity and potential risks. This can include streamlined procedures for removing hazardous materials, thereby ensuring that fewer steps are involved, which reduces the opportunities for accidents or exposure to hazards.

In contrast, while substitution involves replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives and elimination refers to completely removing the hazards, these strategies are not focused directly on the process of decommissioning existing equipment. Moderation might imply reducing the quantity of hazardous materials in some scenarios but does not explicitly target the removal during decommissioning.

Therefore, employing simplification in the decommissioning process effectively addresses the need to manage hazardous inventories with a focus on safety and efficiency.