When items must be separated by adequate distance or through the use of a physical barrier, what term describes this practice?

The practice of separating items by an adequate distance or through physical barriers is best described as "segregated in storage." This concept is crucial in maintaining safety and sanitation standards, particularly in environments where certain materials may pose contamination risks.

Segregating items helps to prevent cross-contamination, especially in food service or healthcare settings where the integrity of different items must be preserved to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations. By using adequate physical barriers or maintaining sufficient distances between items, facilities can effectively manage potential hazards, thereby ensuring that items are stored safely and securely.

In contrast, the other terms may refer to different aspects of safety and sanitation practices. For instance, "isolated storage" could imply a more general storage method without emphasizing the physical separation needed for contamination prevention. "Decontaminated area" suggests an area that has undergone a cleansing process rather than storage practice. "Controlled access" usually pertains to restricting entry to certain areas for security or safety reasons, rather than focusing on the organization and separation of items in storage.