What is the first action responders should take upon arriving at a hazardous materials incident?

Assessing the scene for safety is the first action responders should take upon arriving at a hazardous materials incident. This crucial step involves evaluating the situation to identify any immediate dangers and to ensure the safety of the responders and the public. By assessing the scene, responders can determine the type of hazardous materials involved, the risks associated with them, and the appropriate protective measures that should be taken before any further actions are initiated.

Successful incident response relies on a clear understanding of the environment, which includes considering factors like wind direction, potential exposure routes, and the stability of structures involved in the incident. This assessment helps to establish whether it is safe to approach the hazard and guides the decision-making for subsequent actions, including establishing a command post, implementing decontamination procedures, or notifying the public, all of which come after ensuring the scene is safe to operate in.