What is a critical responsibility of first responders at a hazardous materials incident?

Establishing command and control of the scene is a critical responsibility of first responders at a hazardous materials incident because it ensures that there is a structured and organized approach to managing the situation. This involves assessing the scene, determining the nature of the hazardous material, and coordinating the efforts of various teams and agencies involved in the response. By having clear command and control, responders can effectively allocate resources, communicate important information, and enact safety procedures to protect themselves and any civilians in the area. This organized framework also facilitates proper utilization of personnel and equipment, ultimately leading to a more efficient and safe overall response to the incident.

In contrast, entering the hot zone without a defined plan or command could expose responders to unnecessary risk. Conducting witness interviews is important but typically comes after controlling the incident to gather pertinent information rather than during the initial response to hazardous materials. Cleanup operations are also a later phase of the response and follow the containment and control steps required in a hazardous materials incident, making it essential that initial command and control procedures are established first.