What is one responsibility of first responders at hazardous materials incidents?

First responders at hazardous materials incidents play a crucial role in ensuring safety and coordinating the response to potentially dangerous situations. One of their primary responsibilities is to assess the situation and initiate the proper response. This involves quickly evaluating the extent of the hazard, understanding the nature of the materials involved, and determining the best course of action to protect public safety and the environment.

This responsibility is essential because timely and accurate assessment can prevent further escalation of the incident, minimize risks to emergency personnel and the public, and facilitate appropriate actions, such as evacuation or containment of the hazardous material. While other functions like determining the source of the hazardous material and conducting environmental studies are important, they typically fall under the scope of specialized teams rather than the initial response phase, where immediate assessment and action are paramount.