What is one of the first steps a first responder should take upon arriving at a hazmat incident?

Upon arriving at a hazmat incident, one of the first steps a first responder should take is to identify the hazardous materials involved. This action is crucial because understanding what substances are present allows responders to assess the risks involved, determine appropriate safety measures, and formulate a response plan that minimizes danger to themselves and the public. Identifying hazardous materials typically involves gathering data from labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or other immediate sources of information. This step sets the stage for all subsequent actions, ensuring that responders have a clear understanding of what they are dealing with before initiating containment, evacuation, or exposure assessment procedures.

The other options, while also important, generally occur after identifying the materials. For example, starting containment procedures requires knowledge of what the responders are handling to avoid further risk. Evacuating civilians is vital in a hazardous situation, but this step is often informed by the identification of materials and their potential threat levels. Similarly, assessing potential public exposure is crucial but typically follows the identification process, as it enables responders to determine the level and type of threat posed by the substances in question.