What is the first step after determining that a hazardous material is present?

Establishing control of the scene is a critical first step when hazardous materials are identified. This action is essential because it helps to ensure the safety of both the responders and any bystanders. Adequate scene control can prevent unauthorized access, reduce the risk of exposure to toxic substances, and establish a perimeter to manage the situation effectively.

By securing the scene, responders can begin to assess the situation further without the interference of bystanders or potential hazards. It sets a foundation for subsequent actions, such as identifying the material, notifying appropriate authorities, and determining necessary rescue operations. In hazardous materials incidents, maintaining safety and preventing the escalation of the situation is paramount, making this step crucial.

After control is established, responders can then proceed to more specific actions like looking up the substance in the Emergency Response Guide (ERG), calling CHEMTREC, or executing rescue operations, but these actions should come after the scene has been secured.