In a HAZMAT situation, what is the first priority for responders?

In a hazardous materials situation, the first priority for responders is protecting public health and safety. Responders are trained to assess the risks posed by the hazardous material and take immediate actions to protect individuals, the community, and the environment from exposure or harm. This involves evacuating nearby areas, establishing safe zones, and ensuring that first responders and the public are not endangered by the hazardous substance. Safeguarding life and health is paramount, as these measures can prevent injuries, health complications, and even loss of life.

The other options focus on aspects that come into play after ensuring safety. For instance, assessing financial costs, while important for long-term recovery and planning, does not take precedence in the immediate response. Documenting the incident is vital for post-incident analysis and legal reasons, but it is only effective once safety has been secured. Similarly, cleaning up the spill is a crucial step in the response process, but it can only begin once responders have managed the immediate health and safety risks. Thus, prioritizing public health and safety is essential to a successful response to a HAZMAT incident.