What should be the first action when a HazMat material is identified?

Establishing control zones and securing the area is the first critical action to take once a hazardous material is identified. This step is essential to ensure the safety of both the responders and the public. By securing the area, responders can limit exposure to the hazardous material, prevent unauthorized access, and control the situation effectively. Establishing control zones also sets clear boundaries for the operation, delineating safe areas, potentially contaminated zones, and exclusion zones, which is necessary for the coordination of further actions and resources.

Determining the type of material, while important for understanding the risks and necessary response, comes after the immediate safety measures are taken. Evacuating all personnel might be appropriate in some situations, but this action should follow the establishment of control zones to prevent panic and ensure an organized evacuation. Contacting the media before securing the area and assessing the situation could lead to misinformation or panic, undermining the response efforts. Thus, establishing control zones is foundational for managing the incident effectively.