Which of the following is a key consideration when dealing with hazardous materials incidents?

In hazardous materials incidents, the safety of the responders is paramount. Responders must assess the scene thoroughly to identify any potential hazards before engaging in rescue or mitigation efforts. This consideration is critical because any exposure to hazardous materials can have severe health ramifications not only for the public but also for the first responders themselves.

Ensuring responder safety involves wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), assessing the spill or leak's containment, and establishing safe zones for operation. Additionally, responders should conduct a thorough risk assessment, including considering wind direction, the type of hazardous material involved, and the potential for secondary incidents, such as explosions or fires.

While other aspects, such as immediate rescue of victims, public relations management, and investigation of the incident's cause, are important in the context of an overall incident response, they cannot take precedence over the safety of those who are required to manage the situation. Only when responders are safe can effective actions be taken to assist victims, manage communications, and address the underlying causes of the incident.