Which action is NOT appropriate for awareness-level responders during a hazardous materials incident?

Which action is NOT appropriate for awareness-level responders during a hazardous materials incident?

• A. Dispatch a response team
• B. Take action to control the spread of the hazardous materials
• C. Report the incident to authorities
• D. Recognize the hazard and stay clear

Answer: (B)

Awareness-level responders should focus on recognizing the hazard, staying clear, and getting trained help on the scene. They are trained to identify that a hazardous material is present, keep themselves and others away, and report the incident so that the proper response teams can be dispatched. Containing or stopping the release requires specialized training, PPE, and procedures, and attempting to do so without that training can worsen exposure and spread, putting more people at risk and complicating the incident. So, the action that is not appropriate for awareness-level responders is trying to control the spread of the hazardous materials. Dispatching a response team, reporting the incident to authorities, and recognizing the hazard while staying clear are all appropriate steps for awareness-level responders.

Awareness-level responders should focus on recognizing the hazard, staying clear, and getting trained help on the scene. They are trained to identify that a hazardous material is present, keep themselves and others away, and report the incident so that the proper response teams can be dispatched. Containing or stopping the release requires specialized training, PPE, and procedures, and attempting to do so without that training can worsen exposure and spread, putting more people at risk and complicating the incident.

So, the action that is not appropriate for awareness-level responders is trying to control the spread of the hazardous materials. Dispatching a response team, reporting the incident to authorities, and recognizing the hazard while staying clear are all appropriate steps for awareness-level responders.