What is the first step in handling a hazardous materials incident?

The first step in handling a hazardous materials incident is ensuring your safety and the safety of others. This step is critical because assessing the situation and taking appropriate precautions can prevent further harm. In any emergency, the well-being of yourself and those around you should be the top priority. This may involve moving to a safe distance from the incident, avoiding exposure to hazardous materials, and making sure that others are also aware of the dangers and can take necessary protective actions.

While calling emergency services, evacuating the area, and identifying hazardous materials are also important steps, they should follow the initial priority of ensuring safety. Without confirming that you are safe and that your actions do not put others at risk, the effectiveness of subsequent actions can be significantly compromised. Thus, safety must always come first in any hazardous situation.