Fire chiefs, emergency services personnel, and all potential first responders should be familiar with and have ready access to this handbook. Receipt of notification that an accident has occurred requires immediate action to evaluate and assess the situation. Time is of the essence and dictates immediate action to employ required emergency resources to control or contain the material involved, implement evacuation procedures if required, and isolate the accident area to all but emergency services personnel. The legal duty for reporting, containment, and cleanup of hazardous substances incidents rests with the party responsible for the material prior to the incident. If the manufacturer, shipper, or other responsible party is unable to respond, neglects to take the proper steps, or lacks the capability to act, local government, within its capability, must act to prevent or minimize injuries and property damage.
Local government has the primary responsibility for protecting the public.
Depending upon the magnitude or severity of the situation, local government will take steps necessary to provide public warnings, initiate protective actions, and isolate the general area affected. A working relationship should be established and maintained between local government and the management of local industrial plants where hazardous substances are located. These hazardous materials should be identified and planned response procedures should be coordinated. Communications networks will consist of those employed in other peacetime emergencies but must be adequate to provide effective direction, control, and coordination of emergency operations peculiar to accidents involving hazardous materials. An accident involving radioactive materials could result in the uncontrolled release of radiation and could pose a health hazard to those exposed, including emergency services personnel.