What is the immediate priority upon encountering a hazardous materials incident?

In the context of a hazardous materials incident, the immediate priority is assessing personal safety and scene control. This step is crucial as it ensures that first responders remain safe while they evaluate the situation. By prioritizing personal safety, responders can protect themselves from potential harm due to exposure to hazardous substances.

Establishing scene control involves securing the area to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering and thereby further exposing themselves to danger. This also allows responders to conduct a more thorough assessment of the incident, including identifying hazardous materials involved and determining the necessary response protocols.

By focusing on safety and control first, responders can effectively mitigate risks and prepare for subsequent actions, such as evacuating civilians or addressing the leak if it's safe to do so. This approach aligns with standard emergency management protocols, which emphasize the importance of safety as a prerequisite to any further response measures.