Step 1 - Area Control

The following procedural steps should be taken to ensure the proper control of a hazardous materials incident area:

1. An Incident Commander (IC) should be appointed to establish control of the scene/area. A command location should be established upgrade, upwind and at a safe distance from the incident in a location accessible to emergency vehicles.
2. An Incident Commander (IC) should be appointed to establish control of the scene/area. A command location should be established upwind of the incident in a location accessible to emergency vehicles.
3. Establish a security perimeter around the area to keep unauthorized persons out.
4. Designate an individual (preferably a law enforcement official) to direct traffic in and out of the area.
5. Establish Hazard Control Zones around the release (but within the security perimeter) as follows:
   1. Hot Zone: The area immediately surrounding the hazardous materials release, plus additional area to act as a sufficient buffer for the hazards present.
   2. Warm Zone: The area just beyond the Hot Zone where decontamination is set up and carried out.
   3. Cold Zone: Safe area where incident command, rest area, and first aid, Public Information Officer, etc. can be established without danger of contamination.
6. Determine if a life-threatening situation exists. If so, immediately begin implementing emergency rescue actions.
   1. Initiate setup of decontamination equipment if injured employees have been exposed to hazardous materials.
   2. Contact the Red Cross to set up rest area assistance for emergency responders, if needed.
   3. Contact the local hospital's emergency response personnel so that they may begin the initial the setup of medical triage and their own decontamination system.
7. Determine if public protective action is needed. If so, implement procedures outlined in the Evacuation Procedure section of this plan.