HazMat size-up workflow
Use this as a training checklist for first-arriving crews before committing personnel.
- Confirm location, occupancy, and incident type.
- Identify product if safe: placard, UN/NA number, container markings, shipping papers, SDS, or facility contact.
- Approach uphill, upwind, and upstream when possible.
- Establish command, isolate area, deny entry, and identify hot/warm/cold zones.
- Consider life safety, exposures, evacuation/shelter-in-place, ignition sources, weather, and runoff.
- Request HazMat resources, law enforcement, EMS, public works, environmental health, and technical specialists as needed.
- Document actions, notifications, readings, and zone changes.