Emergency & SafetyQuestion 181 of 200
An officer observes a suspected hazardous-material spill or release with strong chemical odor. The correct immediate response is:
a.Investigate closely to identify the chemical
b.Use a broom and water to spread the substance for dilution
c.Move upwind and uphill, evacuate the area, deny entry, call 911 / hazmat, and provide observed details (color, smell, container labels) from a safe distance
d.Touch the substance to assess texture
Explanation
Standard hazmat awareness — NFPA 472 / OSHA 1910.120 First Responder Awareness Level — directs untrained personnel to evacuate, isolate, and notify. Move UPWIND and UPHILL to escape vapor/liquid flow; evacuate occupants from the affected area; deny entry; call 911 specifying possible hazmat; and provide identifying information observed from safe distance (placards, NFPA 704 diamond, container shape, color, odor). Close approach (a), spreading (b), or contact (d) put the officer at risk and may worsen contamination. Officers do NOT mitigate the release — trained hazmat teams do.
Law Reference: EPA / Cal-EPA hazmat response; NFPA 472Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
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