What does a hazardous material incident involve?

A hazardous material incident specifically involves the release of a harmful substance into the environment, which can pose risks to public health and safety. This could include various types of dangerous substances, such as chemicals, biological agents, or radiological materials.

Such incidents require immediate attention and often lead to contamination of air, water, soil, or living organisms. The focus during these incidents is primarily on preventing exposure to the harmful substances and mitigating their effects on people and the environment.

While multiple patients, protective equipment usage, and infection control procedures may be relevant in the context of a hazardous materials incident, they are not defining characteristics of the incident itself. Instead, these aspects are part of the response and management strategies in dealing with the consequences of a hazardous material release. The core element of a hazardous material incident is the actual release of the harmful substance.