What actions should be taken if an unknown substance is discovered?

When an unknown substance is discovered, the most critical step is to initiate an immediate hazard assessment. This action involves evaluating the situation to determine the nature of the substance, the potential risks it poses to human health and the environment, and necessary precautions for handling it safely. A thorough hazard assessment helps in identifying whether the substance is toxic, flammable, reactive, or poses other hazards. This is essential information for responding personnel to make informed decisions about containment, evacuation, or remediation strategies.

Conducting such an assessment allows response teams to apply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), communicate risks to those in the vicinity, and decide on the proper course of action, which could include notifying specialized hazardous material response teams when necessary. The assessment establishes a foundation for ensuring safety and effectively mitigating risks associated with the unknown substance.

While other actions, such as secure storage or physical inspection, may seem reasonable, they do not replace the need for a systematic hazard assessment. Proper risk evaluation is the cornerstone of safe and effective response operations in HAZMAT incidents.