Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an Incident Commander during a HAZMAT incident?

The correct choice indicates that conducting scientific research is not a responsibility of the Incident Commander during a HAZMAT incident. The Incident Commander’s primary role is to oversee the overall response to the incident, which includes establishing incident objectives, managing public relations, and setting safety protocols for responders.

Managing public relations is vital for ensuring clear communication with the public and media, especially in HAZMAT situations where public safety and perception are critical. Establishing incident objectives is crucial for providing direction and a clear focus for the operation. Setting safety protocols is essential to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the response, minimizing risk and preventing further incidents.

In contrast, conducting scientific research is typically outside the scope of the Incident Commander's responsibilities. While the commander may utilize scientific expertise to inform decisions, and may even coordinate with technical experts, the hands-on conduct of research falls to those specifically trained and designated for such tasks within the broader incident management team.