What is one of the first actions to take when responding to a spill of a hazardous material?

Evacuating the area is a critical initial response action when dealing with a hazardous material spill. This step prioritizes the safety of individuals in the vicinity, as hazardous materials can pose immediate risks to health and safety, such as toxic exposure, flammability, or environmental contamination. By evacuating the area, responders can minimize the potential for injury and ensure that the situation is managed without endangering additional personnel.

While identifying the material is essential for understanding the specific hazards involved, it typically follows the evacuation to ensure personnel are already safe before assessing the substances present. Cleaning up the spill and notifying management are also important but occur after securing the area and assessing the risk. Thus, the prompt action of evacuating ensures that safety is prioritized right from the onset of the incident.