Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

All of the following are basic precautions to be taken to protect oneself and others in hazardous materials incidents except:

1. Establish a perimeter for an evacuation zone or safe zone

2. Make contact with the product to determine if it is harmful

3. Establish decontamination areas

4. Evacuate if necessary

The correct answer is: Make contact with the product to determine if it is harmful

In the context of handling hazardous materials incidents, the importance of safety precautions cannot be overstated. The correct choice highlights a fundamental principle in emergency response: avoiding contact with hazardous materials unless properly trained and equipped. Making contact with a potentially harmful product poses significant risks to oneself and others, as it could lead to exposure to toxic substances that may cause serious health issues. On the other hand, establishing a perimeter for an evacuation zone or safe zone, setting up decontamination areas, and evacuating if necessary are all critical safety measures. These actions are designed to ensure the safety of personnel and civilians in the vicinity of the hazardous materials incident. By preventing contact with potentially dangerous substances, responders can maintain safety and effectively manage the situation without putting themselves at risk.