During a HAZMAT situation, what is the main focus of the incident commander?

The main focus of the incident commander during a HAZMAT situation is to coordinate the response efforts. This role involves overseeing the entire operation, ensuring that all personnel are working safely and effectively, and that resources are allocated appropriately. The incident commander is responsible for making critical decisions regarding the response strategy, which includes assessing the situation, determining priorities, and communicating with various stakeholders, including other emergency services and agencies.

While evaluating escape routes, documenting the incident, and cleaning up spills are important tasks in the management of a HAZMAT incident, they fall under the broader responsibility of coordinated response efforts led by the incident commander. The coordinator ensures that all aspects of the response are unified and that the team works together toward a common goal of safety and containment.