Which of these is a key objective of emergency response to HAZMAT incidents?

Minimizing exposure to hazardous substances is a key objective of emergency response to HAZMAT incidents because it directly addresses the safety and health of both responders and the surrounding community. By focusing on reducing exposure, emergency responders can limit the potential harmful effects of chemical, biological, or radiological materials on human health and the environment. This objective entails implementing safety measures such as evacuations, containment procedures, and decontamination efforts to protect individuals from acute or chronic health risks associated with hazardous materials.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of emergency response, do not capture the primary focus. Eliminating all hazardous materials from the area is often impractical during an immediate response phase. Documenting each step for future reference is important for accountability and improving future responses but is secondary to immediate health and safety concerns. Creating new safety regulations typically falls within a longer-term policy-making framework rather than the immediate response to a HAZMAT incident.