Which EOC discipline focuses on hazardous substances?

• A. Waste Management
• B. Security Management
• C. Hazardous Materials Management
• D. Utilities Management

Answer: (C)

When an incident involves hazardous substances, the focus is on hazardous materials management. This discipline centers on identifying what hazards are present, containing and controlling them, coordinating specialized HazMat response teams, and carrying out decontamination and cleanup while protecting responders and the public. It also handles air monitoring, PPE selection, and regulatory compliance throughout response and recovery. The other disciplines address different domains: waste management deals with handling and disposing of waste streams from cleanup; security management focuses on protecting people and assets from threats; utilities management ensures continuous operation of essential services like water, power, and communications. HazMat management is the one dedicated to dealing specifically with hazardous substances.