Hazardous materials incidents can involve contaminated animals, chemical exposure, environmental pollutants, biosecurity concerns, or unsafe facility conditions. These operations require specialized knowledge, appropriate protective equipment, and careful coordination.
This page provides a high-level reference for planning a team capable of supporting hazardous materials response and decontamination activities.
Hazardous Materials at a Glance
Capability type: Incident response
Possible team size: 3 or more responders
Primary focus: Hazard identification, contamination control, decontamination, animal support, and operational recovery
Team composition should be based on the substance involved, exposure risks, animal needs, regulatory requirements, and the direction of qualified hazardous materials professionals.
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Hazardous Materials
Provides trained personnel who understand hazardous-material risks, contamination concerns, protective measures, operational procedures, and decontamination requirements.Responders may require HAZWOPER certification or other incident-specific training.
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Depending on the incident, the team may also require:
Animal Husbandry
Supports safe animal care and welfare while working within contamination-control and biosecurity requirements.Veterinarian
Provides animal health assessment, triage, treatment guidance, and consultation related to exposure or contamination.General Repairs
Supports the restoration of affected structures, enclosures, utilities, or operational areas once conditions are considered safe. -
Hazardous Materials teams may require:
Appropriate personal protective equipment
Decontamination equipment
Containment supplies
Spill-response materials
Monitoring equipment
Communications equipment
Animal-handling and transport supplies
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Questions to consider include:
Has the material or contaminant been identified?
What training and certification levels are required?
Have operational zones and access restrictions been established?
Are animals exposed, contaminated, or at risk?
Is veterinary support required?
Where will decontamination take place?
Which agencies or qualified professionals are directing the response?
Are waste handling and disposal procedures established?
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Hazardous Materials
Animal Husbandry, Aquatic
Animal Husbandry, Terrestrial
Veterinarian
General Repairs
Safety and Security
Animal Transport
Important Note
Hazardous-material activities should only be conducted by properly trained and authorized personnel using incident-appropriate protective equipment and procedures.
