A release, or potential release from its container, is best described by which term?

A release, or potential release from its container, is best described by which term?

• A. Hazardous Materials "Incident"
• B. Hazardous Materials
• C. Dangerous Goods
• D. Standard of Care

Answer: (A)

Think in terms of events, not just the substance. A release or potential release from its container is described as a hazardous materials incident because “incident” captures the actual event or the potential event that requires a response to protect people and the environment. The phrase hazardous materials refers to the substance itself, not the event. Dangerous goods is the transportation classification used for shipping and handling, not the incident at the scene. Standard of care relates to legal duties of care and isn’t about describing the event. So, the situation is best described as a hazardous materials incident.

Think in terms of events, not just the substance. A release or potential release from its container is described as a hazardous materials incident because “incident” captures the actual event or the potential event that requires a response to protect people and the environment. The phrase hazardous materials refers to the substance itself, not the event. Dangerous goods is the transportation classification used for shipping and handling, not the incident at the scene. Standard of care relates to legal duties of care and isn’t about describing the event. So, the situation is best described as a hazardous materials incident.