What is the primary focus of HMTU after arrival at an incident scene?

The primary focus of the Hazardous Materials Technician Unit (HMTU) upon arriving at an incident scene is the identification of released materials. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for assessing the incident's risks, determining the appropriate response strategy, and implementing safety measures for responders and civilians. Identifying hazardous materials allows the HMTU to understand the potential impacts on health and the environment, enabling them to decide on necessary containment, cleanup, and evacuation procedures if needed.

Understanding what substances are involved guides the decision-making process regarding the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required and the potential need for public evacuation or sheltering in place. It also informs the strategies for containing and mitigating hazards, based on the specific properties and behaviors of the materials involved in the incident.