What practice is essential for handling hazardous materials incidents according to the guidelines?

Documenting the incident for later review is critical when handling hazardous materials incidents because it ensures a thorough understanding and accountability of the response. Detailed documentation provides valuable information that can be analyzed later for operational improvements, helps in the investigation of the incident, and serves as a record for compliance with safety regulations and reporting requirements.

This practice also aids in the assessment of how the response teams acted, the effectiveness of the response protocol, and any areas where improvements could be made for future incidents. Comprehensive documentation can also be crucial for liability purposes and to inform decision-making in managing future hazardous materials situations. It contributes to overall public safety and proper training for responders.

While other practices mentioned might have their place in incident management, they do not encompass the essential aspect of creating a formal record that can inform future actions and improvements in hazardous materials response protocols.