In the context of hazmat, what does "containment" mean?

Containment in the context of hazardous materials refers to the measures taken to prevent further release of hazardous substances into the environment following an incident. Effective containment strategies are essential in hazardous materials incidents to mitigate the potential impact on people, property, and the environment. This can involve physical barriers, such as dikes or bunds, as well as methods like plugging leaks or using absorbent materials to limit the spread of the hazard.

By focusing on preventing additional releases, containment helps to control the situation, ensuring that the hazard does not escalate and that emergency response actions can be implemented more effectively. This key concept underlines the importance of prompt and efficient action in managing hazardous materials incidents and protecting public safety. The other options may touch on related aspects of incident management, but they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of containment.