Which role is primarily responsible for the overall management of a hazardous materials incident?

The role primarily responsible for the overall management of a hazardous materials incident is the Incident Commander. This individual has the ultimate authority and responsibility for all aspects of the incident response, including the safety of responders, resource allocation, and operational strategy. They oversee the coordination of all activities and ensure that the incident response is effective and safe.

The Incident Commander is tasked with assessing the situation, formulating an incident action plan, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. They maintain situational awareness and make critical decisions based on the evolving dynamics of the incident.

The effectiveness of the response heavily relies on the Incident Commander's ability to lead and manage various sections, such as operations, planning, logistics, and safety, ensuring that all aspects of the incident are addressed adequately. This centralized command structure is essential for maintaining order and efficiency during hazardous materials incidents.