Hazardous materials can be important in everyday life when handled correctly. However, when mishandled, they can cause injury, death and destruction, as well as lingering effects that can last for years. To address the risk of uncontrolled release of hazardous materials, there must be a coordinated effort to identify, locate, and quantify hazardous materials in a particular location (Drexel University Safety & Health, 2001). Generally, industry and government agree that a hazardous materials incident is one in which: • The intentional or accidental release of a hazardous material is responsible for serious injury or death • The release of the hazardous material or exposure to the resulting fire results in the need to evacuate 25 or more people• Closure of a major transportation hub following the release of the hazardous material• The hazardous material is radioactive or presents a biohazard • Whenever there is a release of more than 11.9 gallons or 88.2 pounds of a serious marine pollutant, or hazardous material (Hazmat Incidents and Supplies, nd). An organization or group alone cannot successfully solve hazardous materials response planning. Rather, it must be accomplished through the efforts of local, state, and federal authorities and in cooperation with the private sector. Due to various limitations, one cannot prepare for every type of release, however, the plan can be written to accommodate the releases that may most likely occur. Regardless, hazardous materials response plans must be designed to minimize risks to human health and the resulting environment during the intentional or accidental release of a hazardous material. The plan must be drawn up under the authority authorized by ...... middle of paper ...... (March 15, 2001). Drexel Safety and Health. Retrieved June 3, 2010, from Drexel Safety and Health: www.drexelsafetyandhealth.com/hazmat/hazmatplan.docHazmat Incidents and Supplies. (nd). Retrieved June 3, 2010, from Safety Supplies-Work Gloves-Spill Containment-Janitorial Supplies: http://www.bestvalsup.com/v/vspfiles/hazmat_response_tips_and_supplies.aspPennsylvania Small Business Development Center. (nd). Emergency Response Planning: Disaster Preparedness for Small Businesses | pasbdc.org. Retrieved June 3, 2010 from Helping Businesses Start, Grow and Thrive | pasbdc.org: http://www.pasbdc.org/index/resources/emergency.asp#envemergencyWashoe County LEPC. (March 1, 2006). Washoe County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Retrieved June 3, 2010 from Washoe County Local Emergency Planning Committee: http://www.washoelepc.com/pdf/Section1.pdf