How far away must you keep people from small hazardous materials incidents?

In the context of small hazardous materials incidents, maintaining a distance of 100 feet is considered a standard practice to ensure safety. This distance allows for adequate space to avoid exposure to potentially harmful substances while still enabling responders to efficiently manage the situation.

The rationale for establishing a 100-foot perimeter is rooted in both the need to protect bystanders from the immediate dangers posed by hazardous materials and to facilitate access for emergency responders. If individuals remain outside this distance, the risk of exposure to toxic fumes, spills, or other dangers is significantly reduced.

The other options suggest smaller or larger distances that may not align with established safety protocols. Distances less than 100 feet might not provide sufficient protection, particularly as substances can pose health risks beyond close proximity. Conversely, distances greater than 100 feet may be unnecessary for small incidents, where a prompt and efficient response is crucial. Therefore, keeping individuals at least 100 feet away strikes an ideal balance between safety and operational effectiveness in managing hazardous materials incidents.