How should you respond to a pesticide spill?

Responding to a pesticide spill effectively starts with containing the spill and assessing the situation, which aligns with the correct answer. This approach is critical for both safety and environmental protection. Containment helps to prevent further spread of the pesticide, which could pose risks to humans, animals, and the ecosystem.

Assessment of the situation is important because it helps determine the severity of the spill, identifying factors such as the type and quantity of pesticide involved, potential exposure risks, and any immediate hazards that may affect responders or nearby individuals. This careful evaluation informs the next steps in the cleanup process and ensures that appropriate safety measures are taken.

In contrast, ignoring a small spill could lead to larger issues, including environmental contamination and health risks if the pesticide moves into water sources or affects people nearby. Evacuating the area may be necessary in some cases; however, it is typically a step taken after assessing the risks rather than a blanket response to every spill. Similarly, calling for a cleanup crew solely in the case of injuries overlooks the responsibility of managing the spill effectively before injuries occur. Therefore, the best practice remains to contain and assess the situation first.